Rogers Connects Canadians to Asia-Pacific Through Mobile Giving and Free Channel Previews

100 per cent of proceeds go to Canadian Red Cross International Disaster
    Relief Fund; Rogers to match up to $20,000 of donations made by Rogers
    Wireless and Fido customers

TORONTO, Oct. 2 /CNW/ – Rogers Communications Inc. today announced various initiatives to help customers stay connected with friends and family in Asia-Pacific during this tumultuous time and to assist with the contribution relief efforts in the area.

Rogers Wireless and Fido customers are encouraged to help those in the affected regions by donating $5.00 to the Canadian Red Cross International Disaster Relief Fund by sending the text message “HELP” to shortcode 733, starting today.(1) Rogers will also match up to $20,000 on behalf of Rogers Wireless and Fido customers who donate.

Effective immediately, Rogers Digital Cable Television customers in Ontario can now access Filipino channels GMA Pinoy TV (channel 870) and Filipino TV (FTV) (channel 869) for free until further notice.

“Our heartfelt sympathies and concern go out to everyone who is affected by the natural disasters and devastation in Asia-Pacific,” said Rob Bruce, President of Communications, Rogers Communications. “In support of the Canadian Red Cross International Disaster Relief Fund, we are encouraging our customers to donate via our text-to-donate campaign, where 100 per cent of the donation will go to the charity.”

“This is the first time that Canadians are able to give to the Canadian Red Cross through their mobile devices,” said Conrad Sauvé, secretary general for the Canadian Red Cross. “The ability to donate through SMS text will make it easier for Canadians to help those in urgent need in Asia-Pacific and we are grateful to Rogers Communications for their support, in particular for their generous matching up to $20,000.”

Customers looking for the latest news and developments can tune into FTV which offers four different news programs on the same day they air in the Philippines. GMA Pinoy TV is a 24-hour international channel broadcasting top-rated programs locally and internationally.

About Rogers

We are a diversified Canadian communications and media company. We are engaged in wireless voice and data communications services through Rogers Wireless, Canada’s largest wireless provider and the operator of the country’s only national GSM and HSPA based network. Through Rogers Cable we are one of Canada’s largest providers of cable television services as well as high-speed Internet access, telephony services and video retailing. Through Rogers Media, we are engaged in radio and television broadcasting, televised shopping, magazines and trade publications, and sports entertainment. We are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.a and RCI.b) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI).

(1) Donations will appear as a line item on the customer's next wireless
        bill.