Rogers Communications (NYSE: RCI) announced that it successfully trialed 5G Cloud-Radio Access Network (Cloud RAN) technology at a Toronto Blue Jays major league baseball game on Canada Day. Working with Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC), Roger’s test marks the first time 5G Cloud RAN has been deployed over a commercial mobile network at a live event in Canada.
This technology builds on Rogers’ national standalone 5G core network, launched in 2022, the first in Canada, Inside Towers reported. The company believes that Implementation of Cloud RAN technology is foundational as Rogers evolves towards the next generation of networks. With cloud native technology, Rogers says it will be able to respond faster to wireless consumer and enterprise market demands, create a foundation for 5G technological advancements, improve network reliability and resiliency, and ultimately improve energy efficiency.
“Cloud-native technology is a critical component in the next generation of wireless networks, and we are proud to have completed Canada’s first deployment of 5G Cloud RAN technology at a major live event,” said Ron McKenzie, Rogers Chief Technology and Information Officer. “We continue to invest in our coast-to-coast radio access network, including innovative Cloud-native technologies, to deliver the most reliable, consistent network services across the country for both consumers and enterprise customers.”
Through sustained investments, Rogers claims it now operates Canada’s largest 5G network, which now covers over 2,300 communities. At the end of 1Q24, the company reported 11.5 million postpaid and prepaid subscribers, compared to competitors, Bell Mobility (NYSE: BCE) with 10.2 million and Telus (NYSE: TU) with 9.8 million, according to Inside Towers Intelligence.
The Cloud RAN technology test is the latest in a series of 5G wireless innovations that Rogers has conducted on its national mobile network. In February, the company successfully tested 5G network slicing technology, in partnership with Ericsson, in Canada’s major cities, Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.
Network slicing is a 5G network technology that shifts wireless traffic on the network essentially from a single large lane to multiple smaller lanes. Each slice or ‘lane’ is allocated for specific 5G applications by offering tailored features, whether it needs low latency, high precision location, high speed, or high capacity.
For example, Public Safety agencies will have their own dedicated network slice for constant, clear communication with first responders in emergencies. Rogers says it will use network slicing later this year to offer a dedicated lane for first responders to have priority on the network.
The company will also use 5G network slicing to separate fixed and mobile traffic and accelerate the expansion of its 5G Wireless Home Internet fixed wireless access service to more rural and remote communities across Canada. Rogers says this technology allows it to proactively optimize and dedicate traffic flows to ensure a more consistent and reliable service for both fixed residential and mobile users.
By John Celentano, Inside Towers Business Editor
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