Rogers expands network as 5G iPhones come to Canada
With the arrival of the latest generation of iPhones in the Canadian market, Rogers Communications has announced plans to expand its 5G network across the country.
The telecom company says it is expanding to 130 cities and towns across Canada in an effort to reach residents and businesses that are using the newest 5G devices.
On Tuesday, Apple officially unveiled its four newest smartphone models, the iPhone12, iPhone12 mini, iPhone12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max. All come equipped with 5G technology, which allows much faster data downloading and uploading speeds than the previous generation, dubbed 4G or LTE.
In Canada, Rogers started rolling out its 5G network this year, beginning with Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Ottawa.
“Connectivity is more important than ever and we’re excited to double the size of Canada’s largest 5G network to now offer more than10 times the coverage of any other carrier just in time for the first 5G-enabled iPhones,” said Brent
Johnston, president of wireless services at Rogers Communications, in an emailed statement. “Investing in 5G and strong digital infrastructure will not only help Canadians get the most of our their 5G devices, but is critical to fuel productivity and innovation across this country.”
The company says its 5G service will be available exclusively on Rogers Infinite and Rogers for Business Shared Unlimited Data plans at no extra charge to customers.
In a news release, Jorge Fernandes, Rogers’ chief technology and information officer, said 5G is “expected to be the most transformative technology since wireless services were introduced in 1985.”
Bell Canada launched its own 5G network in June and the company expects to reach at least 50 markets across the country by the end of the year, said Claire Gillies, president of Bell Mobility.
“We anticipate that this device launch will significantly accelerate the adoption of 5G services,” she said about the latest iPhone models.
“As we have done with networks before, we want to bring Canadians the latest and greatest network technology as soon as we possibly can.”