Rogers Communications started rolling out the 5G telecoms network in select cities across Canada.
Rogers, one of Canada’s largest wireless carriers, will launch its 5G services in downtown Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal before expanding into over 20 more markets by the end of the year.
Jorge Fernandes is the chief technology officer at Rogers — responsible for technology, leading the strategy, planning, development and operations of the Rogers wireless and wireline networks and IT systems. Before joining Rogers in in February, 2018, Jorge Fernandes was the chief technology officer (CTO) at Vodafone, U.K.
“5G is not just another G. It is a global technology that requires local development to deliver the best social and economic benefits to Canadians,” said Jorge Fernandes, chief technology officer of Rogers Communications.
Rogers 5G network initially uses 2.5 GHz spectrum in the downtown cores of Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal and will expand to use 600 MHz 5G spectrum later this year. 600 MHz is best suited to carry wireless data across long distances and through dense urban buildings, creating more consistent and higher quality coverage in both remote areas and smart cities.
Rogers will start deploying 3.5 GHz spectrum and dynamic spectrum sharing, which will allow 4G spectrum to be used for 5G. Rogers will also start 5G service in the Rogers Centre, Scotiabank Arena and Rogers Arena targeting fans.
Rogers has invested $9 billion in spectrum licences and over $30 billion overall in its wireless networks since 1985.
Rogers 5G services will be available exclusively on Rogers Infinite plans with unlimited data and no overage fees.
“5G is the biggest technological evolution since the launch of wireless in Canada. We are making the right investments, building the right partnerships and deploying the right technology to bring Canadians the very best of 5G,” said Joe Natale, CEO of Rogers Communications.
The 5G networks will have speeds fast enough to download a movie to a smartphone in seconds, while allowing businesses to run ‘smart’ factories using connected robots, devices and sensors.
Rogers has partnered with Sweden’s Ericsson to provide the technology needed to build the network.
Canada is reviewing security implications of 5G networks, including whether to allow China’s Huawei Technologies to supply 5G network equipment.
Rogers said it is joining a global alliance with other major telecoms companies from around the world, to coordinate on delivery of 5G adoption. The forum will focus on ensuring that 5G networks from different service providers in various countries will be able to communicate seamlessly with each other.
The other companies in the 5G Future Forum are Verizon, America Movil, South Korea-based KT Corp, Australia’s Telstra and Vodafone in Europe.
