Hubbry Logo
Rogers CommunicationsRogers CommunicationsMain
Open search
Rogers Communications
Community hub
Rogers Communications
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Rogers Communications
Rogers Communications
from Wikipedia

Rogers Communications Inc. is a Canadian communications and media company operating primarily in the fields of wireless communications, cable television, telephony and Internet, with significant additional telecommunications, mass media, and professional sports assets. Rogers has its headquarters in Toronto, Ontario.[5]

Key Information

The company traces its origins to 1914, when Edward S. Rogers Sr. founded Rogers Vacuum Tube Company to sell battery-less radios, although this present enterprise dates to 1960, when Ted Rogers and a partner acquired the CHFI-FM radio station;[6] they then became part-owners of a group that established the CFTO television station.[7]

The chief competitor to Rogers is Bell Canada, which has a similarly extensive portfolio of radio and television media assets, as well as wireless, television distribution, and telephone services, particularly in Eastern and Central Canada. The two companies are often seen as having a duopoly on communications services in their regions, and both companies owned a stake of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment until 2025, when Rogers bought Bell's stake and became the majority owner. Rogers also competes nationally with Telus for wireless services.

Rogers Communications' acquisition of Shaw Communications in Western Canada was approved in 2023.

History

[edit]
Historic corporate logos
1969–1990
1990–2000
2000–2015
Logos used by Rogers Communications from 1969 to 2015

In 1925, Edward Rogers Sr. invented the world's first alternating current (AC) heater filament cathode for a radio tube, which then enabled radios to be powered by ordinary transformer-coupled household electric currents.[6] This was a breakthrough in the technology and became a key factor in popularizing radio reception. He also established the CFRB radio station in Toronto (later acquired by outside interests). In 1931, he was awarded an experimental television licence in Canada. On May 6, 1939, he was working on radar when he died suddenly due to complications of a hemorrhage, at the age of 38. He left a widow, Velma, and a five-year-old son, Edward (known as Ted). While his business interests were subsequently sold, his son later became determined to carry on his father's legacy.[6]

In 1960, Ted Rogers and broadcaster Joel Aldred[8] raised money to found Aldred-Rogers Broadcasting in order to purchase CHFI, an FM radio station in Toronto.[9] Aldred-Rogers Broadcasting also became a part-owner of Baton Aldred Rogers Broadcasting (BARB), which established CFTO-TV, Toronto's first private television station.[10][11] In 1962, Rogers established CHFI (AM), an AM radio station that later became CFTR. In 1967, Rogers established Rogers Cable TV in partnership with BARB. In 1971, new CRTC regulations forced BARB to sell its 50% stake in Rogers Cable TV.

In 1979, Rogers acquired Canadian Cablesystems, and became listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange as a result. In 1980, Rogers acquired Premier Cablevision and became the largest cable company in Canada. In 1986, Rogers Cable was renamed Rogers Communications; it established operational control over Cantel, a wireless telephone company in which Rogers had a stake.

21st century

[edit]

In 2000, Rogers acquired Cable Atlantic[12] from Newfoundland businessman Danny Williams.

In July 2001, Rogers Media acquired CTV Sportsnet, which was renamed as Rogers Sportsnet that November.[13] The FAN 590 sports radio station joined Rogers Media in August 2001, along with 14 Northern Ontario radio stations.[14]

In fall 2004, several strategic transactions were executed that significantly increased Rogers exposure to the potential of the Canadian wireless market. Rogers acquired the 34% of Rogers Wireless owned by AT&T Wireless Services Inc. for $1.77 billion.[15]

On December 2, 2008, Ted Rogers died of heart failure.[16]

In 2012, Rogers Cable filed a complaint in an Ontario court against penalties levied under a 'Truth in Advertising' law, claiming that the amount of the penalties, and the requirements imposed by the law, were in violation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.[17]

The company also had to recognize the rising market trend of customers canceling or foregoing cable television service subscriptions in favour of cheaper priced alternate content delivery means, such as streaming media services like Netflix, a demographic called "cord cutters" and "cord nevers". In response, Rogers acquired content with a speculated cost of $100 million to begin their own competing online streaming service, Shomi, much like the American Hulu Plus,[18] which launched November 4, 2014. Shomi subsequently shut down after only 2 years of operation, on November 30, 2016.[19]

In the summer of 2014, Rogers reported a 24% drop in profit compared to the previous year's second quarter.[20]

