Rogers announced in April that it was buying the Canadian operations of
On Monday, the company said it had sent federal Industry Minister
The proposed framework comes after the minister penned a letter to the executives of Rogers,
Rogers' proposal, parts of which it shared Wednesday with The Canadian Press, outlines that Rogers would act as the lead carrier of the upgraded network, but the company would make the system accessible for other mobile carriers to provide their customers text, voice and data services.
It said it would also consult the other providers on design and planning of the network, accommodation of spectrum needs and access-related issues.
Rogers has said extensive fibre network and radio equipment upgrades are needed to add 5G cellular capacity to the TTC, replacing the current 3G and 4G network, which is limited to TTC subway platforms and concourses and approximately one-quarter of tunnels, mostly located downtown.
The process to upgrade and expand the system is expected to take up to two years.
Rogers' proposal said the company would stabilize the existing network so 911 service continues to be available for all TTC riders regardless of carrier. It also plans to add 988 service, the mental health crisis hotline that is slated to launch in
Rogers said it would work with the TTC to raise awareness that all riders can access emergency services regardless of their carrier.
It said its commitments are subject to its contractual obligations to the TTC, as well as the negotiation of "reasonable commercial agreements" with each carrier, which will set out details such as timing, technical specifications and the costs for other providers to access the network.
But both Bell and Telus say the proposed framework lacks key information, such as details related to capacity upgrades and commercial terms. Bell spokeswoman
"The framework proposed by Rogers does not ensure all customers are served regardless of who their carrier is. It simply establishes Rogers as the gatekeeper of access to wireless service in the subway," Michelis said in a statement.
"Despite repeated requests Rogers still has not provided other carriers with any engineering details of the subway’s wireless network including the capacity of the network to accommodate multi carrier traffic and the nature of the upgrades required to create a robust all carrier network."
Telus spokesperson
"Unfortunately, despite repeated attempts by Telus and others to engage with Rogers to determine the method by which all carriers could access the system, they have not supplied commercial terms or technical details," Gilhooley said in an email.
"We respectfully suggest that Rogers do the right thing and undertake good faith negotiations so we can all deliver the best solution for Torontonians."
Péladeau said it's "not surprising that Bell itself has been stonewalling for weeks and blaming others, as they always do," and that Freedom "is committed to increasing choice for the benefit of all Canadians."
Rogers spokesman
"Bell and Telus continue to mischaracterize our commitment to modernize and expand the network to deliver full wireless coverage for all TTC riders regardless of their carrier," Gordon said in a written statement.
"It’s time they stop delaying so we can get a deal done to benefit all TTC riders."
Champagne's office said the minister has requested the companies "find a coordinated path forward."
"However, these negotiations have not yet produced an outcome that will serve all customers,"
"The Minister is monitoring the negotiations closely. He is prepared to take further action and is reviewing all options."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published
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