Collaboration Key to Ensuring 5G is a Success in Canada: Ghiz

OTTAWA, Jan. 23, 2019 /CNW/ - 5G wireless networks have tremendous potential for Canada, and Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA) President & CEO Robert Ghiz called today on wireless stakeholders in Canada to work collaboratively to ensure the arrival and deployment of these new networks a success. Mr. Ghiz made the remarks this morning while opening the 5G Canada Conference 2019, an event where guests and members of the CWTA's 5G Canada Council will share their different perspectives on 5G wireless networks  – what they will mean for Canada, specific use cases, and an understanding of the technology behind 5G. 

"Canadians in every province and territory are able to enjoy world class wireless networks. OpenSignal referred to Canada as a 'global 4G superpower,'" said Mr. Ghiz, who noted that mobile data consumption has continued to grow. "Investments in innovation made by our facilities-based carrier members – now close to $50 billion and counting in capital expenditures – are meeting this ever-increasing demand for high speed connectivity by providing Canadians with world-class wireless service." Mr. Ghiz also reflected on the wireless sector's importance to Canada, noting the significance of Canada's position as a 4G superpower as the country moves closer to 5G.

Mr. Ghiz observed that consumers and businesses rely increasingly on Canada's world class wireless networks. "Virtually every business sector depends on Canada's wireless industry for their success and continued growth," said Mr. Ghiz, who stated that he expects that the importance of wireless services will only grow in significance to the Canadian economy. Studies commissioned by CWTA have indicated the introduction of 5G networks could add hundreds of thousands of new jobs, and as much as $40 billion in incremental GDP to Canada's economy by 2026."

"Our facilities-based carriers have worked to position Canada at the forefront of 4G world and pave the way for the arrival of 5G in our country," said Mr. Ghiz. "Collaboration building off of today's conference will be key to maintaining Canada as a world leader in the wireless sector. It is only through collaboration that we will be able to take advantage of all the opportunities that 5G can deliver."

For more information on the CWTA's 5G Canada Conference and the 5G Canada Council, please visit https://www.cwta.ca/5gcc/.

About CWTA
CWTA is the authority on wireless issues, developments and trends in Canada. It represents companies that provide services and products across the wireless sector. Representing the industry before all levels of government and various regulatory agencies, CWTA actively promotes the industry with the goal of ensuring continued growth of the wireless sector in Canada. CWTA administers a number of initiatives on behalf of its members, including corporate social responsibility programs and the national common short codes program.

About the 5G Canada Council
The 5G Canada Council is administered by the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA). This multi-stakeholder Council was founded to serve as a forum to encourage a supportive and dynamic 5G ecosystem in Canada, including the efficient rollout of related technologies. Through research and cross-sector collaboration, the 5G Canada Council will work to identify the common challenges, benefits, and priorities related to the introduction, development and impact of 5G technologies across numerous industries and varied stakeholders.

SOURCE Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association

Media enquiries: For CWTA: Greg Burch, 204-250-9244, [email protected]