In August 2018, Rogers launched Ignite TV, a new cable television platform. The platform is licensed from Comcast's "X1" platform.[21][22]

In November 2023, Rogers acquired Canadian ISP and VOIP provider Comwave.[23][24]

In July 2025, Rogers became the first Canadian wireless provider to launch satellite-to-mobile text messaging service, extending coverage to 5.4 million square kilometers through partnerships with SpaceX and Lynk Global. The service allows text messaging and text-to-911 capabilities in areas without traditional cellular coverage.[25]

Acquisition of Shaw, family dispute

[edit]

On March 15, 2021, Rogers announced its intent to acquire Shaw Communications for $26 billion, subject to regulatory and shareholder approval.[26] This proposed acquisition was criticized by public lobby groups like Open Media, as a move that would reduce national competition in Canadian wireless communication by removing one of the four major competitors from the market.[27]

On September 29, chief financial officer Tony Staffieri left the company. On October 8, The Globe and Mail reported that this came about following Edward Rogers' attempt to have Staffieri replace Joe Natale, a former Telus executive and the company's third CEO since Ted Rogers' death in 2008. This attempt was opposed by Edward's mother and sisters.[28] Edward Rogers was then removed as chairman of the board, while remaining a board member, on October 21.[29] However, a proposal to remove Edward as chair of the Rogers Control Trust, which holds the majority voting interest in Rogers Communications on behalf of the family, did not receive sufficient support from other members of the trust's advisory committee.[30]

The following day, Edward Rogers, in his capacity as chair of the Control Trust, announced he was unilaterally enacting a written shareholder resolution replacing five of the board's independent directors, and two days later convened a meeting at which the "reconstituted" board re-appointed him as chair of the board of Rogers Communications. The legality of the resolution has been disputed by the board members that were purportedly replaced, and by other members of the Rogers family.[31]

The CRTC approved the Shaw Communications acquisition on March 24, 2022.[32]

In May 2022, the Canadian Competition Bureau requested an order from the Competition Tribunal blocking Rogers's takeover of Shaw Communications, arguing that the deal would substantially lessen competition by eliminating Rogers' closest competitor in the wireless sector.[33] It also requested an injunction to stop the cable companies from closing the deal until the application can be heard.[33]

After two years since it was first announced, Rogers' acquisition of Shaw Communications received the last regulatory approval from the Industry Minister, Francois-Philippe Champagne. To appease concerns over a lack of competition arising, Shaw will be required to sell off its Freedom Mobile wireless business to Quebecor Inc.'s Videotron for $2.85 billion. In addition, Rogers and Videotron agreed to a number of conditions requiring the addition of 3,000 jobs in Western Canada, Videotron must also offer plans 20% lower than the competition and commit to spending $150 million in the next two years to upgrade the Freedom Mobile network. Rogers and Videotron would be liable to pay upwards of $1 billion and $200 million in penalties, respectively, if the commitments were not fulfilled.[34][35]

In April 2024, Rogers announced a 10-year agreement with Comcast; expanding upon its Ignite TV partnership, the agreement gives Rogers access to Comcast-developed broadband, smart home, and home security hardware.[36]

2021 and 2022 outages

[edit]

On April 19, 2021, wireless calling, SMS messaging and data services were down throughout much of Canada for almost a full day because of a glitched software update.[37] Rogers reimbursed consumers for the inconvenience.[38]

On July 8, 2022, millions of customers reported issues with Rogers mobile and Internet services, including some Canada government services, such as Service Canada, Canada Revenue Agency and passport offices,[39] as well as Canadian interbank, money transfer network Interac, ATMs and 9-1-1 services.[40][41] Rogers apologized for the mass outage and said it was trying to restore services. Rogers President and CEO Tony Staffieri issued an apology via Twitter about 17 hours after the start of the incident, acknowledging the issue to the public after a day of system outage.[39] Staffieri acknowledged that the outage stems from a failed maintenance update.[42] Rogers has offered credit as compensation for the outage.[43]

A report by Cloudflare suggested that the outage was due to internal, rather than external, causes. It identified spikes in BGP updates, as well as withdrawals of IP prefixes, noting that Rogers was not advertising its presence, causing other networks to not find the Rogers network.[44] Cause of the outage or expected downtime was initially not revealed. The outage was later said to be caused by a maintenance upgrade that caused routers to malfunction,[45] similar to the outage which occurred a year prior.[46]

