Rogers Launches 5G Network in Canada, Powered by Ericsson

Rogers announced earlier this year the rollout of Canada’s first 5G network in downtown Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. It is also deploying 5G in major Canadian sporting, entertainment and events venues: Rogers Centre in Toronto; Scotiabank Arena in Toronto; and Rogers Arena in Vancouver.

The Rogers 5G network is initially using 2.5 GHz band and will expand to operate on 600 MHz 5G spectrum as the service rolls out to more markets this year. The Canadian service provider also plans to use 3.5 GHz spectrum and Ericsson Spectrum Sharing, which will allow its 4G spectrum asset to be used for 5G.

Ericsson and Rogers have worked together for 35 years, since the introduction of wireless in Canada, to bring the best mobile technology to Canadians. Engineers from both companies have worked tirelessly together to prepare for Rogers’ 5G network deployment.

The 5G rollout includes the deployment of Ericsson products and solutions spanning core, transport, and radio – including Ericsson Radio System for 5G and Ericsson 5G Core. The technology includes small cells, classic and Massive MIMO radios and MINI-LINK microwave solutions. Ericsson is also providing IMS, cloud native dual-mode 5G Core SA, OSS, automation and service assurance solutions.

Kevin Zvokel, Head of Networks, Ericsson North America, says: “Ericsson is enabling Rogers to continue to execute on their long-standing commitment to bring Canadians market-leading wireless services in the 5G era. 5G will provide the agility, programmability, flexibility, and scale to address growing consumer and enterprise demands. This functionality will improve customer experience and support the development of compelling new services.”

Jorge Fernandes, Chief Technology Officer, Rogers Communications, says: “We are proud of our long-standing relationship with Ericsson, a global leader in network technology, and are pleased to work with them as we continue to build Canada’s first 5G network. We are focused on bringing 5G to Canadians through our network investments, as well as our strategic partnerships to build a strong ecosystem for made-in-Canada 5G technology."

He adds: "Through our partnerships with leading Canadian institutions including the University of British Columbia and The University of Waterloo, we are fostering commercial 5G development to drive Canada’s economy forward. Most recently, we partnered with the City of Kelowna to help launch Canada’s first 5G smart city solution in a live, downtown environment. This will serve as a blueprint for the development of 5G smart city technology and we will continue to bring the best of this transformational technology to Canadians with the help of our partners at Ericsson.”

Ericsson currently has 95 commercial 5G agreements or contracts with unique communication service providers, of which 40 are live networks.