Rogers Communications has agreed to acquire BAI Canada, the holder of exclusive rights to build the Toronto Transit Commission’s (TTC’s) mobile network since 2012. The acquisition will allow Rogers to build a comprehensive and reliable 5G network to the entire TTC subway system. Regarding immediate priorities, Rogers says that currently, TTC users with any mobile provider can make 911 emergency calls only where the cellular network exists – on station platforms, concourses, and approximately 25% of the tunnels – and it will work to quickly address gaps in the busiest and most critical sections of the subway. Going forward, a 5G network build across the subway system is expected to take approximately two years to complete. Extensive fibre network and radio equipment upgrades are needed to modernise and increase cellular capacity of the current 3G and 4G network.
Rogers says the completed 5G network will deliver seamless mobile voice and data services in all 75 stations and almost 80km of Toronto’s subway system.