Rogers Launches 5G Innovation Lab with Communitech in Waterloo

Rogers has a new 5G innovation lab in Waterloo, Ontario, part of a three-year partnership with public-private hub, Communitech.

This new 5G innovation lab will “advance made-in-Canada 5G technology and commercialize 5G use cases,” explained Rogers. The new 5G lab will open this September and “accelerate and launch smart city, IoT and enterprise 5G applications that will change the way we live and work.”

“Canada needs a strong 5G ecosystem to thrive and grow in our increasingly connected world,” said Jorge Fernandes, Chief Technology Officer, Rogers Communications, in an issued statement. “Our partnership with Communitech is part of our work to bring together experts from universities, businesses, start-ups and government so our country can lead in the digital economy. This new lab will help bridge the gap between concept and testing to commercialization and market launch for Canadian applications.”



“It’s phenomenal to have Rogers, a leading national brand, invest time and resources in building and bringing the future of technology to Canadians with the new lab,” said Iain Klugman, CEO, Communitech, in a statement. “We’re excited to work with Rogers to bring this leading technology to Waterloo Region and beyond.”

Rogers says they are preparing for 5G deployment next year and have completed 5G test calls in Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver. Rogers will use 5G hardware from Ericsson, while rivals Telus and Bell await the federal government’s decision on whether or not to ban Huawei for 5G in Canada, rumoured to be made after this fall’s federal election.

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