5G on the Rogers Network - FAQs

5G stands for fifth generation. 5G is the latest and most transformative network technology offered since wireless services were introduced in 1985 and will change the way we live, work and experience the world around us.

As they evolve, 5G networks will allow us to stream, download and upload massive amounts of data at unprecedented speeds. And with the capacity to link together billions of devices, 5G will connect us not only with our loved ones but to our homes, machines, cars, businesses and communities in ways we can only imagine.

The 3500 MHz (or 3.5 GHz) spectrum is the latest network technology that will improve the delivery of the existing Rogers 5G network. 3500 MHz spectrum will help the 5G network deliver a better combination of speed, capacity and coverage, and is anticipated to offer up to 50% more network capacity.

With the improvements from 3500 MHz to the 5G network, it will deliver faster speeds, response and download times supporting Canada’s largest and most reliable 5G network*. 

• Think: At crowded concerts or sports games, these network improvements will reduce congestion so you can stay connected at blazing fast speeds among large crowds.
• Think: You can download an HD movie in as little as 1 minute.

5G 3500 MHz is a mid-band spectrum of the 5G network that is anticipated to deliver on faster speeds, and up to 50% more capacity so you can stream seamlessly and connect more devices in crowed spaces. Think of it as more lanes on a highway to be able to handle more traffic.

5G 3500 MHz is not a new generation mobile network. It is the latest technology that supports the overall 5G experience that will create improvements to help enable more capabilities of the fifth-generation mobile network (5G). A sixth-generation network is non-existent yet and is still considered globally to be in research and development.

5G will, over time, offer us experiences unlike any we've seen so far:

Connections everywhere

5G will support many more connections as the number of connected devices in our homes, businesses and communities grow.

• Think: Smart cities and digitally connected world!

Instant responses

5G will bring us ultra-low latency, meaning near-instantaneous network access and less of a delay in sending and receiving data.

• Think: Instant responses and lag-fee multi-player cloud gaming

Unprecedented speeds

5G will allow you to stream, download and upload massive quantities of data at unprecedented speeds.

• Think: Downloading your 4K movie in the blink of an eye

Today with 3500 MHz, 5G offers faster speeds vs 4G, and more capacity to support increased data use, so more consumers will continue to get faster and more responsive over time. Rogers has the largest and most reliable 5G network in Canada today*.

5G Standalone is the next important step in evolving 5G connectivity. As we make enhancements to our 5G network, the 5G Standalone service will help bring more advanced wireless capabilities including ultra-low latency data transmission, network slicing and mobile edge computing. Find out more about our 5G Standalone device certification and how we’re leading the way for 5G in Canada.

We rolled out Canada’s first 5G network in Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal in 2020. Today, we provide 5G service in over 1,600 communities and we’re continuing to expand across Canada! Today we are proud to offer Canada’s largest and most reliable 5G network*. Check our network coverage map for current availability.

We have started to roll out the 3500 MHz spectrum access to urban core areas of select Canadian cities. We will be continually expanding access in more communities throughout 2022 and into 2023 until there is widespread coverage throughout Canada. Check our 5G 3500 MHz coverage map for current availability.

If you are in a 5G 3500 MHz coverage area with a compatible device and plan, your phone will automatically connect to the new spectrum. There is no network indicator on your device that will show access, you will continue to see a 5G connection on your device.

5G access is included with Rogers Infinite plans at no extra charge.

If you have a 5G compatible device that supports 5G band n78 with a 5G Multi-SIM and are in a 5G 3500 MHz covered area & subscribe to a Rogers Infinite plan you will have access, without any additional charge.

5G access requires a 5G-enabled device and a 5G multi-SIM in an area where there is 5G coverage. See our current 5G coverage map.

5G access is included with Rogers Infinite_TM plans at no extra charge.

Access to the 5G 3500 MHz spectrum requires a 5G-enabled device that supports the n78 5G Band (you can find this in the device specs) and a 5G multi-SIM in an area where there is 5G 3500 MHz coverage. See our current 5G 3.5Ghz Access coverage map.

5G access is included with Rogers Infinite_TM plans at no extra charge. You will automatically connect if you have all the above. No action is required.

No, we’re continuing to invest in our 4G LTE network. Our 4G LTE and 5G networks work together providing seamless coverage and the confidence to stay connected across Canada.

Yes, but we suggest you check with your device manufacturer to make sure your device is certified for use on our network.

Keep in mind, to access our 5G network you’ll need a Rogers Infinite plan. You’ll be able to access 5G at no extra charge. Also you’ll need to be in an area with 5G coverage.

We have started to roll out 5G roaming on select devices in the United States, and more devices will have this feature over time. For devices that do not currently support 5G roaming, you can use Roam Like Home_TM with your 5G phone in over 185 international destinations when travelling, all for a low daily rate. Learn more about Roam Like Home.

You might not be able to connect to a 5G network because:

• Your device is connecting to an HSPA+ or 4G LTE network, as that network’s signal is stronger.
• You’re in an Extended Coverage area.
• You’re roaming outside of Canada.

We take our responsibility for keeping customer data and information private and secure very seriously.

We work with government and industry partners to help ensure our networks are safe and secure, and we ensure that the standards they set are built into our networks, including 5G.

Since 1985, we've partnered with Ericsson and invested billions in our wireless networks to deliver a faster, more reliable experience than ever before. Today we continue to work together to boost and densify our fibre-powered network with 5G-ready technology.

Additionally, the devices we sell meet all Government of Canada standards and are certified for use in Canada.

The health and safety of all Canadians is of utmost importance to us. We work closely with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada to make sure every product and service we offer Canadians meets rigorous safety standards.

All of our products and services meet Safety Code 6: Health Canada's Radiofrequency Exposure Guidelines.

For further information about Safety Code 6, please visit Health Canada’s website. 

Additional information can also be found at the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association.

Please refer to the links below that further describe the distinction between the different mobile network generations and spectrum availability.

5G vs 4G: What is the difference? - Ericsson

Rogers continues Canada’s 5G network leadership with leading investment in 3500 MHz 5G spectrum, reaching 99.4% of Canadians - About Rogers

See our Rogers 5G page to learn more! >

Interested in 5G for your business? Learn more >

Full Details

* Rogers was ranked first in the umlaut Mobile Data Performance audit in Q2, 2021. Rogers achieved Best In Test in the umlaut Mobile Network Benchmark Canada for 2021. Visit https://www.umlaut.com/en/benchmarking/canada. Largest based on total square kilometers of Rogers 5G coverage compared to published coverage of other national networks.