Toronto transit riders believe all wireless customers, regardless of their carrier, should be able to call, text, and surf on a reliable, modern network – no matter where they are on the subway system. We agree.
That’s why in April Rogers acquired BAI Canada to help make it happen. Since 2012, the company held the rights to build and operate the mobile network in the subway, but today coverage only extends to station platforms, concourses and roughly 25% of the tunnels. Although all riders with a mobile device can access 9-1-1 in these limited areas, the legacy network cannot handle customer traffic from the three major carriers.
We signed a deal to modernize and expand the network across the entire subway system to deliver full wireless coverage, for everyone. Regardless of their carrier.
This is a goal we share with Torontonians, the TTC, and Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry Hon. François-Philippe Champagne. Last month, we proposed to the Minister a framework to reach agreements with all carriers in a timely manner to join the network under commercially reasonable terms. We’re confident of reaching deals with all carriers, but if we can’t, we’ve proposed a dispute resolution process to help us get there.
At the end of the day, bringing connectivity to all subway riders – for their safety, ease, and comfort – is what this is all about.