eResearch | 5G is the 5th generation of wireless cellular technology with the promise of higher performance & improved efficiency and will be the foundation for a myriad of solutions & new industries. We provide an overview of 15 Canadian companies with 5G products, services, and solutions.
What is 5G Cellular Technology?
“5G” is a big “buzz” word in the media. 5G is the fifth generation of wireless cellular technology and promises higher performance, and improved efficiency, and will be the foundation for a myriad of new industries utilizing the new communication standard.
The technology aims to connect virtually everyone and everything together including, machines, objects, and other devices. The innovation promises to deliver higher multi-Gbps peak data speeds, ultra-low latency (very high volume of data with very low tolerance for delay), more reliability, and a more uniform experience for more users.
Next-generation applications that will benefit from the high-bandwidth and low-latency technology include enterprise computing, live video streaming, robotics & smart factories, video security, video & eSports gaming, and virtual reality.
Bell, Rogers, and TELUS – Slowing Rolling out the Technology
Rogers Communications (TSX: RCI) is a leading technology and media company, and, starting in January, was the first telecommunications (telco) company in Canada to launch a 5G network.
Rogers is partnering with European telco hardware company Ericsson Telecommunications (OM: ERIC B). The rollout started in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Vancouver and it is expected to reach 20 more markets by the end of 2020.
Ericsson has signed 92 commercial 5G agreements with telecom providers worldwide and is the first company to enable commercial 5G networks on 4 continents.
On June 2, two of Canada’s largest telecom companies announced partnerships with European suppliers for their 5G networks amid political issues involving Canada, the U.S., and China.
Bell Canada, a subsidiary of BCE Inc. (TSX: BCE), disclosed that Ericsson will provide the equipment for Bell’s national 5G wireless network. Then, on June 12, Bell announced the launch of its commercial 5G service in Montréal, the Greater Toronto Area, Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver, and the continued roll-out to more cities by the end of the year.
“Ericsson plays an important role in enabling Bell’s award-winning LTE network and we’re pleased to grow our partnership into 5G mobile and fixed wireless technology,” said Stephen Howe, Bell’s Chief Technology Officer.
TELUS Corporation (TSX: T) announced it has selected Ericsson and Nokia Corporation (HLSE: NOKIA) to support building its 5G network. TELUS has invested almost $200 billion in technology since 2000 and expects to invest $40 billion more over the next three years to support the rollout of 5G networks.
“Our team is committed to rolling out superior network technology from urban to rural communities, fueling our economy and driving innovation as we power Canadians into the 5G era through an unparalleled network experience”, said Darren Entwistle, President and CEO.
Earlier this year, TELUS announced that it would launch its 5G network by the end of 2020 with Chinese-based hardware supplier Huawei Technologies Co.
Currently, Ottawa is conducting a security review of Huawei and there is political pressure on Canada to restrict Huawei from intelligence allies including the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, and the U.K.
Other Canadian 5-G Public Companies
Besides the Canadian telcos, other Canadian public companies are focused on providing a variety of products, services, and solutions in the 5G ecosystem.
American Aires Inc. (CSE: WIFI)
American Aires sells products developed to protect consumers from the effects of electromagnetic radiation caused by 5G technology. Pre-sales of its new 5G product is scheduled to begin in June.
ARHT Media Inc. (TSXV: ART)
ARHT Media develops high-quality hologram content. The technology captures, transmits, and displays high-quality 4K holograms of people. The applications are used for 5G cloud gaming, smart home and smart city solutions, remote healthcare, and ARHT’s Holographic Telepresence.
Baylin Technologies (TSX: BYL)
Baylin has three divisions that focus on wireless technology. The Alga Microwave subsidiary specializes in 5G filters to prevent interference between cellular and satellite networks. On May 20, the Baylin subsidiary Alga announced that it received a purchase order for over $2.5 million of its C-Band 5G Filters.
C-COM Satellite Systems Inc. (TSXV: CMI)
C-COM develops and deploys satellite-based technology for the delivery of two-way communications. In conjunction with the University of Waterloo, C-COM is investing in R&D to develop the next generation of antenna technologies. The goal is to produce a patentable Ka-band antenna technology designed be compatible with 5G and other millimeter wave technologies.
EXFO Inc. (TSX: EXF)
EXFO develops solutions in the global communications industry. EXFO offers a blend of equipment, software, and services related to fiber, 4G/LTE, and 5G deployments. Although EXFO revised guidance downward on February 24, they said demand drivers for fiber and 5G deployments remain robust on a global basis despite the delays caused by the COVID-19 crisis.
Martello Technologies (TSXV: MTLO)
Martello is a technology company that provides solutions to optimize the performance of real-time cloud services. In December 2019, the Company said it was among the first SD-WAN vendors in Canada to pursue 5G certification on the ENCQOR 5G testbed.
NuRAN Wireless (CSE: NUR)
NuRAN is a supplier of mobile and broadband wireless infrastructure solutions for remote locations. In 2019, NuRAN announced it was conducting over-the-air 5G communication tests between its equipment and commercial 5G smartphones.
POET Technologies (TSXV: PTK)
POET is the designer and developer of the POET Optical Interposer and Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs). In September 2019, the POET announced the 400G transceiver products will allow it to enter the 5G wireless telecommunications market.
Redline Communications (TSX: RDL)
Redline designs and manufactures wireless networks in remote locations to service industries including oil & gas, mining, and utilities. On March 30, Redline announced the development of industrial applications of 5G in its iLTE products as well as in its next generation of Virtual Fiber.
TeraGo Inc. (TSX: TGO)
TeraGo provides cloud, colocation, and connectivity services across Canada. TeraGo owns a national portfolio of 24GHz and 38GHz wide-area spectrum licenses. TeraGo envisions being one of the first operators to launch commercial 5G fixed wireless services in Canada. On May 5, TeraGo disclosed the start of technical trials in the Greater Toronto Area with Nokia and Askey Computer Corporation, a subsidiary of ASUSTeK Computer (TSEC: 2357).
Tower One Wireless Corp. (CSE: TO)
Tower One builds, owns, and operates multi-tenant wireless communications infrastructure in Argentina, Colombia and Mexico. In the U.S., Tower One focuses on the rollout of 5G and has successfully completed over 100 sites for equipment manufacturers Ericsson and Nokia, and mobile network operators, T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) and AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T).
Sierra Wireless (TSX: SW)
Sierra Wireless is a leading Internet-of-Things (“IoT”) solutions provider. On February 24, Sierra Wireless announced an expanded portfolio of mobile broadband embedded modules for mobile computing, routers, gateways, industrial automation, and new IoT applications that are targeted at 5G and 4G LTE solutions.
TABLE 1: Canadian 5-G Public Companies (by Market Cap)
