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Canada’s major telecommunications companies are adding additional cell towers to avoid service disruptions in the Niagara Region, and other viewing hotspots, during the total solar eclipse on April 8.
The large crowds flocking to view the rare event are expected to put a strain on cellular networks
Canada’s major telecommunications companies are adding additional cell towers to avoid service disruptions in the Niagara Region, and other viewing hotspots, during the total solar eclipse on April 8.
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The Niagara Region is expected to be one of the most popular viewing areas in Canada. Several municipalities in the region fall within the eclipse’s path of totality and Niagara Regional Police have estimated that one million people could descend on Niagara Falls alone. The region has declared a state of emergency to prepare for the influx of people.
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The last total solar eclipse in North America was almost seven years ago, on Aug. 21, 2017.
The large crowds flocking to view the rare event are expected to put a strain on cellular networks. In response, telecommunication carriers are taking measures to ensure that areas along the path of totality continue to have operable networks.
“Our team is already on the ground, installing portable mobile towers and mobile trucks to increase capacity,” Rogers Communications said in an emailed statement to National Post.
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These portable mobile towers, also known as a Cell on Wheels (COW), and mobile trucks (Cell on Light Trucks) will be added in key locations, the company said.
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In an emailed statement to National Post, Bell Canada said COWs will “add capacity for increased internet and voice usage.”
Cellular providers are also taking extra precautions to avoid potential disruptions throughout the day.
“Routine maintenance work that can impact capacity will be put on hold so that data and voice services are optimized for larger groups of people,” read the statement from Bell.
Rogers has also “conducted network health checks, completed targeted upgrades and are optimizing sites to add more capacity.”
TELUS Mobility also said it will work to minimize the impact on cellular connectivity.
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“Our team is ready to work around the clock, will actively and continuously monitor our network performance during the event and will maintain critical lines of communication with our partners to coordinate our efforts,” TELUS said in a statement.
Emergency officials in central Texas, another area in the eclipse’s path of totality, have also warned of possible jammed signals. In 2017, drivers used their cellphones to share photos and navigate through traffic-overwhelmed towers.
Texas officials recommend preparing a “solar eclipse survival bag” containing items such as a mobile phone, charger, a hard-copy map and a compass — as a precaution in case you can’t access your phone’s GPS.
The reminder to bring a fully charged phone is widespread in prime viewing spots.
“Write down key phone numbers just in case,” advised the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, 80 kilometers east of Austin.
National Post, with additional reporting from The Associated Press
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CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
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