Rogers partners with MDEI students to help Canadians experience the capabilities of 5G

The University of Waterloo has become one of the first 5G smart campuses in Canada as part of a partnership with Rogers Communications that leverages the University’s global leadership in computing, engineering, creativity, and industry relationships.

The launch of 5G across Canada marks the next big step in evolving the way Canadians connect to the world around them. Expected to be the most transformative technology since wireless services were introduced in 1985, 5G will make real-time connectivity a reality, accelerating the transition to a truly digitally connected world.

When Rogers leaders wanted to explore the best way to demonstrate how 5G technology could benefit Canadians, they engaged their students working on a Capstone Design project at the Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business. The result was a concept for a Holoportation Mystery Box, which would allow baseball fans to have a conversation with players. Although still in the conceptual stage, it gives Canadians a hands-on experience of what 5G can do. Attending an event and interacting with people across the country, virtual tactile shopping, improving virtual reality headsets, and better access during emergencies for first responders are all possibilities with 5G.

“It’s fun seeing the potential of this technology and how different the future may look,” says Sydney Lamorea, a Master of Digital Experience Innovation (MDEI) student at the Stratford School and the Holoportation Mystery Box project leader.

Working with Rogers provided opportunities for the student group to develop a tangible concept, build teamwork skills, and pitch their 5G idea to the marketing team.

and the University of Waterloo stands out for its engineering and technological expertise,” says Neel Dayal, Director of Innovation and Partnerships at Rogers. “We are very excited about the made-in-Canada 5G technology that this partnership will bring.

Read more about the University of Waterloo and Rogers Communications partnership on advanced research for Canadian-made 5G solutions.

*This article originally appeared in Waterloo Stories and has been adapted for the Stratford School.