Rogers says has put $22 million into upgrading its 5G network at and around BMO Field ahead of the FIFA World Cup, with a crew of 30 spending close to 40,000 hours on the planning and installation work.
The upgrades include enhancements to the in-stadium wireless system that Rogers said on Thursday is equivalent to adding 16 cell towers in downtown Toronto, along with additional 5G spectrum to handle the volume of fans expected at the venue. Network infrastructure has also been added outside the stadium, at fan zones around the city, and at key transit and travel hubs including Pearson International Airport, Union Station and select TTC subway stations.
Rogers is also rolling out temporary cell sites, including Cells on Wheels and Cells on Light Facilities, to cover high-traffic areas downtown during the tournament. In Vancouver, the company is spending an extra $5 million on network upgrades around BC Place and other key areas of the city.
Customers on the Rogers 5G+ Ultimate plan ($95/month) will also get Priority Network Access during the tournament, which gives them first access to the fastest available speeds during peak periods.
The FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11 and goes until July 19, 2026, and will the first-ever men’s World Cup match on Canadian soil. As a host nation, Canada’s Men’s National team is in the tournament.
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