The acquisition of BAI Canada and Rogers’ significant investment will provide reliable 5G service for all stations and tunnels in the Toronto subway network

TORONTO, April 10, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rogers Communications Inc. today announced a plan to deploy extensive 5G connectivity services throughout the Toronto subway system, including access to 911 service for all users.

Rogers has entered into an agreement for the Canadian operations of BAI Communications (BAI Canada), which has owned exclusive rights to build the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) wireless network since 2012. With this acquisition, Rogers will now be able to make the necessary investments to build a complete and reliable 5G network across the TTC metro network.

This commitment is particularly important to ensure access to 911 services anywhere on the Métro. Today, TTC users who have a cellphone can call 911 only where cellphone service is available, ie on the platforms, in the concourses and in about a quarter of the tunnels. Rogers will work to quickly fill the gaps in the busiest and most critical sections of the subway.

“We know that safety is the number one priority for the people of Toronto. Locals and tourists alike expect wireless connectivity when navigating the TTC subway system, said Ron McKenzie, Rogers’ chief information and technology officer. This agreement to acquire BAI Canada is an important first step in modernizing and expanding the current network to offer enhanced 5G wireless service to millions of passengers throughout the metro network in Canada’s largest city. As the largest investor in 5G and the largest 5G network operator in the country, Rogers is proud to make these investments to bring cutting-edge connectivity to Toronto residents. »

Over time, users will see the deployment of 5G coverage for all other wireless services beyond 911. 5G network deployment is expected to take around two years as the work required to install the network will only be carried out at need night to avoid disruption of subway service to users. Together with the TTC, Rogers will work on a phased implementation plan that addresses network design, architecture and deployment logistics, both for network improvements and for expansion to actual stations, concourses and all subway tunnels.

In order to modernize the network and increase the cellular capacity of the current 3G and 4G networks, as well as the quality of services, significant fiber network and radio equipment upgrades are required as we add new services for 5G cellular devices for millions of additional users.

When complete, the 5G network will provide constant wireless coverage, enabling the use of mobile voice and data services throughout Toronto’s subway network, which includes 75 stations and stretches nearly 80 km. It’s part of Rogers’ commitment to expanding connectivity for Toronto residents.

This landmark investment builds on Rogers’ current initiatives to bring advanced mobile connectivity to subway riders across the country. These initiatives include agreements with TransLink to implement wireless connectivity throughout SkyTrain network in Greater Vancouver and with the Société de transport de Montréal and other Canadian operatorsEnsuring connectivity in all 68 stations and 71km of tunnels that make up the Montréal Metro.

Rogers expects the acquisition of BAI Canada to close within the next two weeks. The closing of the acquisition of BAI Canada is subject to certain closing conditions.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This press release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. It should be noted that forward-looking information is, by definition, subject to change and uncertain, and actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. A complete analysis of the risks inherent in forward-looking information is also included in Rogers’ public reports and documents, which are available on his profile at www.sedar.com.

About Rogers Communications Inc.

Rogers is the Canadian leader in wireless, cable and media services, providing connectivity and entertainment services to consumers and businesses across Canada. Rogers shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbols RCI.A and RCI.B and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol RCI. For more information, visit: rogers.com or investors.rogers.com.

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