Rogers Wireless

Rogers Wireless Inc.

Type	Subsidiary
Industry	Wireless Services
Founded	Toronto, Ontario (1983)
Headquarters	Toronto, Ontario
Key people	Robert Bruce, President
Products	iPhone, BlackBerry, Android
Services	LTE, UMTS (including HSPA), GSM (including SMS, GPRS, and EDGE)
Revenue	$4.01 billion CAD
Owner(s)	Rogers Communications
Employees	5,287 (2004)
Website	www.rogers.com/wireless

Rogers Wireless is a wireless telecommunications provider offering mobile phone and data services throughout Canada using Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) technology. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rogers Communications.

As of Q3 2011, Rogers is Canada's largest cellphone provider with a subscriber base of over 9.2 million. This number includes 2 million Fido Solutions subscribers, representing over 21% of Rogers' mobile services subscribers. In urban regions, Rogers' Chatr brand offers only prepaid service, but it is unknown how many subscribers use this service. Taking into account all three of Rogers' mobile brands, there are 7.5 million or 81% on postpaid and over 1.7 million or 18% on prepaid.

The operator currently operates 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) and GSM networks in Canada.

History

Rogers began with an Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS) network, and later moved to the IS-136 standard before finally introducing a GSM network in 2001. At various times the service was sold under the names Cantel, Cantel AT&T, Rogers Cantel AT&T, and Rogers AT&T Wireless. Their network is GSM standard with development currently focused on UMTS, High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), and EUL service. Both the AMPS and IS-136 networks have been decommissioned; they were shut down on May 31, 2007.

Before the Rogers acquisition, the wireless business was known as Cantel Communications and Cantel AT&T.

Networks

Rogers operates three different kinds of networks in Canada. They offer a GSM network from coast to coast in Canada's provinces, and an HSPA+ network with newer technology but slightly less coverage. Additionally, Rogers is launching LTE networks in select metropolitan regions throughout Canada.

GSM

The company's 2G GSM network with EDGE serves 95% of the Canadian population. It provides compatibility for GSM-based devices, including those frequently used by international travelers. However, this technology is limited to speeds of 120 kilobits per second, which is only twice the speed of dial-up.

HSPA+

In addition to its 2G network, Rogers also operates a pre-4G HSPA+ network. This was an upgrade to the older HSPA infrastructure, which was previously the only such network in Canada. This was no longer the case when Telus and Bell created two separate HSPA+ networks, with some roaming agreements between the two. Just as Rogers continues to maintain their older GSM network, Bell and Telus still support their respective CDMA networks. This is a different technology which is losing worldwide popularity, as it offers less roaming possibilities.

In the summer of 2009, the network was upgraded to HSPA+ technology. Enhancements include download speeds of up to a theoretical 21.6 Mbit/s.

This network operates on the frequencies of 850/1900 MHz. Although Bell and Telus operate HSPA+ networks separate from Rogers, they transmit using the same frequencies.

LTE

The first such network in Canada, Rogers launched Canada's first LTE network in Ottawa on July 7, 2011. The company organized a flash mob celebrating this event prior to their formal announcement. On September 27, 2011, Rogers activated LTE in Toronto, Montréal and Vancouver. Rogers was the first LTE network in the two latter cities, while in Toronto, they are the second such network because Bell Mobility was the first. Theoretical maximum speeds for the network are currently 100 Mbit/s for download and 70 Mbit/s for upload. Typical download speeds range from 12 to 25 Mbit/s.^{[citation needed]} LTE Internet modems can currently be bought in Ottawa or pre-ordered for the aforementioned cities. Such devices have a maximum theoretical speed of 100 Mbit/s for downloads and 50 Mbit/s for uploads.

Rogers maintains a site called I Want My LTE! which keeps users updated on the company's LTE updates. They are currently asking Canadians to "act fast" by writing to parliament members in support of Rogers during the 700 Mhz LTE auction:

“

If a decision is made that prevents certain companies, including Rogers, from participating in the spectrum auction, it would be a recipe for leaving Canada behind the rest of the world, stalling Canadian innovation and limiting who can access LTE.

