TORONTO, Ontario - Rogers Communications Inc. today announced that the Company will begin a trial of its 3rd Generation Wireless services and applications with Ericsson. During the trial, Rogers and Ericsson will assess the capabilities of two key 3G technologies:
1. UMTS-HSDPA (Universal Mobile Telephone System - High Speed Downlink Packet Access) is the current state-of-the-art 3G network technology based on the world standard for wireless communications - GSM - and is a natural progression for Rogers' existing national GSM-GPRS-EDGE network that reaches 93% of the Canadian population. UMTS has already been widely deployed in markets throughout the world. HSDPA is an upgrade to UMTS that provides the fastest data rates of any 3G technology and is expected to launch commercially in 2006.
2. IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) is an IP-based service creation environment that will enable Rogers to efficiently introduce new multimedia voice, data, audio and video services (Quadruple Play) across its multiple networks (including mobile wireless, Cable and DSL and Fixed Wireless). IMS represents a very significant opportunity to bring the various Rogers networks into a single service environment that can be presented in an easy to use manner to Rogers' customers.
UMTS-HSDPA promises to provide customers with significantly higher data speeds (evolving to peak down-link speeds of 14 megabits per second), while IMS will enable new cross-platform applications, such as IP Centrex with Mobile Extension, Presence Management (across Cable, Wireless and Wireline), and Rogers Personal TV with mobile extension, as well as a new service creation environment to speed the development of new applications in the market.
"Providing the foundation for broadband wireless services and converged services to customers is a solid step in moving toward an all-communicating world," said Carl-Henric Svanberg, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ericsson. "Ericsson is excited to be working on this endeavour with Rogers, which has a global reputation for innovation, a high quality network, advanced service offerings, and a unique asset mix of mobile wireless, broadband data, digital cable services, telephony, and media properties that provide the basis for continuing leadership."
"Ericsson has consistently provided high quality wireless network equipment and service platforms for Rogers and our customers across Canada," said Ted Rogers, CEO, Rogers Communications Inc. "This trial represents a first step in creating a unique opportunity to offer customers complete freedom to use, view, and access the information that matters most to them, when they want and wherever they are, thereby paving the way for the most innovative and valuable new services for Canadian consumers and businesses."
Ericsson is a leader in wireless technology research and development and holds an industry leading position in the development of 3G and IMS technologies. The Company's long-standing relationship with Rogers provides a solid foundation for technology trial activities.
