VANCOUVER, CALGARY, TORONTO, April 17,
2014 /CNW/ - Rogers customers can now access the internet
and stream video deep into buildings, basements and elevators
thanks to the launch of 700 MHz spectrum in select Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto communities earlier today.
Consumer demand for mobile video is exploding with video
consumption on smartphones and tablets growing by more than 700 per
cent in the past three years.1 A recent study shows
three out of four Canadians stream a video on their smartphone or
tablet and almost one in five do it daily.2 While sports
represent a significant share, Canadians also love their YouTube
videos. Topping the YouTube list of most popular videos in 2013 was
Ylvis -The Fox reaching 395 million views.3
"With our beachfront spectrum, we'll deliver the ultimate mobile
video experience to our customers in even more places where they
couldn't access LTE before," said John
Boynton, executive vice president, CMO, Rogers
Communications.
The Rogers LTE network currently offers customers the fastest
wireless speeds available in Canada. This 700 MHz spectrum makes the Rogers
LTE network even better for customers by offering improved signal
quality in basements, elevators and in buildings with thick
concrete walls. This means customers will have more LTE signal bars
on their phones and tablets and will be less likely to drop down to
lower speeds.
Rogers is the first to bring 700 MHz and its benefits to these
locations, where customers can now stream NHL highlights, watch
their favourite YouTube videos and send emails from their mobile
phones and tablets deep indoors and underground with minimal
delays. Leading up to and throughout the 2014/2015 NHL season,
Rogers will continue to roll out 700 MHz in both rural and urban
markets from coast to coast so more customers have reliable mobile
internet access. The majority of LTE devices that Rogers customers
use can take advantage of the 700 MHz spectrum that's live
today.
1 Ooyala's Q4 2013 Global Video Index
2 Google - Our Mobile Planet: Canada – Understanding the Mobile Consumer
May 2013
3 Google Canada Blog: YouTube Rewind: What you
watched in 2013
About Rogers Communications
Rogers Communications is a diversified Canadian communications and
media company. We are Canada's largest provider of
wireless voice and data communications services and one
of Canada's leading providers of cable television, high
speed internet and telephony services. Through Rogers Media we are
engaged in radio and television broadcasting, televised shopping,
magazines and trade publications, sports entertainment, and digital
media. We are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:
RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI).
For further information about the Rogers group of companies, please
visit rogers.com.
SOURCE Rogers Communications Inc.