As of now, the carrier’s 5G is available in Greater Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, the GTA, Hamilton, London and Windsor
Canadian mobile operator Freedom Mobile has officially launched its 5G network in the country, according to local press reports. The operator, owned by Quebecor, said that its 5G network is already available for select customers.
“Starting today, existing Freedom Mobile customers with monthly plans CAD45 ($34.1) and up will receive an early access to Freedom’s 5G network,” a company spokesperson reportedly said.
As of now, the carrier’s 5G is available in Greater Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, the GTA, Hamilton, London and Windsor, with more places to follow.
Freedom Mobile was sold to Quebecor from Shaw, after Rogers acquired the latter and the combined deal was made to get the approval from local regulators. Following the acquisition of Freedom Mobile, Quebecor said it would launch its 5G network within two years.
In May, following its by Quebecor’s Videotron subsidiary, Freedom Mobile unveiled its first wireless plan with national coverage. The CAD50 plan includes unlimited calls and texts, in addition to 40 GB of data anywhere in Canada and the U.S.
In January, Quebecor and its subsidiary Videotron had invested nearly CAD10 million to acquire new 5G wireless spectrum licenses, in Manitoba in the 600 MHz band and in Quebec in the 3,500 MHz band.
The acquisition was made in the auction of residual spectrum licenses that concluded on January 25 with the announcement by the Canadian government of the tentatively accepted bids. Videotron is increasing its wireless service capacity and continuing to pave the way for the potential expansion of its wireless infrastructure outside Québec. In 2021, Videotron acquired 294 blocks of 3.5 GHz spectrum in Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia and Quebec at a cost of CAD830 million.
Rival operator Bell is on track to reach 85% of the country’s population with its 5G service by the end of 2023, the company’s President and CEO Mirko Bibic previously said during a conference call with investors.
Bell began deploying 3.5 GHz wireless spectrum in the summer of 2022, introducing its “5G+” service to areas across Ontario, Atlantic Canada and Western Canada. Bell now offers 5G+ coverage to more than 40% of the Canadian population, including the availability of peak theoretical download speeds of 3 Gbps in select markets.
In April, Rogers Communications and Shaw Communications announced the completion of their proposed merger after receiving final regulatory approval from the Canadian government.
As part of the commitments included in the conditions for the approval of the transaction, Rogers said it will invest at least CAD2.5 billion to enhance its 5G network in Western Canada and CAD3 billion in additional network service expansion projects.
