Rogers Completes First Commercial Live Event Trial of Ericsson 5G Cloud RAN Network Technology in Canada

New technology will enhance resiliency of Canada’s largest and best 5G network

At a nearly sold-out Toronto Blue Jays game on Canada Day, Rogers Communications successfully trialed 5G Cloud-Radio Access Network (Cloud RAN) technology with its network partner Ericsson. This marks the first time this industry-leading technology has been deployed over a commercial network at a live event in Canada.

This technology builds on the company’s national standalone 5G core network, which Rogers was first to launch in 2021. Implementation of Cloud RAN technology is foundational as Rogers evolves towards the next generation of networks.

“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, Chief Technology and Information Officer, Rogers. “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.”

Cloud native technology will enable Rogers 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.

This initial trial deployment is part of Rogers commitment to bring Canadians the best networks and global technology. Through its national network investments, Rogers is Canada’s largest and most reliable 5G network, which now covers over 2,300 communities. In 2023, the company was awarded the best wireless network in Canada for the fifth year in a row by umlaut, a global leader in independent network benchmarking.  Today’s test of Cloud RAN technology is the latest in a series of 5G wireless innovations for Canadians. Earlier this year, Rogers successfully tested 5G network slicing technology also with Ericsson, Rogers’ national technology partner, marking the first nationwide live test of this industry-leading technology in Canada.