Rural Canada Looks Forward to 5G Launch by Xplore
It is no longer a dream that might be realized at some point in the future. 5G is happening now.
Earlier this week, Xplore Communications Inc., the largest broadband provider in Canada with a focus on providing connectivity to rural communities, announced the launch of its 5G network. It appears to be a logical step forward for the company, which is already known to be making significant investments in wireless and fibre technologies to ensure inexpensive and reliable broadband is available across Canada, especially for those living in rural areas.
The technology that drives the network is provided by Ericsson Radio Systems, and the selection of Ericsson as a partner had been announced the previous year. Ericsson is a leading provider of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to service providers around the world.
What is more, the launch is happening in rural New Brunswick. From there, it will gradually expand. Traditionally, rural communities have played catch-up with their urban counterparts when it comes to access to innovations and new technologies as providers, with the lure of a higher density of population and consequently higher revenues, have followed the practice of innovations and introductions in urban communities, from where they have gradually worked their way upcountry.
This will be Canada’s first 5G standalone network with fixed wireless broadband. Xplore has broken new ground in selecting New Brunswick for the launch. Xplore hopes to reach the service to over 250 rural communities across the nation after first expanding across New Brunswick in the first six months.
Popular Rural Internet Plan by Xplore!
What is 5G
In technical terms, 5G is the fifth generation of cellular networks, following 1G, 2G, 3G and the presently widespread 4G.
More importantly, it is substantially faster than 4G, up to 100 times, with very low latency, opening up many more opportunities for people and businesses. In time, it could also replace wired networks as the backbone of ultra-fast internet connectivity.
What they said
Allison Lenehan, President and CEO of Xplore Communications Inc., spoke at the launch and said, “This is a significant milestone for Xplore and rural Canadians. Everyone at Xplore is proud to be making the investments that will bring the benefits of 5G technology into the homes of families outside Canada’s big cities. Our rural 5G broadband network will directly and immediately benefit customers. It will also help create employment, spur innovation and invigorate rural communities across rural Canada.”
New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs commended Xplore for the launch and said, “We recognize that rural internet access is key to the future success of our entire province. We are encouraged by the launch of Xplore’s rural 5G network, which will contribute to that goal by allowing more rural customers to stay connected.”
Jeanette Irekvist, Vice President and Head of Customer Unit Canada for Ericsson North America, said, “Ericsson is pleased to be a trusted partner with Xplore on this journey to deliver 5G capabilities to their robust network and revolutionize the rural broadband experience. As a global leader in 5G, Ericsson takes great pride in our long history investing in rural broadband because we believe everyone should have equal access to the transformative experiences of the Internet.”
About Xplore
Xplore Communications Inc. is headquartered in Woodstock, New Brunswick. It has been connecting customers in rural Canada through mobile and fixed broadband solutions for over a decade and is considered one of the country’s leading providers. It provides Canadian homes and offices with data and voice communication through satellite and fiber wireless networks.