Rogers Expands 5G Network in the West and Ontario and Powers Canada’s First 5G Drone Flight

Canada’s largest and most reliable 5G network reaches even more cities and towns across Manitoba and Ontario¹ 

In collaboration with InDro Robotics and the University of British Columbia, Rogers for Business continues on its 5G innovation path marking the first drone flight on 5G in the country

TORONTO, April 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rogers Communications today announced it is expanding Canada’s largest and most reliable 5G network to now reach residents and businesses in Selkirk and Steinbach, Manitoba and St. Catharines, Ontario. Rogers 5G, powered exclusively by Ericsson, reaches 173 cities and towns nationwide offering 5G access to nearly half of Canada. As Rogers launches 5G across the country, it continues to prove the strength of its wireless and broadband networks, based on the latest network benchmarking report released today by Ookla.   

Also announced today, Rogers for Business worked with InDro Robotics and the University of British Columbia’s MéridaLabs to complete Canada’s first remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) flight over a 5G network at the UBC campus in Vancouver, BC. 5G will enable the ability to fly drones on autonomous missions from remote command centres connected over a 5G network. The 5G infrastructure Rogers has installed at UBC is enabling researchers and partners to explore future innovations, including parcel tracking, scheduling, and delivery by drone. 5G drones are expected to provide untapped services for a number of industries including agriculture, natural resources, infrastructure and utilities, construction, first responders and more².

Today’s announcement with InDro Robotics and UBC is supported by Rogers multi-year partnership with the university to research, incubate and commercialize 5G applications in Canada. Rogers continues to make network and innovation investments throughout Western Canada. As part of the company’s future plans, Rogers will continue to invest in the West through the agreement to combine Rogers Communications with Shaw Communications, enabling the combined company to build critically needed 5G networks, bridge the digital divide, and connect underserved rural and Indigenous communities.