Bell says it’s bringing enhancements to its mobile network to support increased traffic in some regions as part of the upcoming FIFA Word Cup. Further, the carrier will have some on-site events related to the upcoming tournament.
This enhanced mobile network is mainly Bell’s 5G+ Advanced 3,800MHz network with some improvements. For one, Bell upgraded from four-carrier aggregation (CA) to five CA, which the carrier says boosts speeds by up to 24 per cent. Carrier aggreggation is a technique that uses multiple blocks of radio frequency — called ‘component carriers’ — for the same user to enable the higher speeds.
Further, Bell says it committed more than $25 million to expand network capacity in Toronto and Vancouver ahead of the World Cup. That includes nearly triple capacity at Toronto Stadium, and deploying cells on wheels (COWs), temporary cell towers to boost coverage at over 45 existing sites in both cities.
Moreover, Bell says it will work behind the scenes to monitor and optimize network performance in real time throughout the World Cup, as well as running extensive testing and more.
Outside of the network team, Bell will be in Vancouver as a Vancouver Host City Supporter — having a presence at the FIFA Fan Festival.
Bell’s media division will also have a presence at the World Cup, as it is partnering with FIFA Canada on Canada Celebrates, which is a nationwide celebration program that will help bring the tournament to communities across Canada.
TSN, a division of Bell Media, will also have daily coverage from Vancouver’s Jack Poole Plaza from June 11 to July 7. Bell says this studio will serve as a “home base” for live hits, interviews, and content that could work for live broadcast, streaming, and socials.
The World Cup kicks off on June 11 as Mexico takes on South Africa at Estadio Banorte in Mexico City.
