Pretty soon, all Toronto subway passengers will be able to use cell phone service
The Minister of Innovation has announced that as of October 3, all carriers must provide cellular service in Metro Toronto.
The federal government of Canada has required all wireless carriers to begin providing cellular service in the Toronto subway by October 3, 2023. This was announced by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, François-Philippe Champagne, at a press conference in Toronto. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and Members of Parliament from the city attended the event.
Champagne said access to cell phone service on the subway is not just a convenience. It's a public safety issue.
In April this year, cellular carrier Rogers Communications Inc. acquired BAI Communications, the Canadian subsidiary that owns the rights to provide wireless service in Toronto's subway system. Rogers promised to work with mobile carriers operating in Toronto to provide cellular access to the city's subways. However, Rogers has not done so, and has only launched its own 5G service for its customers in most of Toronto's downtown subway stations.
In July, the federal government of Canada began consultations to ensure that all telecommunications operators have access to the Toronto metro area. As a result of these consultations, the government decided to create new spectrum licence conditions for telecom operators. According to these conditions, as it was already mentioned, the operators must now provide all Toronto subway passengers with cellular service by the beginning of next month.
Champagne says the license amendments are "unprecedented" for Canada and requires operators to work quickly. If operators fail to comply, appropriate action will be taken, including fines and license revocation. The minister is confident that the current system is capable of keeping all major cellular operators operating in the metro.
Rogers reacted positively to the news and accused the other operators, Bell and Telus, of dragging out negotiations. Bell and Telus, for their part, also welcome the government's decision to force Rogers to cooperate with them. They say they are willing to work with Rogers to ensure cellular access for all Toronto subway passengers.