”

However, Michael Geist and many new entrants opposed this petition, claiming that its goal is to eliminate competition. Mobilicity created a parody of Rogers' LTE petition, while Wind Mobile chairman and CEO Anthony Lacavera wrote a blog post titled "The Battle Continues: Keeping Up the Fight for Competition" in which he says:

“

What they [Rogers] are really saying is, "Please make sure all this competition we‘ve had to deal with doesn’t last too long[…]" I guess they figured no one would sign that [… the Big Three] have more spectrum than they know what to do with […] consumers are now enjoying more competition and value than ever before. Let’s ensure it remains that way.

”

Rogers' LTE service has also been criticized, because it costs more than most HSPA+ offerings from competitors and even Rogers itself. In response, the company launched a 10 GB LTE plan for $52.93. It is a limited time offer and requires a 3-year contract.

Products

Rogers Wireless carries feature phones and smartphones made by Apple, Doro, HP, LG, Motorola, Nokia, RIM, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, and ZTE.

Smartphones

Various smartphones are offered by Rogers Wireless. In fact, it was the first operator in the world to provide BlackBerry products and services. Rogers and its brand Fido were also the first Canadian operators to sell the iPhone, on July 11, 2008. With the launch of the HTC Dream and HTC Magic on June 2, 2009, Rogers alone was also the first operator in Canada to carry Android smartphones. The Nokia Lumia 710 is Nokia's first Windows Phone device to be released in Canada, and Rogers was the first carrier to feature the smartphone in its lineup.

LTE products

The first LTE product released by Rogers was the Sierra Wireless AirCard® 313U USB mobile broadband modem, known as the "LTE Rocket™ stick" by the provider. Shortly thereafter, the HTC Jetstream tablet computer was released. Both devices support up to 100 Mbit/s downloads and 50 Mbit/s uploads on the LTE network, while also supporting the older HSPA+ and GSM networks.

Later, the company launched the "Sierra Wireless AirCard 754S", also known as the "LTE Rocket mobile hotspot" and similar to the MiFi. Rogers also sells the HTC Raider 4G and the Samsung Galaxy S II LTE.

Services

Rogers offers the following services:

• Alternate line service
• BlackBerry Internet Service
• Mobile broadband
• SMS and MMS
• Video Calling
• XM Radio Mobile
• Radio on Demand Mobile

A large majority of the Rogers' customer base uses its GSM/GPRS/EDGE network, but the main focus for development and new customers has been on its UMTS/HSDPA/EUL network.^{[citation needed]} Rogers Wireless claims to be the only Canadian Wireless Provider to offer a complete, independent coast-to-coast network spanning all Canadian regions excluding the Territories.^{[citation needed]}

Rogers Wireless offers the following Wireless Business Applications to its customers: Mindit Assist, AskMeNow, Sales Anywhere, NewsClip, bbTV, FPinfomart Mobile, Connection Manager, eOffice.

Mobile Internet

Rogers offers several plans and add-ons for customers wishing to access Internet content via its mobile network. Each device is limited to only one of these plans, and certain plans are only available for certain devices:

Monthly cost	Monthly bandwidth limits	Rocket Hub	Speeds		Over Usage Charge
			Download	Upload
$48.86	3 GB	Ericsson W35 (discontinued), NetComm 3G10WVR2, NetComm 3G25W-R (21 Mbit/s)	7.2 Mbit/s	5.76 Mbit/s	$5/GB (after exceeding 3 GB/mth)
$58.86	5 GB				$3/GB (after exceeding 5 GB/mth)
$73.86	10 GB				$4/GB (after exceeding 10 GB/mth)
$93.86	15 GB				$10/GB [0.98¢/MB] (after exceeding 15 GB/mth)

• Rocket Hub plans are tiered: 0GB-3GB, 3GB-5GB, 5GB-10GB, and 10GB-15GB. Users are automatically moved to the next tier when they exceed their current tier's usage. Over use charges are capped at a maximum of $100/month (+10GB = 25GB/month total). Usage over 50GB/month is considered abusive and subject to account throttling or termination.

Rogers On Demand Mobile

Customers with an iPhone, BlackBerry or Android smartphone can use the Rogers On Demand Mobile service. The iPhone version requires iOS 3.0 or later. Rogers also offered live streaming of the 2010 FIFA World Cup during the event. Unlike its competitor Bell Mobility, which widely advertises its Bell Mobile TV service, Rogers does not offer mobile television featuring live channels like those found on Rogers Cable.

