OTTAWA — The governments of Canada, Ontario and Quebec are partnering with some of the world’s digital heavyweights to usher in the next generation of wireless technology. Ericsson, Ciena Canada, Thales Canada, IBM Canada and CGI will lead the public-private partnership, which is expected to “secure” more than 4,000 jobs, 1,800 of which will be specialized in 5G. Borje Ekholm, CEO of Swedish telecom giant Ericsson, said Canada is “leapfrogging” to the front of 5G technology with its commitment to wireless innovation. It’s expected that the rollout of 5G networks will also help bolster internet access for rural communities that currently have poor broadband connections. Some American officials have also expressed concerns that Chinese companies, such as Huawei, could take a larger, or even a dominant, role in setting 5G technology and standards and practices.

Source: National Post March 19, 2018 13:41 UTC