Canadian network operator Telus announced that it is beginning to deploy the 3500MHz 5G spectrum it won at auction last summer, naming the first deployment locations as Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Edmonton and Victoria. Telus says customers with compatible devices located in areas covered by 3500MHz spectrum will be able to take advantage of an 'Unlimited 5G+' package to experience faster data speeds than currently offered by its 5G network.

Telus also highlighted that 3.5GHz 5G spectrum enables greater responsiveness (lower network latency) and will help drive the advancement of IoT and industry solutions 'and important innovations in health, agriculture, energy, transportation and more.' Rival operator Rogers recently claimed the first live Canadian 3.5GHz 5G deployment, while Bell Canada has also announced its readiness to commercially launch the new 3.5GHz 5G frequencies.

Telus says that it will continue to deploy its new spectrum to more regions throughout 2022 and 2023. It also notes that the 3500MHz rollout will deliver 5G internet speeds to rural, remote and Indigenous communities, with certain rural and remote communities being some of the first in the country to access home internet speeds of 100Mbps through Telus' 5G fixed wireless network, providing a viable alternative to a fixed (wired) broadband connection.

Thanks to TeleGeography for this industry update.