Network leader Luciano Ramos shares his insights on how network cloud technology is set to revolutionize home broadband internet services, and what this means for Rogers customers
In October 2020, Rogers marked a milestone by introducing its new wireless home internet service, also known as fixed wireless access (FWA), across more than 100 communities – powered by Canada’s most trusted and reliable wireless network1. Just a few short months later, Rogers started to roll out its 5G standalone core network in major cities across the country.
Considered the “brains” of the network, Standalone 5G enhances the network through the enablement of ultra-low latency (also considered low lag, creating ultra-fast response times for new applications). This extra power will unlock a world of 5G possibilities for our home broadband internet customers across the country, with huge benefits for those in rural communities. In collaboration with Sercomm, Rogers will deliver 5G home broadband using their flagship FWA device.
To get a better understanding of what the merging of FWA with Standalone 5G will mean, we sat down with Senior Vice President of Network Development and Core Engineering, Luciano Ramos, to share his insights and here’s what he had to share:
- What is fixed wireless access? Is this relatively new technology?
Fixed wireless access is a home broadband internet service that is powered by our wireless network and infrastructure making it an excellent alternative to expand connectivity to more Canadians. FWA allows us to bring reliable wireless home internet service to more residents and businesses where fibre is difficult to lay and maintain specifically in rural and remote communities. In 2020, we introduced our wireless home broadband internet service to more than 100 communities in Southwestern Ontario and partnered with the Government of British Columbia to connect 52 communities through its Connecting British Columbia program which includes several businesses as well such as COVID-19 assessment centres, and hospitals.
- What role does Standalone 5G play with FWA?
Standalone 5G will enhance the network to bring more and better 5G coverage to Canadians. As our wireless home broadband internet service connects to Standalone 5G, customers will benefit from lower latency and better coverage, providing them with a truly great internet experience in the home or business. With FWA being powered by our wireless network, we will work to bring the power of 5G connectivity to our wireless home broadband internet services, significantly raising the bar in network performance compared to prior technologies.
- Why is this technology important?
FWA technology is particularly important for rural and remote communities that otherwise may not have easy access to reliable internet connectivity. We can tap into our wireless network that covers 97% of Canadians and reach areas that today either have no or limited broadband options. The added layer of Standalone 5G will allow customers to unlock the full potential of their latest devices with faster speeds, expanded 5G range and improved latency needed for customers to enjoy cloud gaming and/ or AR/VR applications.
- How are you rolling this technology out?
We have taken the lead in rolling out Canada’s first Standalone 5G Core across the country in Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. We are also pleased to share that we have been working with one of our FWA device providers, Sercomm, and recently completed Standalone 5G interoperability testing, a major milestone in the path towards Standalone 5G for our wireless home broadband internet service.
Rogers is on a journey to continuously deliver Canadians the best in wireless technology. Stay up to date with our latest network news and updates here.
1 Most reliable based on umlaut performance benchmark audit of Canadian mobile networks, June 2020.