Toronto subway riders hoping for seamless 5G connectivity throughout their commutes may face further delays. A recent internal report reveals the ambitious project to blanket the entire underground network is falling behind schedule, jeopardizing a key federal deadline.
The core issue isn’t a failure of the network provider, but rather the inherent challenges of working within Toronto’s aging transit infrastructure. Unexpected hurdles, like the discovery of asbestos requiring careful removal, are significantly impacting progress.
The initial goal, set by the federal government in 2023, demanded 80% of subway tunnels have voice, text, and data service by the end of this month. Current projections estimate only 70% completion by year’s end, with full coverage now anticipated in the second quarter of 2027 – years beyond the original timeline.
Work is painstakingly scheduled during overnight hours and weekend closures to minimize disruption for commuters. However, even these carefully planned windows are frequently disrupted, further slowing the installation of vital equipment and necessary asbestos abatement.
The project, which began in April 2023 with the acquisition of the subway network by a major carrier, initially promised to expand access beyond a limited customer base. Negotiations with other providers eventually opened the network to a wider range of users, but the physical build-out has proven complex.
Significant progress *has* been made. Service is currently active in the busiest downtown sections and along key portions of Line 1 and Line 2. However, substantial work remains, particularly on sections requiring extensive asbestos remediation between Eglinton and York Mills stations, and Dundas West to Lansdowne stations.
Line 4, the newest addition to Toronto’s subway system, has yet to even begin the process of cellular activation. This highlights the ongoing challenge of integrating modern technology into an evolving infrastructure.
The transit agency is prioritizing “state-of-good-repair” activities, sometimes requiring a shift in resources away from the 5G rollout. This balancing act between modernization and essential maintenance is a critical factor in the project’s delays.
While the federal government imposed the initial deadlines, a response to the updated timeline projections was not immediately available. The TTC continues to work with the network provider, focusing on equipment installation, asbestos removal, and rigorous testing as sections are completed.