Criticism

See also: Chatr#Controversy

Pricing

As one of the three main cellular providers of the Canadian market, Rogers has been criticized for having high voice and data rates compared to the other OECD markets.

Rogers pricing plans for the iPhone have been noted in print media both in Canada and internationally, and online. The online critics allege price gouging and use of Rogers' monopoly on the iPhone. However, the majority of the current criticism is directed toward the monthly data limit for the iPhone device, given the availability of unlimited plans in the United States. Rogers had introduced a "$30 for 6GB" data plan., which was discontinued September 30, 2008. After the release of the iPhone 3GS, on June 19, 2009, they re-introduced this offer on a limited time basis. In 2011, this option returned during that year's back-to-school season.

As of July 7, 2009, Rogers Wireless charges 15 cents for incoming text messages to customers without a text messaging plan. The change does not affect the Fido Solutions brand. The change is similar to policies of charging for incoming text message that were adopted in August 2008 by Bell Mobility and Telus Mobility. Some users have complained that Rogers has unilaterally changed the terms of their contracts. The company maintains that changes to services and fees are permitted in the "terms of service" document.

Prices for Internet access on Rogers' LTE network, launched in the summer of 2011, have also been criticized by Micheal Geist and many potential customers interested in this recent technology. The flexible rate starts at $47.93/month, which includes the Government Regulatory Recovery Fee (GRRF) and up to 2 GB of data transfer. The previous limit, however, was only 1½ GB. Such a plan costs more and offers less than Rogers' $37.93/month prepaid iPad mobile Internet plan, which includes the GRRF and up to 5 GB of data transfer. Rogers currently has a promotional plan costing $52.93/month, including the GRRF and up to 10 GB of Internet access. This plan, however, is only available to those who sign a three-year contract.

Government Regulatory Recovery Fee

Main article: System access fee

Rogers has been criticized for its Government Regulatory Recovery Fee (GRRF), formerly known as the System Access Fee (SAF). It costs from $1.93 to $2.97

Anticompetitive tactics

Main article: Chatr

Rogers launched the Chatr brand with low-end feature phones and pricing plans similar to that of new entrants such as Wind Mobile, Mobilicity and Public Mobile. Chatr was criticized for being a fighter brand created by Rogers. Also, this brand's "fewer dropped calls" claim was disputed, and even proven to be false.

Retail presence

Prepaid Rogers feature phones and prepaid vouchers are sold at Zellers.

Rogers products and services were previously available at Shoppers Drug Mart.

Rogers has its own corporate retail stores, known as Rogers Plus, and also allows third parties to become exclusive dealers. Best Buy, Future Shop and Walmart stores in Canada provide Fido products along with prepaid and postpaid services. Additionally, Loblaw Companies and Zellers stores sell prepaid feature phones and top-up vouchers. Loblaw stores have a special booth, called The Mobile Shop, where the phones are displayed.

Former retailers

While Shoppers Drug Mart carried only Rogers Wireless prepaid phones at one time, the stores temporarily partnered with Rogers. As a result, Shoppers stores added both prepaid and postpaid products and services for Rogers and its two other brands, Fido and Chatr. Customers could also try out the iPhone 4. As of March 2011, however, Shoppers stores ended their partnership. They only sell prepaid top-up vouchers for these providers.

Subsidiaries

In 2004, Rogers bought the only other GSM operator in Canada at that time, Fido, re-branding it in 2008 as a discount network operator with a new logo and a limited selection of phones, consisting mostly of feature phones but including a few smartphones.^{[citation needed]}

In mid-2010, in response to the emergence of several new phone carriers Rogers released Chatr wireless. It is a discount brand aimed to directly compete with the new carriers in their coverage areas. Chatr's device selection is similar to, but has fewer option than, Fido's. The new carriers, specifically Mobilicity, claimed that Chatr is a "fighter brand" released by Rogers to drive them out of business.

See also

• Chatr
• Fido Solutions
• List of Canadian mobile phone companies

External links

• Official website
• Rogers Wireless