TORONTO — As a follow-up to the release of its global 2020 Connectivity Outlook Report in September, BAI Communications this week released Toronto-specific data from the report, which shows a high percentage of Toronto rail users are interested in 5G connectivity and think they would benefit from an “evolved” transit network.
Specifically, 79% of rail users in Toronto said they are interested in 5G networks and connectivity, according to BAI Communications’ Toronto report, which was based on a survey of 498 rail users in Toronto aged 18+, during April 17-25, 2020.
Of the total Toronto rail users surveyed, 88% believe they would benefit from a rail network with connectivity, data and AI which provides them with better services and a better commuting experience, according to the report.
In addition, Torontonians have the highest expectations for the transit network to be reliable (81%, compared to the global average of 75%) and safe (82%, compared to global average of 77%), says the report.
Toronto transit riders joined the 91% of global respondents who supported government authorities investing in new and reliable wireless and fibre networks, says the report. They also had the strongest belief globally that city and infrastructure planning could be improved with better technology and connectivity (56%; global average 48%).
“These investments are expected to be made by more than just government. Nearly four in five respondents (79%) would think less of a mobile carrier if it did not deliver high-quality mobile signals across transit networks and 69% would consider changing carriers if a competitor had better coverage on these networks,” reads the Toronto report.
BAI Communications owns and operates the underground wireless network in the Toronto Transit Commission’s subway system. Currently, only Freedom Mobile provides service on BAI’s underground network in Toronto. So far, Bell, Rogers and Telus have refused to connect to it.
For more information about BAI Communications’ Connectivity Outlook Report 2020 for Toronto, please click here.
