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Rogers Wireless debuts North American network first


    First in North America to field test high-speed 7.2 Mbps wireless data
    service

    TORONTO, Oct. 26 /CNW/ - Following the successful expansion of its
revolutionary high-speed network - HSPA - to 25 Canadian markets earlier this
month, Rogers today announced it has begun field trials of its 7.2 Mbps
wireless data service. The Brampton and Montreal trials utilize 3.5 generation
wireless HSPA/UMTS technology (High Speed Packet Access/Universal Mobile
Telecommunications System), enabling a peak download speed of 7.2 Mbps, by far
the fastest in the country.
    "The consumer appetite for mobile applications is undeniable in Canada
and around the world," said Rob Bruce, President, Rogers Wireless." The data
speeds achieved in this trial will enable Rogers to meet our customers' needs
with the most advanced, innovative services today and in the future."
    Rogers is the first wireless provider in North America to trial peak
speeds of 7.2 Mbps and is among the top one percent of GSM carriers worldwide
supporting 7.2. This trial launches the next evolution of Rogers GSM network,
and represents a significant investment in leading-edge technologies. Rogers
will have spent approximately $500 million over the past two years upgrading
its network towards providing Canadians with the fastest and most reliable
wireless network.
    "Rogers is continuing to trial, launch and deliver innovative and
reliable next generation wireless telecommunications services to Canadians,"
says industry analyst, Mark Goldberg, of Mark H. Goldberg and Associates Inc.
"The availability of 3.5G mobile services in our own backyard keeps Canada at
the front of the world stage with respect to telecommunications services and
applications."
    Rogers is continuing on its path of innovation, following the North
American introduction of wireless video calling - a feature of Rogers Vision
suite of services that runs on Canada's only HSPA network. With its coast to
coast network, which is proven to have the best reliability in Canada, Rogers
is well-positioned to continue to offer customers best-in-class and
first-to-market technologies and products.

    About Rogers Wireless

    Rogers Wireless provides wireless voice and data communications services
across Canada to more than 7 million customers under both the Rogers Wireless
and Fido brands. Proven to operate Canada's most reliable wireless voice and
data communications network, Rogers Wireless is Canada's largest wireless
provider and the only carrier operating on the global standard GSM and highly
advanced HSPA technology platforms. As well as providing seamless roaming in
more than 200 countries around the world with its GSM based services, Rogers
Wireless also provides wireless broadband services across Canada utilizing its
2.5GHz fixed wireless spectrum. 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.