Excitement about the next-generation of cellular technology continues to build around the world. Companies and countries are moving on such efforts to gain early market advantage and lay claim to first-to-launch-5G bragging rights.
And Canada wants in on the action.
As part of its push in this arena, Canada, Montreal, and Ottawa, and various technology companies are working together via the 5G ENCQOR initiative. CGI, Ciena Canada, Ericsson, IBM, and Thales (News - Alert) Canada are part of this $400-million ENCQOR partnership, which is funded by the three Canadian governments.
Late last month these organizations announced plans to launch two 5G innovation sites this fall. That includes a Montreal facility called the Centech of the Ecole de technologie superieure. The other site is called the Joint Urban Sciences Research Unit. That will be located in Metropolitan Quebec Technological Park.
Interested parties can use the equipment and other resources at these sites to develop, test, and demonstrate pre-commercial 5G products and services. ENCQOR will also provide small and medium enterprises with funding.
CEFRIO and Prompt are supporting ENCQOR in Montreal. The Ontario Centers of Excellence is providing support for ENCQOR in Ontario.
The long-term goal is to create a pre-commercial 5G wireless telecommunications corridor in Canada to support work on autonomous and connected vehicles, entertainment and media on demand, the Internet of Things, online education and health, networks, and smart cities.
“The ENCQOR project will strengthen Québec's competitiveness in the global economy and will greatly benefit Québec companies in the information and communications technology sector, as well as in the research and education sectors," said David Birnbaum, who is involved in the Montreal effort.
Edited by Maurice Nagle