YOU ARE AT:5GRogers turns on 5G for its customers at all Toronto subway stations

Rogers turns on 5G for its customers at all Toronto subway stations

In August, Rogers Communications deployed its 5G technology in tunnels and stations in the busiest sections of Toronto’s subway

Canadian operator Rogers Communications said that it has activated 5G for its customers at all remaining stations in the Toronto subway system (TTC).

In a release, the operator said it also added more reliable 911 access for all riders at these new locations.

“I’m thrilled that our team has completed the upgrade of the legacy network well ahead of schedule,” said Ron McKenzie, Rogers’ chief technology and information officer. “We’re now transitioning to the next critical phase of the project, expanding 5G coverage to connect the remaining 36 kilometers of track.”

In August, Rogers Communications announced it has deployed its 5G technology in tunnels and stations in the busiest sections of Toronto’s subway.

In April, Rogers had acquired the Canadian operations of BAI Communications, which had owned the rights to provide wireless service on the Toronto subway.

Rogers noted it has been working closely with the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) to upgrade the legacy cellular infrastructure to support all wireless operators in the subway system. Rogers also said it is modernizing the wireless network with fiber, new radio equipment and more spectrum bands to provide 5G connectivity and improve the quality of the 3G/4G network.

The Canadian carrier previously said that the 5G network build is expected to take approximately two years to complete. The planned 5G network will deliver wireless coverage with mobile voice and data services in all 75 stations and almost 80 kilometers of Toronto’s subway system, the telco said.

Rogers said that Freedom Mobile’s customers also have access to 5G service in the subway system due to a previous contract between BAI Communications and Freedom Mobile, now owned by Quebecor.

In April, Rogers Communications and Shaw Communications announced the completion of their proposed merger after receiving final regulatory approval from the Canadian government.

As part of the commitments included in the conditions for the approval of the transaction, Rogers said it will invest at least CAD2.5 billion (currently $1.84 billion) to enhance its 5G network in Western Canada and CAD3 billion in additional network service expansion projects.

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Juan Pedro Tomás
Juan Pedro Tomás
Juan Pedro covers Global Carriers and Global Enterprise IoT. Prior to RCR, Juan Pedro worked for Business News Americas, covering telecoms and IT news in the Latin American markets. He also worked for Telecompaper as their Regional Editor for Latin America and Asia/Pacific. Juan Pedro has also contributed to Latin Trade magazine as the publication's correspondent in Argentina and with political risk consultancy firm Exclusive Analysis, writing reports and providing political and economic information from certain Latin American markets. He has a degree in International Relations and a master in Journalism and is married with two kids.