Ben Klass, a PhD candidate at Carleton University who researches telecommunications policy, said it's within the CRTC's powers to issue a mandate if the providers won't voluntarily give their customers the ability to call, text or browse the web while underground.
But only Freedom Mobile has signed on to provide coverage to its customers through BAI's network. Rogers, Bell and Telus have declined to do so. “Connectivity is essential during emergencies and when TTC riders feel unsafe, allowing them to contact loved ones or call for help when the emergency alarm is out of reach,” states the website, which remains active.
In a statement, Rogers spokesman Cam Gordon said the company knows “rider safety is a key concern for Torontonians.” That was prompted by an increase in violent incidents on the TTC over the past year, including the stabbing death of 16-year-old Gabriel Magalhaes at Keele station on March 25.“If we received advice from city staff and the TTC about the need to reach out to the regulator, we would follow that advice,” said David Turnbull, a spokesman for the deputy mayor, in an email.
Rosa Addario of OpenMedia, an advocacy organization that promotes internet accessibility, said she is hopeful that recent incidents will “give new attention and pressure to the issue that customers are at risk because are failing to serve them.”
Or create more competition to force companies to provide better services and cheaper plans!, right Ryan_r_Williams
TTC There should be cell phone service all across the subway system.
Fakesperts 2023?
You mean to tell me that this was not done by the CRTC already? What on earth kind of city do we live in when the monopolies are not compelled to provide the lowest modicum of service. Third rate city parading around with delusions of grandeur and we are all taken for a ride.
IT'S A MUST! ESPECIALLY WITH THE INCREASE OF VIOLENT INCIDENTS.
Do these experts know ppl are being attacked on the subway? Maybe CCTV and security would better
This is a TTC issue more so than a carrier issue. The TTC awarded a contract to a company that did not have agreements with the carriers. Freedom signed on because they have an inferior network, they felt this could be a competitive advantage. Montréal transit uses the carriers
Municipal broadband and cellular please :)
And now homeless people will never leave and the subway will basically become a rolling shelter. Brilliant 👏
Hopeless CRTC
Now that Rogers very own John Tory resigned. Interesting timing eh
Another example of the cumulative effect of electing mayors and provincial governments who don’t view themselves as public servants, but rather opportunists who can line their pockets by appeasing wealthy donors.
Finally
This would be a better way to spend billions of dollars than to increase the police budget
It’s 2023 and Toronto doesn’t have a consistent clear cell signal in the subway bottoms, unbelievable