Canada is one of the countries with the most extensive 5G high-speed network in the world, with 95.85 per cent of the population having access to this technology. The goal remains to expand that percentage even further, ensuring that every citizen has access to reliable high-speed connectivity.
As part of this ongoing effort, Sarens, a company specializing in heavy lifting, engineered transport, and crane rental services, has collaborated with Walsh Wireless on behalf of Rogers Communications to modernize and extend high-speed connectivity in Vancouver. This project involved replacing an existing cell tower with a new, state-of-the-art structure designed to enhance network capabilities and support growing demand.
The demand for faster and more reliable connectivity has been on the rise due to the increasing reliance on mobile data for business, entertainment and everyday communication. The expansion of 5G coverage is particularly crucial in metropolitan areas where network congestion can impact the quality of service. The newly installed tower in Vancouver is expected to alleviate pressure on existing infrastructure and improve overall network performance.
Walsh Wireless, a well-established company specializing in cell site construction, tower erection, maintenance and technical support services, has worked closely with Sarens on several projects in the past. With an extensive crane and transportation fleet, as well as a strict commitment to safety, Sarens was an ideal choice for this critical operation.
The modernization of this cell tower was part of Rogers Communications’ broader strategy to enhance coverage and strengthen network capacity in high-density areas. Vancouver, being one of Canada’s most populated urban centers, experiences high demand for mobile connectivity, requiring infrastructure upgrades to maintain and improve service quality. With data traffic increasing exponentially due to the rise in video streaming, remote work, and cloud-based services, having a network capable of handling peak loads is essential.
Given the constrained work area, selecting the appropriate machinery was a critical aspect of planning
To further ensure a smooth and efficient installation process, both companies conducted extensive pre-construction planning. This included evaluating environmental conditions, securing necessary permits, and coordinating with local authorities to minimize disruptions to nearby residents and businesses. Such meticulous preparation played a vital role in preventing delays and ensuring that safety regulations were met.
Walsh Wireless was tasked with replacing an aging cell tower in South Vancouver. Given the complexity of the job, Sarens was commissioned to handle the dismantling of the old structure and the erection of the new one. The engineering team at Sarens conducted a comprehensive site survey to assess space limitations, soil conditions and equipment requirements. Given the constrained work area, selecting the appropriate machinery was a critical aspect of planning.
After careful evaluation, the team determined that the Liebherr LTM1095 crane, with a load capacity of up to 120 tonnes, was best suited for the primary lifting tasks. Additionally, a boom truck with a 55-ton capacity was chosen to assist with dismantling and transportation needs. Both pieces of equipment had to be transported from the Surrey warehouse to South Vancouver, requiring additional logistical co-ordination to accommodate the counterweights and support vehicles necessary for the operation.
Transporting and positioning the heavy equipment required strategic maneuvering to ensure compliance with road regulations and avoid unnecessary delays. The team meticulously planned routes, accounting for traffic patterns and structural limitations, to ensure the safe arrival of the machinery at the designated site. This level of preparation highlights the importance of logistical coordination in large-scale infrastructure projects.
Once all the equipment arrived on site, the Sarens team quickly moved into action. Within just two hours, the crane was fully assembled and prepared for operation. Given the specialized nature of the project, only personnel with extensive experience in handling cellular tower operations were involved to ensure efficiency and safety.
The primary challenge during the operation was the narrow access points leading to the worksite. Maneuvering large cranes within a confined space required extreme precision. The team had to calculate clearances and load capacities to ensure that the old tower could be safely toppled and removed without damaging surrounding infrastructure. The boom truck was utilized for this phase of the operation, providing the necessary flexibility and reach to disassemble the tower in sections.
Following the removal of the old tower, the next step was to erect the new structure. This stage required precise co-ordination between crane operators and ground crews. The Liebherr crane was used for this task, as it had the necessary capacity and range to lift the new tower components into place. With each section hoisted and secured, the structure quickly took shape, reinforcing the network’s ability to handle greater data loads and provide more consistent service quality.
Despite the challenges posed by space limitations, the entire operation was completed smoothly and within the expected timeframe. Favourable weather conditions further contributed to the project’s success, allowing for uninterrupted progress over the four-day period allocated for completion.
“We are very pleased with the work done in Vancouver on the new cell tower, not only because it will increase coverage and connection quality, but also because it was done in a very short time frame of just four days and as always with the safety of operations as a priority. We look forward to continuing our co-operation with Walsh Wireless to boost Canada’s connectivity,” said Brett Allen, project manager at Sarens.
The installation of this new cell tower represents a significant step forward for the residents of South Vancouver. With enhanced network capacity, users can experience faster browsing speeds, seamless streaming, and improved connectivity for remote work and communication. As demand for high-speed data continues to grow, projects like this will play a crucial role in ensuring that Canada’s telecommunications infrastructure keeps pace with technological advancements.
Sarens and Walsh Wireless remain committed to supporting the expansion of Canada’s 5G network, ensuring that more communities can benefit from reliable and high-performance mobile connectivity. With an increasing number of industries and daily activities relying on stable digital connections, continued investment in network modernization will be essential for Canada’s technological and economic growth.