Calgary, Rogers partner for initiative allowing small businesses, researchers to explore benefits of 5G

A new initiative by Calgary Economic Development, Platform Calgary, and Rogers, announced Tuesday, aims to allow researchers, developers, and companies to explore and leverage the benefits of 5G technology.

Calgary’s 5G Discovery Zone will leverage existing infrastructure to streamline connectivity and testing environments to make it easier for academia, researchers, start-ups and small and medium-sized businesses to research and commercialize their products, the city says.

In the test environment, business owners, creators, and researchers will be able to explore what 5G connectivity could mean for their product or service including economic benefits and opportunities.

There are three discovery zone programs: the Connect & Test Program, the connect and test plus program, and the themed challenges program.

The first encourages small and medium-sized businesses and start-ups to submit their proposed experiments for the 5G Discovery Zone. A panel of Rogers-led panel will make selections from those submissions and will equip participants with the tools to test their ideas independently, including SIM cards, devices, and other specialized technologies.

The Connect & Test Plus Program will see small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups participating in Connect & Test join a mentorship program, designed to speed up the development of their 5G use cases within the Discovery Zone. Those who participate in this program will get engineering support from Rogers and its partners, including monthly support hours, webinars, and other resources.

The third program, Themed Challenges, gets small and medium-sized businesses and start-ups to submit their ideas for 5G application ideas that address specific challenges in transportation and mobility, public safety, and climate and environment.

Winning ideas will get funding from program partners to develop their concept within the the 5G Discovery with support from Rogers and its partners throughout the development process.

“As we introduce the 5G Discovery Zone, we’re embarking on a journey to improve public safety, mobility and climate resilience in Calgary,” said Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “This initiative demonstrates the city’s strong commitment to fostering innovation, supporting local businesses and delivering solutions. Together, we’re building a sustainable and adaptable Calgary.”

“As Canada’s largest and most reliable 5G network provider, we’re focused on using our network to drive innovation and bring industry-leading technology to Canadians,” said Ron McKenzie, Chief Technology and Information Officer at Rogers Communications. “As part of our investment in western Canada, this testbed will enable The City of Calgary and developers in advancing 5G applications that contribute to improving public safety in Canada and our climate and environment.”

Rogers is the parent company of CityNews660.