The new "5G+" network from Bell will soon be available for Bell 5G users, commencing in Toronto.
In a press release, the national telecom, based in Montreal, provided more information on the development and stated that it aimed to provide 5G+ service to about 40% of Canadians by the end of 2022.
According to Bell's press announcement, 5G+ will operate on the 3500MHz spectrum and will provide "peak theoretical download speeds of up to 3Gbps in select places."
Additionally, Bell stated that the first people to access 5G+ would be those with compatible smartphones with the "Ultimate 45" or "Ultimate 50" plans. These plans have monthly fees of $85 and $95, respectively.
Bell's chief technology and information officer, Stephen Howe, said in a statement that the move "reinforces Bell's commitment to provide the greatest networks to Canadian customers and companies so they can do more of what they love."
"I'm excited that 5G+ is here, and with this launch, we'll raise the bar for the nation's best 5G service with faster mobile data speeds. We're honored to be paving the way at this crucial juncture in Canada's development of next-generation communications.
Following Rogers' deployment of 5G in Nanaimo, British Columbia, using 3500MHz airwaves, Bell made their announcement.
In the summer of 2021, the federal government held an auction to sell 3500MHz spectrum licenses. The results of the auction were made public in July. It is believed that spectrum is essential for fulfilling 5G's promises.
Particularly, 3500MHz spectrum is a portion of 5G's "mid-band," also known as "Sub-6." Mid-band 5G, such that at 3500MHz, should provide significant gains in speed, latency, and network capacity over the "low-band" 5G currently available in Canada.
Another "high-band" 5G technology known as mmWave can provide even faster speeds than Sub-6 but has a much smaller coverage area. Mid-band 5G, which will have a greater impact in both urban and rural areas in Canada, is the main focus; mmWave is better suited to urban areas because to its range.
Canadians should begin to see more of the benefits of 5G as Canadian operators begin to implement the technology using 3500MHz airwaves.
