Rogers Invests $27M in 5G+ Upgrades for FIFA World Cup
TORONTO — As Canada prepares to host the world for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, telecommunications giant Rogers has announced a significant expansion of its digital infrastructure. The company has completed a $22 million network enhancement project focused on BMO Field and critical surrounding districts in Toronto, part of a broader $27 million national investment to ensure high-capacity connectivity during the tournament.
To meet the density demands expected when thousands of global soccer fans descend on the city, a dedicated team of 30 technicians poured nearly 40,000 hours into local network planning and installation. The effort includes structural upgrades to BMO Field, which essentially provide the capacity equivalent of adding 16 new cell towers to Toronto’s downtown core. This effort utilizes advanced 5G Standalone (5G SA) technology over the 3,500 MHz spectrum to deliver superior speed and lower latency.
“As Canada’s best 5G+ network, we’re committed to bringing fans the best experience, whether they’re at the stadium or in a fan zone,” said Mark Kennedy, Chief Technology Officer at Rogers. “These enhancements ensure our network is ready for global events like FIFA, while delivering long-term benefits for the local Toronto community.”
Key upgrades include:
- $22 million in infrastructure investment specifically for Toronto’s BMO Field and city-wide high-traffic zones.
- Deployment of 5G Standalone (5G SA) technology, which utilizes the 3,500 MHz spectrum to optimize capacity and speed for massive crowds.
- Expansion to transportation hubs and hotels, including upgrades at Pearson International Airport, Union Station, and select TTC subway stations to manage tournament-related traffic spikes.
- A $5 million targeted investment in Vancouver to bolster connectivity at BC Place and other key metropolitan areas.
Beyond permanent infrastructure, the company is deploying temporary solutions including ‘Cells on Wheels’ (COWs) and ‘Cells on Light Facilities’ to bridge capacity gaps in areas experiencing extreme tourist surges. These sites provide critical reliability in the proximity of fan zones and transit hubs.
Rogers, which has been cited as Canada’s most reliable 5G+ network by industry analysts, reached its latest milestone by building on a track record of high-profile event support. The company previously invested $8 million at the Rogers Centre in 2025 and $10 million in Vancouver’s BC Place ahead of major live entertainment events in 2024. Building on these experiences, Rogers is using the FIFA tournament to introduce ‘Priority Network Access’ for its 5G+ Ultimate plan customers. The service, a first in the Canadian consumer market, allows users to receive preferential bandwidth access during peak network congestion.
Combined with the $5 million allocated for Vancouver, the $27 million total investment underscores Rogers’ strategy to position its network as the primary backbone for Canada’s growing international sports and entertainment profile.
