Rogers Communications Inc. says it should be allowed to add cellular service for its own customers in the Toronto subway network without waiting for an ongoing dispute with its rival carriers to be resolved.
In a filing to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada earlier this month, the telecommunications company said it "strongly opposes" a measure the department is considering that would prevent it from giving its customers first access to the upgraded wireless network. It was among three options floated in July by Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne.
Rogers urged Ottawa to leave the timing of access to commercial negotiations, which it said follows standard practice. But if the feds don't do so Rogers said it prefers a third option — requiring that access to other carriers be provided "as soon as technically feasible" while talks continue, with any terms agreed upon then applied retroactively.
Rogers bought the Canadian operations of BAI Communications, which had owned the rights to provide wireless service on the subway, in April. It then announced plans to upgrade the existing infrastructure, which already includes cellular capability at most downtown subway stations, and build 5G capability for the entire network of stations and tunnels — a process it expects to take two years.
"We have an urgent concern that will attempt to circumvent the objectives of this consultation and disadvantage consumers by launching service for its customers before ISED can issue a decision to this consultation," Bell's filing stated. "If Rogers is already operating with a competitive edge, it may be less motivated to engage in meaningful negotiations and reach mutually beneficial agreements with other licensees. This not only hampers healthy competition but also hinders the ability of TTC riders to access a diverse range of wireless services, thereby limiting consumer choice."
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