TORONTO — TeraGo announced Monday it will begin technical trials using fixed wireless 5G millimetre wave (mmWave) equipment from Nokia in the first quarter of 2020 in the Greater Toronto Area and Greater Golden Horseshoe Area.
The trials will be conducted on the 24 GHz and 38 GHz frequency bands using both ISED-issued developmental licences and TeraGo-owned licensed spectrum. Customers trials are then planned to begin in the second quarter of 2020, TeraGo said in the news release.
“International momentum for 5G fixed wireless services has been increasing and as a global leader in 5G technology, Nokia’s equipment is at the centre of many of these networks deployments,” said Tony Ciciretto, president and CEO of TeraGo, in the news release. “In Canada, TeraGo is uniquely positioned to be one of the first operators to launch commercial 5G fixed wireless services as the largest holder of millimetre wave spectrum in the largest urban markets. The ultra-high bandwidth and low-latency capabilities offered by 5G will allow us to deliver new innovative communications solutions to our customers, improve the efficiency of our network, and open new market opportunities for the company.”
TeraGo’s fixed wireless spectrum assets include 14 of 20 licences issued in the 24 GHz band and 25 of 27 licences issued in the 38 GHz band, covering 2,210 MHz in Canada’s six largest cities, TeraGo said in the release. The company’s national fixed wireless network is supported by a redundant fibre optic backbone with approximately 600 rooftops across Canada. Over the next year, TeraGo said it will continue to invest to enhance its network by bringing the benefits of 5G fixed wireless access to businesses including enhanced speed, low latency and fibre-like reliability.
Stephan Litjens, general manager of Nokia Digital Automation, said in the release: “We are delighted to see Nokia Digital Automation Cloud (Nokia DAC) and mmWave equipment chosen for testing on 5G networks in Canada. We look forward to incorporating our expertise from our numerous deployments around the globe and are excited to be partnering with TeraGo to deliver on the advancements that come from 5G.”
