Rogers proposes framework to reach agreements with all carriers for TTC cell service

TTC riders may be one step closer to full underground cell service after Rogers said it has proposed a framework to reach agreements with all the major telecommunications companies, but so far, questions remain about whether Bell, Telus and Quebecor will get on board.

Torontonians are all too familiar with the frantic rush to make a final phone call before entering the subway tunnels. But Freedom Mobile users are the exception, with the ability to make calls in about 25 per cent of the tunnel system.

Freedom was the only carrier to sign on with BAI communications, the company originally tapped to build the TTC cell network.

Rogers recently closed a deal to purchase BAI’s Canadian operations and said it is confident it can be the one to convince all carriers to join its new 5G.

The company has proposed a “framework to reach agreements with all carriers in a timely manner to join the network under commercially reasonable terms,” and shared it with the Federal Minister of Industry.

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry said in a statement, they have requested that the carriers build on their progress to date and find a coordinated path forward.

The minister added they are monitoring negotiations between Rogers and other telecommunications companies closely and are “prepared to take further action.”

“What Rogers has done now is really laid the foundation, the groundwork for other telecoms to get on board, and really build this network out which everybody wants and looks forward to getting,” said Stuart Green, spokesperson for TTC.

The details of the framework are confidential, but Bell released a strongly worded statement in response, stating, “The framework proposed by Rogers does not ensure all customers are served regardless of who their carrier is.”

“It simply establishes Rogers as the gatekeeper of access to wireless service in the subway,” continued the statement. “The TTC is a “public good” asset, and wireless connectivity should be available to all riders at the same time regardless of their carrier.”

“As we have stated before, a joint network build is the best solution,” they added.

Rogers though said it “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.”

Telus said they have tried repeatedly to engage with Rogers to determine the method by which all carriers could access the system, but have not supplied the commercial terms or technical details.

“While we received Rogers’ proposed framework weeks ago, no negotiations of any substance have taken place since,” continued Telus’ statement. “We respectfully suggest that Rogers do the right thing and undertake good faith negotiations so we can all deliver the best solution for Torontonians.”

Meanwhile, Quebecor, which currently owns Freedom Mobile, said they will maintain wireless services in Toronto’s subway system and will also be discussing improvements to the wireless infrastructure.

“While it’s not surprising that Bell itself has been stonewalling the process for weeks and blaming others, as they always do, Freedom will be discussing improvements to the TTC wireless infrastructure with Rogers and we are confident those talks will be productive,” read their statement.

Daniel Tsai, a communication lecturer with the University of Toronto said. “In some ways, Bell has good reason to be upset as well as Telus … They feel they were left out of the process and there was a lack of transparency, really, through the City of Toronto.” 

Rogers said it plans to build the 5G network for the entire subway system, in the next two years.

The company said it is confident in reaching deals with all carriers, but if they can’t, they’ve proposed a dispute resolution process — the details of which have also not been made public.

Rogers is the parent company of CityNews and this website.