On Tuesday, in Ottawa, a new initiative was announced to lay the groundwork for a fifth generation wireless, or 5G network in Canada with ENCQOR (Evolution of Networked Services through a Corridor in Québec and Ontario for Research and Innovation).

ENCQOR is a transformational $400 million partnership consisting of five technology leaders (Ericsson, Ciena, Thales, IBM and CGI) and provincial coordinators Prompt, CEFRIO, and Ontario Centres for Excellence (OCE).

This initiative aims to accelerate the transition to game-changing 5G technology in Quebec, Ontario, and Canada by bringing together a wide network of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), industry, government, researchers and academia in both provinces to collaborate on the creation and commercialization of new and disruptive products, processes, and services.

ENCQOR will focus on research and innovation in the field of 5G disruptive technologies, on adoption initiatives and system uses. With download speeds up to 100 times faster than current 4G technology, 5G and ENCQOR will transform the capabilities of SMEs to create and compete in the global marketplace.

“This exciting 5G initiative will help our businesses here in Ontario—and across Canada—capitalize on the vast potential of high-speed communications technology to expand their horizons, accelerate their innovation, and transform the way we all live and do business,” says Reza Moridi, Ontario’s Minister of Research, Innovation and Science.

“The ENCQOR project will enable a significant step in the evolution and commercialization of 5G, and we look forward to working with these partners to drive forward this next generation of mobile networks. Ciena’s expertise in packet, optical and software-enabled technologies plays a key role in creating more adaptive networks accelerating the adoption of 5G.” according to Scott McFeely, Senior Vice President, Ciena.

Press Announcement  https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/historic-encqor-partnership-will-launch-canadas-5g-communication-highway-677269083.html

News Story http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/5g-wireless-technology-1.4575838

ENCQOR web site http://www.encqor.ca/