Bell and Nokia complete first Canadian trial of 5G mobile technology

MISSISSAUGA, ON, July 29, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Bell today announced that it has successfully demonstrated Fifth Generation (5G) mobile technology in collaboration with Nokia. Conducted at Bell's Wireless Innovation Centre in Mississauga, the trial leveraged spectrum in the 73 GHz range to achieve sustained data speeds more than 6 times faster than top 4G mobile speeds now available in Canada.

"Bell's strategic focus on driving broadband network and service innovation has been key to our transformation into Canada's wireless leader. The success of the first 5G trial means we are well positioned to lead the way to the next generation of mobile technology," said Stephen Howe, Bell's Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President. "Bell is working closely with Nokia and our other partners in North America and worldwide to create the network, device and application ecosystem required to ensure Canadians will be able take full advantage of the 5G opportunity."

Expected to be widely available within the next 5 to 7 years, 5G will provide significantly faster data speeds than current 4G networks and more capacity to meet the demands of mobile customers for broadcast video and Internet of Things (IoT) applications, including connected vehicles and city-wide IoT solutions. Bell is a member of the Next Generation Mobile Networks consortium (ngmn.org), the global body defining requirements for the international 5G ecosystem.

"We are excited to demonstrate a pre-commercial 5G system with Bell, which represents the first in Canada," said Alex Giosa, Country Senior Officer, Canada, at Nokia. "We have had a long and productive history with Bell, and look forward to our continued joint work and testing to discover what 5G technology can offer Bell's Canadian subscribers."

"Canada's ability to compete in a digital world will be defined by our culture of innovation," said the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. "This successful trial of next-generation 5G here in Canada is one example of how our country can become a global centre of innovation by being early adopters of emerging technologies." 

Bell leads Canadian communications providers in R&D investment and operates wireless innovation centres in Dorval, Québec; Mississauga; and Toronto. Offering Canadians access to the largest 4G wireless coverage footprint in the country, Bell's LTE network has been acknowledged as Canada's fastest by multiple independent analysts.

Canada's largest communications company, Bell provides consumers and business customers with leading wireless, TV, Internet, home phone, small business and enterprise communications services from Bell Canada and Bell Aliant. Bell Media is Canada's premier multimedia company, with leading assets in television, radio, digital and out of home media. Founded in 1880, Bell is wholly owned by Montréal's BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE).To learn more, please visit Bell.ca.

The Bell Let's Talk initiative promotes Canadian mental health with national awareness and anti-stigma campaigns like Bell Let's Talk Day and significant Bell funding of community care and access, research, and workplace programs. To learn more, please visitBell.ca/LetsTalk. 

Media inquiries:
Caroline Audet
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Nokia
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SOURCE Bell Canada