Rogers Communications Inc. will soon be stepping up to the plate by bringing full cell service to the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), starting with 911 calling.
The telecommunication giant has entered into an agreement to acquire BAI Canada, which has exclusively run the TTC’s wireless network since 2012.
Rogers expects its acquisition of BAI Canada to close in the next two weeks, according to a press release issued Monday.
Rogers reportedly said they are planning to initiate dialogue with other cell providers so they can be brought on board as they build out the network, according to CTV News.
“With this acquisition, Rogers will now be able to undertake the investments required to build a comprehensive and reliable 5G network to the entire TTC subway system,” the statement read.
The major acquisition will allow Rogers to build a 5G network to the entire TTC subway system, allowing riders to use their cell phones underground and make 911 calls in emergencies.
Currently, TTC users with any mobile provider can call emergency hotlines only where the cellular network exists, including station platforms, concourses, and around 25 per cent of the tunnels. The company assures they will work to “quickly address gaps in the busiest and most critical sections of the subway system.”
READ MORE: Toronto transit riders and advocates demanding cell service on the TTC
Rogers said riders will experience the rollout of 5G coverage for all wireless services beyond 911. The 5G network is expected to take roughly two years to complete due to the “limited overnight construction windows” to complete the project.
Before Rogers acquired BAI Canada, only Freedom Mobile customers had limited service through BAI’s network.
Despite the big news for transit riders, another major telecommunications company isn’t impressed.
Jacqueline Michelis, senior communications manager at Bell, said she finds it troubling that the city and the TTC “did not learn” from the experiences of their counterparts in Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver and the Eglinton Crosstown LRT in Toronto, who worked with all wireless carriers in order to ensure optimal coverage for all transit riders.
“It now appears that the subway project has once again been given to one party with no assurances that all wireless service providers will have access. The TTC is just replacing one gatekeeper with another,” Michelis told Now Toronto in an email statement.
“Giving the contract to Rogers without any open bid process is surprising, especially given how TTC customers were so poorly served by BAI for so many years.”
Michelis believes Toronto should show more leadership and mandate immediate access for all carriers so that all TTC customers can be served by the carrier of their choice.
Telus Communications Inc. agrees.
“Torontonians want a solution that addresses the increased safety concerns about network connectivity along the TTC. This needs to include access for all cellular providers, so that all riders have coverage,” the telecom company told Now Toronto in a statement via email.
“We are committed to working with the TTC and other carriers to deliver a solution that ensures full access for all riders, as we have successfully done in other cities such as Vancouver and Montreal.”
Deputy Mayor of Toronto Jennifer McKelvie also shared her thoughts and said it’s a step in the right direction but more needs to be done to make sure “every cellphone can work on the subway system at all times.”
“Safety of TTC riders is a priority that means anyone with a cell phone ought to be able to call for help if needed regardless of who provides their cell service,” mayoral candidate Mitzie Hunter also said in a Twitter statement, referring to Rogers not being specific about whether its services would be any good to all TTC riders or just their own customers.
Many residents have also shared their thoughts online with many happy to hear they will have access to cell service, while others are wary due to the timing of the deal.
“Extremely good news for our city!” one Twitter user said.
“Literally took people DYING for Canadian telecommunications company’s to expand service on the TTC,” another said.
