Rogers Communications is the first Canadian operator to offer 5G network access to its mobile subscribers, initially for owners of the new Samsung Galaxy S20 range of 5G smartphones on Rogers Infinite mobile packages. Rogers confirms on its website that consumer and B2B subscribers to the Infinite plans can enjoy 5G access at no extra charge until March 2021 – noting that this privilege is valued at CAD15 (USD11.15) per month. The ‘unlimited’ data plans offer between 10GB and 50GB of maximum speed data, with speeds reduced to 512kbps thereafter for the remainder of each month. 5G coverage is available in selected areas of Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, with users directed to refer to Rogers’ online 5G map for upcoming coverage expansion.
TeleGeography notes that in January 2020 Rogers began deploying its 5G mobile network in downtown Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, in readiness for mass 5G device availability (activating some sections but with user devices not immediately authorised to connect to 5G). 5G coverage will expand to over 20 additional markets by the end of 2020, with services to be offered exclusively to users of Infinite plans (featuring no overage fees and shareable data between family members on up to ten devices). The network initially uses 2.5GHz spectrum, with 600MHz spectrum to be added later in 2020, expanding/improving coverage in both urban and rural areas. 3.5GHz 5G spectrum usage is planned for after Q4 2020’s 3.5GHz licence auction.