Rogers Communications (TSX.RBI.B) unveiled a strategy to provide complete 5G connectivity throughout Toronto’s subway network, ensuring all passengers have access to 911 services.
On Wednesday, the company entered into a deal to acquire the Canadian operations of wireless infrastructure provider, BAI Communications (BAI Canada), which has held the exclusive rights to construct the Toronto Transit Commission’s (TTC) wireless infrastructure since 2012. This acquisition allows Rogers to invest in building a dependable 5G network spanning the entire TTC subway system.
Currently, TTC passengers with any mobile carrier can only call 911 in areas with cellular coverage, such as station platforms, concourses, and around 25 per cent of the tunnels. Rogers plans to promptly address connectivity gaps in the busiest and most vital sections of the subway network.
“The agreement to acquire BAI Canada is a significant first step in modernizing and expanding the existing network to deliver enhanced 5G wireless service to millions of transit riders throughout the entire subway system in Canada’s largest city,” said Ron McKenzie, Rogers’ chief technology and information officer.
In the coming years, riders can expect the deployment of 5G coverage for all wireless services beyond 911 in the subway system. Due to the limited overnight construction windows, the 5G network build is anticipated to take around two years to complete while ensuring minimal disruption to subway operations.
Rogers and the TTC will work together on a phased deployment plan to achieve this, including network design, architecture, and rollout logistics. The plan will cover network improvements and expansion in stations, concourses, and all subway tunnels.
Extensive upgrades are required for the fibre network and radio equipment in order to modernize and improve the cellular capacity of the present 3G and 4G network. This will also prepare for the introduction of new 5G mobile services to cater to millions of additional users and improve the quality of services provided.
Upon completion, the 5G network will provide seamless wireless coverage, offering mobile voice and data services across all 75 stations and almost 80 kilometres of Toronto’s subway system. Rogers has committed to expanding connectivity for Torontonians, and this milestone investment is a step towards achieving that goal.
Rogers to run TTC wireless network, expand 911 and roll out 5G after acquisition https://t.co/dv6HQjEtda
— Edward Rogers (@EdwardSRogers) April 12, 2023
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Rogers’ initiatives include agreements with Vancouver and Montreal
Apart from the Toronto subway system, Rogers has also taken measures to bring advanced mobile connectivity to underground transit riders in other parts of Canada. These initiatives include agreements with TransLink to bring wireless connectivity across the full SkyTrain system in the Greater Vancouver Area and with other Canadian carriers to bring connectivity in all 68 metro stations and over 70 kilometers of tunnel in Montreal.
Extensive fibre network and radio equipment upgrades are needed to modernize the network, and increase cellular capacity of the current 3G and 4G network and the quality of services, adding new 5G mobile services for millions of additional users.
The completed 5G network will deliver seamless wireless coverage with mobile voice and data services in all 75 stations and almost 80 kilometres of Toronto’s subway system, part of Rogers’ commitment to expand connectivity for Torontonians.
Rogers the acquisition to close in the next two weeks.
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