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
2Google - Our Mobile Planet: Canada â Understanding the Mobile Consumer May 2013
3Google 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.