Bell has launched what it claims is the largest 5G wireless network in Canada with service to five cities in the country.
Bell has rolled out 5G service to Montréal, the greater Toronto area, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver and plans are to expand to more centers across the country as the wireless technology grows in speed and capacity.
Additionally, Bell has entered into an agreement with Western University to create a 5G research center and that includes deployment of a campus-wide 5G network.
Bell said the network will allow for mobile data speeds and faster response times as well as connections to Bell’s national LTE network, which connects to 99% of the population in Canada.
Bell is offering smartphones including the newly launched Samsung Galaxy S20 5G series, LG V60 ThinQ 5G dual screen and Motorola Edge+. Additionally, 5G access costs an additional $10 a month but is free until March of next year for consumers.
Meanwhile, 5G promises to accelerate download speeds by up to 10 times and to lower latency for applications such as virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence and machine learning, connected vehicles, smart cities and enhanced rural access, and internet of things opportunities for business and government enterprises.
The 5G research center will focus on 5G applications beyond smartphones, including healthcare, agriculture, transportation, manufacturing and other sectors.