Cornering the market on 5G delivery, Rogers Communications (NYSE: RCI) has begun installing 5G service for the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subway system, leaving wireless competitors, Bell (NYSE: BCE) and Telus (NYSE: TU), stranded at the station. As CBC News reports, Rogers has announced that it is continuing to upgrade and extend its communications operations for the TTC, despite negotiations with other carriers as yet unresolved. The company said that its improvements will benefit its own customers, but that the boosted 911 access is available to all.
“We’re working hard to modernize and expand the network so all riders can reliably access 911 and connect to 5G everywhere across the subway system, including underground,” said Rogers CEO, Tony Staffieri, in a written statement.
A recent challenge launched by Rogers asked Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada to remove roadblocks so that it can get its customers connected faster to its available wireless network. Rogers declared that waiting for Bell and Telus to catch up is detrimental to its own interests. On the flip side, Bell and Telus frowned on the possibility of Rogers receiving preferential treatment according to CBC News.
“Bell and Telus have been playing games instead of negotiating on behalf of their customers,” stated Rogers spokesperson, Cam Gordon, “After showing no real interest for over 10 years in providing wireless services or raising public safety concerns about the limited coverage in the TTC, we continue to respectfully participate in the federal government’s consultation process.”
Speaking on behalf of Bell, Ellen Murphy said that Rogers’ decision to move ahead at this point was self-serving and unnecessary. “Rogers’ decision also goes against the recommendation of many community groups like the Women Abuse Council of Toronto, CodeRedTO, Toronto YWCA and Toronto Police Service,” she noted, “All of whom advocate that wireless connectivity on the TTC is a public safety issue and needs to be available to everyone as soon as possible, regardless of carrier.”
“Rogers has demonstrated a complete lack of cooperation on access for all riders, refusing to meet with other carriers or grant roaming access,” agreed Telus spokesperson, Richard Gilhooley.
Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, François-Philippe Champagne, did not specify what government action would be taken, but said that the carriers have until an August 28 deadline to work out coverage issues amongst themselves. “We want all — Telus, Rogers and Bell — to be able to offer coverage in the subway system in Toronto because it should not depend (on) who’s your provider in order to be able to access 911, or being able to call your mother if you’re going to be late or if there’s any safety issue.”
“It’s not fair for some people to not have access to cell service. It’s a safety issue. It’s an accessibility issue. What’s important now is that everyone gets access to the network, no matter who their provider is,” agreed Shelagh Pizey-Allen, Executive Director of the TTC Riders advocacy group.
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