World-standard GSM network coming to corridor between Prince Rupert and
Prince George
VANCOUVER, Sept. 13 /CNW/ - Rogers Wireless today announced that it is
making a $10 million investment in Northern British Columbia to expand its
leading-edge, world-standard GSM (Global System for Mobile communications)
wireless voice and data network. The network expansion will be along the
corridor stretching from Prince Rupert to Prince George, one of the fastest
growing areas in British Columbia.
The first phase of the network expansion will bring Rogers Wireless
service to Prince Rupert and Terrace in November of this year, with the towns
of Smithers, Kitimat and Hazelton to follow throughout 2008.
Among the many Rogers services that will be made available to customers
in these areas are:- data services on popular BlackBerry devices;
- mFleet, an innovative fleet management system that tracks vehicle
position and engine health in real time to increase operator safety
and vehicle economy;
- and Second Voice Line Service that allows customers to have two phone
numbers on one wireless device - so that business people can have
numbers from two different area codes such as 250 and 604."This northern B.C. route is a key business corridor, with dramatically
expanding maritime traffic driving steadily increasing transportation volumes
yearly along the highway and rail lines. And there is even greater growth
expected with expansion of the ports in Prince Rupert and Kitimat," said
Gordon Nelson, Vice-President for Rogers in B.C. "Rogers will be bringing a
choice to people living and working along Highway 16, including essential
business tools such as wireless email and mobile Internet access."
There will also be a benefit to the burgeoning tourist industry, as
visitors from overseas will be able to use their mobile devices on Canada's
only GSM network when travelling the popular northern route or making port in
Prince Rupert on their way to Alaska. Rogers recently announced that it has
data roaming agreements with wireless operators in 200 countries around the
globe, making it the ideal choice for people and businesses as they travel
abroad. The launch of this major network expansion will also bring with it
commercial opportunities for business people in the region through dealership
and retail operations.
"What this means for businesses and residents in B.C. is that they will
be able to take their Rogers Wireless services with them when they travel this
expanding tourist, trucking and rail route," said Nelson. "And the investment
we are making, in addition to the $20 million already invested in the network
in Northern B.C. over the last 10 years, demonstrates Rogers' strong
commitment to B.C. and the west in general."
About Rogers Wireless
Rogers Wireless is Canada's largest wireless voice and data
communications services provider with offices in Canadian cities across the
country, more than 7 million customers and two powerful brands: Rogers
Wireless and Fido. Rogers Wireless, which operates Canada's largest and most
reliable integrated wireless voice and data network, providing advanced voice
and wireless data solutions to customers from coast to coast, is Canada's only
carrier operating on the GSM/GPRS technology platform, the world standard for
wireless communications technology and the only technology that enables
roaming around the world in 200 countries. The company is a subsidiary of
Rogers Communications Inc. (TSX: RCI; NYSE: RCI), a diversified Canadian
communications and media company. For further information, please visit
www.rogers.com.
