Rogers says it will expand 911 service on TTC as part of plan to bring 5G to subway system

Rogers Communications Inc. says it willexpand access to 911 on the TTCas part of a larger plan to bring 5G to the entire subway system.

In a news release Monday night,Rogerssaid it has entered into an agreement to acquire the Canadian operations of Australia-basedBAI Communications, which has had exclusive rights to build a wireless network for the TTC since 2012.

Rogerssaid it plans to offer "full 5G connectivity services" to the TTC over time but bringingin wireless service will take about two years to complete due to the "limited overnight construction windows available."

Rogers said it wants to ensure access to 911 across the subway system, regardless of a rider's service provider. Currently, TTC customers with any mobile provider can call 911 only where the cellular network exists, such as on station platforms, concourses, and about25 per cent of the tunnels.

The announcement comes after a string of violent incidents on the TTCnetworkin recent months. The wireless, cable and media companysaid it will work to "address gaps in the busiest and most critical sections" of the subway system.

WATCH | Rogers in deal to improve Wi-Fion Toronto's transit system:

Rogers inks deal to bring 5G service to the TTC

1 year ago

Duration 2:36

Rogers has made a deal to bring 5G service to the TTC within two years and also promises to improve 911 access underground. But questions remain about what it means for people on other networks and if it will improve safety.

"We know safety is top of mind for Torontonians. Residents and visitors expect wireless connectivity when they're travelling on the TTC's subway system," Ron McKenzie, Rogers' chief technology and information officer, said.

TTC spokesperson Stuart Green agreed, saying the transit company has heard "a lot" from customers who want to be able to call 911 at any time.

"Eventually, we'll have more tools at our disposal to report emergenciesand that will give [riders]more comfort and also make them safer," he said.

In an email to CBC Toronto, spokesperson Cam Gordon said Rogersplans to initiate discussions with other telecom companies so their customers will also be able to access the 5G network.

"As we build out the network, we will work with other providers to bring them on board," Gordon said.

In a tweet, the TTC said it is working to finalize the terms of a new contract with Rogers that will "facilitate their multi-year network expansion plan."

Feds could force deals between Rogers, Bell and Telus

In 2012, BAI was awarded a $25-million contract by the TTC to build and operate its public WiFi and cellular network. However, Freedom Mobile was the only telecom company to signon to provide coverage to its customers through BAI'sinfrastructure, meaning most mobile customers have little to no service along the subway line.

BAI eventually stopped building any further network infrastructureas the effort became not financially viable, saidDaniel Tsai, a lecturer in technology, law and business at the University of Toronto.

Tsai told CBC Radio'sMetro Morningone of the "big three"telecoms Rogers, Bell and Telus providing wireless service throughout the TTC network is "long overdue and something that should have happened a long time ago.

"I think this exposes sort of the driving force behind the big three. A lot of the timeit comes down to money, and they just didn't see the economics here as being worthwhile. But now the safety issue has pushed this to the forefront."

LISTEN | Daniel Tsai on Rogers' deal to provide 5G on the TTC:

Tsai said the move by Rogers could be an effort to offset "reputationaldamage" from last July's countrywide servce outageand the telecom giant's recent takeover of Shaw Communications Inc.

Tsai said he will be waiting to see if Bell and Telusstrike deals to pay Rogers a roaming fee so their own customers can access the 5G network when it is up and running. But he notes that the federal minister of infrastructure has authority to force deals between the three if the companies can't reach agreements independently.

Asked Tuesday if the federal government would intervene, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commissiondidn't provide an answer, instead pointing to public consultations it launched last month to lower internet prices and boost competition.

Bell, Telus call on access for all providers

In a statement issued Tuesday, Bell spokespersonJacqueline Michelissaid the company finds the agreement between Rogers and BAI Communications"troubling," saying the TTC is "just replacing one gatekeeper with another."

"It now appears that the subway project has once again been given to one party with no assurances that all wireless service providers will have access," the statement reads.

Bell saysthe TTC should have launched an open bid process before giving the contract to Rogers, "especially given how TTC customers were so poorly served by BAI for so many years."

"The cityneeds to show some leadership and mandate immediate access for all carriers so that all TTC customers can be served by the carrier of their choice right away."

A spokesperson for Telusagreed, sayingin a statement that the telecom company is "committed to working with the TTC and other carriers to deliver a solution that ensures full access for all riders."

"Torontonians want a solution that addresses the increased safety concerns about network connectivity along the TTC. This needs to include access for all cellular providers, so that all riders have coverage," the spokesperson said.

Several candidates running to be mayor in the upcoming June byelectionreleased statements saying that, if elected, they would use their authority to try to ensure wireless service is available to all TTC users, regardless of their provider.