The federal government requires all wireless telecommunications companies in Canada to provide cellular service in the TTC subway system by the beginning of October.

François-Philippe Champagne, the federal minister of innovation, science, and industry, stated during a press conference in Toronto this Monday morning that the new spectrum licensing conditions will require carriers to provide all passengers in Toronto's subway system access to cellular connectivity by October 3, 2023.

Champagne said, "It is simply unacceptable that many subway passengers still cannot access wireless services."

He added, "Cellular connectivity in the subway is more than just a convenience. It is a critical public safety issue. TTC passengers have waited a long time to access cellular services while riding the subway."

In April, Rogers Communications Inc. purchased the Canadian operations of BAI Communications, which holds the rights to provide wireless service in the Toronto subway.

At the end of last month, Rogers launched high-speed 5G service for its customers in the subway throughout most of downtown, despite its commitment to work with other carriers to provide access to the system.

The federal government began a public consultation process in July in an attempt to expedite negotiations between major carriers, including Rogers, Bell, and Telus. Champagne described the licensing amendments as "unprecedented" in Canada, stating that if carriers do not comply, there will be consequences.

Champagne said, "If mobile carriers fail to meet these conditions, I will not hesitate to take further action as necessary, which could include, if they fail to act, imposing mandatory penalties and even suspending or revoking the carrier's spectrum license. This is a very serious matter."

When asked whether the current system could handle cellular service for all major carriers, Champagne stated that the system is "certainly" capable of allowing all wireless telecommunications companies to provide some cellular service by October.

He added, "What we want to ensure is a certain level of service for all TTC users, even if that means that for a very short period of time there will be reduced service for one carrier," adding, "It is in our interest as a city to ensure that everyone has some services by October 3."

It is unclear whether this means Rogers will now have to roll back the 5G service it launched in the subway just a few weeks ago.

Champagne noted that the government is also seeking a rapid expansion of service in the coming months and years, including cellular service in all stations within the next six months, cellular service in 80% of existing tunnels within a year, and 100% of tunnels within three years.

Rogers stated in a statement that it welcomed the news and accused Bell and Telus of "dragging their feet" during the negotiation process, adding, "This approach reflects what we have been proposing all along - to provide 5G services to all passengers as quickly as possible."

The statement continued, "Bell and Telus have been backtracking, and the federal government is now forcing them to work with us seriously to make connectivity possible for all passengers. This is good news for transit riders in Toronto. While we have been busy building, they have been busy complaining. We will continue to work around the clock to upgrade and expand the network so that all passengers can connect anywhere in the subway."

In a written statement, a spokesperson for Bell described the news as "a good day for Toronto." The statement read: "... all TTC passengers should enjoy high-quality cellular phone service in the subway, regardless of carrier, for greater connectivity, convenience, and safety. With the federal government now forcing Rogers to finally work with other carriers, we look forward to providing our customers with underground wireless coverage in the coming weeks."

A spokesperson for Telus expressed that the company is pleased that the government has decided to "force Rogers to provide access to all carriers." "Minister Champagne's order will significantly improve public safety and fair competition. It is unfortunate that it took action to force Rogers to do what they promised months ago."

The TELUS team is ready to light up access as soon as possible, for the benefit of all TTC riders." When asked about compliance and whether the carriers would be able to work together to provide service within the timeline set by the federal government, Champagne stated that Ottawa has sent a strong message. "They know me now. I am not the type that you want to mess with. I think they've figured that out." "They do not want to mess with the millions of Toronto residents who now have a clear timeline."

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, who also attended the press conference on Monday, praised the minister's decision, saying she is "amazed" by the "strong" and "decisive" action taken by the federal government.

Chow added, "All transit riders will breathe a sigh of relief and say finally, it has finally happened."