(Toronto) The federal government is forcing Rogers Communications to grant access to its cellular network in core areas of the downtown Toronto subway to all wireless carriers by October 3.
Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne said Monday that this deadline was part of new spectrum authorization conditions, designed to bring mobile phone and data services across the entire spectrum. metro network by the end of 2026.
“The message is simple. Enough is enough. This is the message I am sending to the telcos on behalf of the millions of Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) riders who have been very, very patient,” said Mr. Champagne.
Currently, only Rogers and Freedom Mobile customers have access to the network.
The minister is giving mobile operators, including rivals Bell and Telus, until December 20 this year to strike commercial deals with Rogers on financial terms.
Although the October 3 deadline only covers the existing network, the federal government requires the service to be in place for all stations within six months of commercial agreements being reached. The service must be in place for 80% of tunnels within two years, and coverage must be complete by the end of 2026.
Rogers, which on Aug. 23 unexpectedly began providing 5G service to its own customers in select CTT areas, welcomed the mandate.
“This approach reflects what we have been proposing from the start: bringing 5G services to all users as quickly as possible,” spokeswoman Sarah Schmidt said in a statement.
“Bell and Telus are dragging their feet and the federal government is now forcing them to work seriously with us to make connectivity possible for all users. »
She stressed that the company would continue to work on developing the CTT network that it purchased, with the aim of expanding access.
Telus also argued that the minister’s decision would help improve public safety and fair competition.
“Telus is pleased with the decision to require Rogers to provide access to all CTT operators,” said spokesperson Richard Gilhooley.
“It is unfortunate that this action was necessary to force Rogers to do what she promised to do months ago. »
BCE did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The government says that if operators do not comply with the conditions, it could take action, including imposing fines or suspending their license.
“The message could not be stronger, and I expect them to fully comply with it. If they do not do so, we will take coercive measures,” warned Minister Champagne.