TORONTO-Cell-phone coverage at Canada’s biggest airport may get worse now that its landlord is demanding wireless carriers remove their network equipment after talks between the two groups over new leases collapsed.
The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) said that beginning 1 July, travelers should expect “reduced” cellular coverage at Pearson International Airport. The landlord has been negotiating with Bell Mobility, Telus Mobility, Rogers Wireless Communications and Microcell Telecommunications to improve cellular coverage. Coverage has been poor, reaching only 40 percent of the airport facility, the GTAA said. But discussions broke off last week, because the carriers are unwilling to invest in the necessary infrastructure improvements. Some 28 million passengers pass through Pearson every year.
The Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association, the industry trade group representing carriers, said it hopes the talks-which outline the terms of leasing space for antennas and towers as well as improving network infrastructure-will resume.
