Bell announced  Thursday the launch of Canada’s largest 5G wireless network, offering what it says is unprecedented mobile data speeds and Canada’s broadest selection of 5G-capable smartphones.

The network is now available in Montréal, the Greater Toronto AreaCalgaryEdmonton and Vancouver and it will  expand to more centres across the country as the next-generation wireless technology grows in speed and capacity, enabling unprecedented connectivity and an infinite range of new consumer and business mobile applications in coming years, said the company.

To accelerate 5G innovation in CanadaBell has also partnered with Western University to create an advanced 5G research centre, including the deployment of a campus-wide 5G network, it added

“Bell has built the country’s best networks since 1880 with a goal to advance how Canadians connect with each other and the world, and we’re proud to take the next step forward with the country’s largest 5G network,” said Mirko Bibic, President and CEO of BCE and Bell Canada, in a news release. “As the world rapidly embraces the Fifth Generation of wireless, Bell is ready to ensure Canada remains at the forefront of 5G innovation and accessibility. The COVID-19 crisis has clearly underscored the critical importance of high-quality networks to keeping consumers, businesses and governments connected and informed, and Bell remains committed to building the best as we take wireless into the next generation.”

“With 5G coverage that is six times greater than the next largest network, the biggest selection of 5G-capable devices available and faster data speeds than even our award-winning Advanced LTE network, Bell Mobility has once again raised the bar in Canadian wireless,” said Claire Gillies, President of Bell Mobility. “As the scale, speed and capabilities of our next-generation network continue to grow, Bell Mobility will champion the 5G customer experience in every part of our business.” 

Bell said its 5G customers in Montréal, the GTA, CalgaryEdmonton and Vancouver will have access to enhanced mobile data speeds and faster response times, as well as seamless connections to Bell’s national LTE network – which reaches 99 per cent of the Canadian population and already offers data speeds that independent analysts have found rank with the fastest in the world.