Article Summary
Rogers Wireless runs Canada’s first and (currently) largest 5G network. The company initially deployed 5G coverage in four major urban locations, then added 100+ more cities and towns over this year. When the new Samsung Galaxy S20 5G smartphones arrived last March, Rogers became the first Canadian wireless provider to offer consumer 5G service. In June of the same year, Bell Mobility and Telus Mobility launched 5G networks, but Rogers currently offers 5G service in the most markets across Canada.
Rogers started 2020 announcing Canada’s first 5G network. Once companies like Samsung, Motorola and LG released 5G-enabled phones to the Canadian market, Rogers was ready to provide coverage. Even the new Apple iPhone 12 supports 5G service, but there are still a lot of questions to answer about Rogers 5G.
Where is Rogers 5G Coverage, and How Can You Access It?
The Rogers 5G network launched in January 2020 in downtown cores of Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. By October, more than 100 cities and towns were added. Odds are high that wherever you live in Canada, you’ll soon have access to Rogers 5G (if not already).
Accessing the network is another matter. Samsung’s Galaxy S20 5G family of smartphones were be the first devices compatible with Rogers 5G, but the new Motorola Edge+ has been added to the list. More 5G compatible devices released from Apple, Google and LG offer more than a dozen options.
Although Rogers planned to charge a $15 monthly fee for 5G access starting next year, the company cancelled that plan. Now, all Rogers Infinite wireless plans include 5G access. Prepaid plans and subscriptions to flanker brands like Fido do not have access to the Rogers 5G network at this time.
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Rogers
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Infinite 100GB - Student Plan
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Rogers
Infinite Essential Plan
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Rogers
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Rogers
Infinite Essential Plan
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Which Canadian Carriers Have 5G?
Bell and Telus have also launched commercial 5G networks. Smaller and regional carriers are also testing 5G and will launch next-gen services over the next couple of years.
Here’s how they stack up right now.
Bell 5G
While Bell’s 5G network went live on June 11, 2020 with twice as many cell towers as Rogers, additional coverage in Edmonton and Calgary (but not Ottawa), and more 5G phones to buy. Bell’s fallback network technology uses 4G LTE-A and is one of the fastest networks on the planet. Existing non-5G customers already enjoy fast downloads and extensive coverage. Bell's 5G coverage has continued to grow, but Rogers currently serves more markets.
Telus 5G
The Telus 5G network launched on June 19, 2020. Just like 4G-LTE, the company's 5G coverage matches that of Bell. Telus operates Canada’s largest and fastest 4G-LTE mobile network in the country. It has even been rated as one of the top 3 fastest cellular networks in the world. However, Rogers offers more 5G coverage than Telus at this time.
Videotron 5G
Videotron announced the launch of its 5G network on December 15, 2020. The initial rollout is exclusive to Montreal, but service should quickly expand along the Saint Lawrence and throughout the province. Videotron frequently ranks high for network reliability, speed and good customer service. However, the carrier's coverage area is exclusive to Quebec and only consumers who live there can subscribe.
5G With Other Canadian Wireless Providers
Smaller wireless providers with regional networks are also testing 5G for their customers. Shaw Communications (which owns Freedom Mobile) has been testing 5G since 2018. Freedom Mobile 5G deployment doesn’t have a firm timeline, but the company hopes to enter the 5G market within the next year.
SaskTel is partnering with Bell and Telus for 5G trials in Saskatchewan. A 2020 launch is possible if Bell or Telus partner contracts include access for SaskTel customers.
5G on Networks Around the World
All major U.S. mobile carriers— AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon—have deployed 5G networks throughout dozens of markets. Elsewhere, 5G coverage has already rolled out in:
- The United Kingdom
- Italy
- Germany
- Australia
- New Zealand
- South Korea
- China
- The Philippines
- Many countries in Europe and Western Asia
New networks are being approved and installed every day, so by the end of 2020 there should be even more countries worldwide with commercial 5G service.
What Phones Work with Rogers 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy S20 5G family of smartphones were the first to work on Rogers 5G. The recently released Motorola Edge+ 5G premium smartphone is also sold by Rogers. Existing 5G smartphones from other markets may work using older 4G-LTE service but 5G support is not guaranteed.
Samsung Phone Support on Rogers 5G
Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+ and S20 Ultra released in March. They all have access to the Rogers 5G network in existing markets. As Rogers 5G rolls out across Canada, Samsung’s Galaxy S20 5G family enables Canadian consumers to access 5G speeds. Other Samsung models that support 5G are the Galaxy Note20/Note20 Ultra for consumers who love large screens and a stylus and the foldable Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5G.
Samsung offers other 5G-enabled smartphones here and elsewhere around the world, but those models are not officially supported on Rogers 5G.
Do iPhones Work on Rogers 5G?
The new Apple iPhone 12 lineup works on Rogers 5G networks. The cheapest model starts around $1,000, so expect to pay at least $40/month if you choose two-year Edge Financing. If you're not sure which is the best iPhone 12 for your needs, check out our full iPhone 12 Launch coverage.
What Other 5G Phones Work on Rogers 5G?
In addition to Samsung and Apple smartphones, there are more options for Rogers customers who want 5G access.
Apple
Samsung
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, Galaxy S21+ 5G, Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G, Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G, Galaxy S20 5G, Galaxy S20+ 5G, Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5G, Galaxy Z Fold2 5G (Bell only)
LG
- LG V60 ThinQ 5G Dual Screen (Discontinued)
- LG Velvet 5G
Motorola
Motorola released a 5G moto mod for their flagship Z3 and Z4 smartphones. However, it’s exclusive to the U.S. Verizon 5G network and has no support on any Canadian 5G networks. Other device manufacturers including OnePlus sell 5G phones in the Canadian market, but again there is no official support from Rogers.
5G Phones on Rogers (and More)
Although Rogers was the first 5G network in Canada, not all 5G-enabled phones are compatible. Your best bet is to buy a 5G phone directly from Rogers, but here are the full list of 5G capable smartphones currently available in Canada.
Apple
Samsung
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, Galaxy S21+ 5G, Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G, Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G, Galaxy S20 5G, Galaxy S20+ 5G, Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5G, Galaxy Z Fold2 5G (Bell only)
LG
- LG V60 ThinQ 5G Dual Screen (Discontinued)
- LG Velvet 5G
Motorola
Rogers 5G vs 4G vs 3G
Although downloading faster is a major selling point of 5G, the technology brings far more advantages over 4G-LTE. Compared to older cell signals, 5G will bring:
- Better signal inside buildings (and deep into the Canadian wilderness)
- Faster response time
- Better battery life
- Mobile connectivity for the Internet of Things (IoT)
Rogers is the only national carrier that still operates a nationwide 3G network. This gives them an advantage in rural areas because 3G signal can reach further. Many of the benefits of 5G eliminate the need for 3G technology except for one; cost. While 5G phones are the most expensive devices on the market, cheaper 3G phones rely on the older network. Rogers confirmed to WhistleOut Canada that there is no plan to phase out 3G technology, but discount carriers including Chatr have moved away from supporting the Rogers 3G network.
Is Rogers 5G Safe?
It’s reasonable to question the safety of any new technology, but please don’t look to online videos with paranoid conspiracy theories for answers.
Overwhelming evidence shows that 5G signal operates within safe limits, but there are studies which show "possible" dangers of mobile wireless signal. Our Canadian perspective on 5G dangers helps you understand all the information and opinions around 5G technology so you can build your own educated opinion.
For more on 5G, the Guide to 5G in Canada is an independent analysis of the potential associated with this new technology.
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