TTC documents suggest that Rogers would use the consortium model for building a wireless network

TORONTO – Documents suggest the TTC thought Rogers Communications Inc. the wireless metro network would build out with its rival carriers under a consortium model when it bought BAI Communications’ Canadian operations in April.

Although Bell Canada and Telus Corp. both have vehemently advocated joint construction of the upcoming 5G network through a consortium model similar to that of the Montreal subway system that rejects a pay-for-access approach, Rogers has not publicly committed to either model.

A TTC briefing note shows that the carrier expected the company to invite other carriers “to join them in a consortium model, similar to how other networked transportation systems are deployed in Canada.”

The memorandum was sent to the TTC Board of Commissioners of the City of Toronto on April 10, ahead of Rogers’ announcement later that day about acquiring BAI’s Canadian arm.

The TTC says Rogers never committed to the carrier that it would continue with a consortium model, attributing the language in the briefing note to a misunderstanding of the “technical definition” of the word.

Spokesman Stuart Green says TTC communications staff used “consortium” to mean “working with other airlines” on the operational side rather than a specific term about a proposed cost-sharing model.

But documents also show that the TTC was aware of requests from rival airlines to guarantee a cost-sharing model for a consortium.

A month before Rogers’ announcement, Bell urged the TTC to exercise its approval right to “adopt a consortium approach as part of any new arrangement for providing wireless service in the subway system.”

This report from The Canadian Press was first published on June 30, 2023.

Companies in this story: (TSX:RCI.B, TSX:BCE, TSX:T)

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