On July 11, 2022, Canada federal government opened an investigation about the most recent outage and demanded telecoms companies to make communication protocols to keep customers better informed about possible disruptions. On the same day, Industry minister François-Philippe Champagne met the CEOs of Rogers, BCE Inc, Telus Corp, Shaw Communications Inc., Quebecor Inc.'s Videotron Ltd., SaskTel and Bragg Communications Inc.'s Eastlink. During that meeting, the Industry minister asked companies to implement an agreement in 60 days in which the companies will be able to help each other during an outage in one of their networks.[47]

As a result of the mentioned investigation, as well as scrutiny and criticism over the glitch and the company itself, some traders said the chances of a merger deal between Rogers and Shaw Communications dropped to nearly 62% on July 11, 2022 from 88% in the week earlier.[48]

Rogers CEO, Tony Staffieri, blamed the outage on the maintenance update, and offered a five day service credit to the customers as a sign of apology.[49]

Corporate governance

[edit]

Rogers Communications is traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange and on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker "RCI".

Following the death of Ted Rogers in 2008, control of Rogers Communications passed to the Rogers Control Trust, a trust for which a subsidiary of Scotiabank serves as trustee. Edward Rogers and daughter Melinda Rogers serve, respectively, as chairman and vice-chair of the trust.[50][51]

The current members of the board of directors of Rogers Communications are:[3]

A previous composition of the board was disputed by Edward Rogers, who, in his capacity as chair of the Rogers Control Trust, announced on October 22 that Brooks, Clappison, Jacob, MacDonald, and Peterson had been replaced on the board by Michael Cooper, Jack Cockwell, Ivan Fecan, Jan Innes, and John Kerr.[31] On October 24, this re-constituted board re-appointed Edward Rogers as chair of the board.[31] Despite the Supreme Court of British Columbia's legal affirmation of the changes,[52] they had been described as "invalid" by the three other Rogers family members on the company's board, as well as the replaced individuals.[31]

In November 2021, Tony Staffieri succeeded Joe Natale and was appointed the new interim president and CEO.[53] In January 2022, Staffieri was appointed to the position permanently.[54]

The senior corporate officers of Rogers Communications currently are:[55]

Assets and divisions

[edit]
A Rogers store offering services from Rogers Wireless, a wireless telephone subsidiary of the company

Assets and divisions of Rogers Communications include:

  • Telecommunications: Rogers Wireless, Fido Wireless, Rogers Home Phone, Shaw Cablesystems, Shaw Telecom
  • Distribution: Rogers Cable, Shaw Broadcast Services, Shaw Direct, Rogers on Demand, Today's Shopping Choice
  • Broadcasting (through Rogers Sports & Media): Radio Stations, Television Stations, Hockey Night in Canada television network, Discretionary (Specialty) TV Services
  • Internet: Rogers Internet, Rogers Home Monitoring
  • Other: Rogers Centre, Toronto Blue Jays, Rogers Bank

In addition to its ownership of Sportsnet, acquired from CTV, Sportsnet One and Sportsnet World, Rogers Sports & Media operates the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team through Rogers Blue Jays Baseball Partnership and the Rogers Centre (previously known as SkyDome). Through Sportsnet, Rogers Sports & Media also holds a 50% ownership in Dome Productions, a mobile production and distribution joint venture that is a leader in high-definition television production and broadcasting in Canada. Rogers also owns the naming rights to Rogers Arena, home of the Vancouver Canucks,[56] as well as Rogers Place, the home of the Edmonton Oilers.[57]

The Rogers Centre is a multi-purpose stadium that is operated by the company.

Rogers Communications owns 75% of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, owners of the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League, Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association, Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League, and Toronto FC of Major League Soccer, as well as their minor league farm teams, the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League (AHL), Raptors 905 of the NBA G League and Toronto FC II of MLS Next Pro, respectively.

On June 28, 2007, Rogers offered to sell the two religious-licensed OMNI stations in Winnipeg and Vancouver as part of the Citytv deal, although the company stated that it intended to retain the multilingual-licensed OMNI stations.[58] In September 2007, Rogers applied to the CRTC to acquire 20 per cent of CablePulse 24, a local news channel in Toronto.[59]

On August 25, 2012, Rogers Media agreed to acquire Score Media which includes The Score Television Network for $167 million, including a 10% stake of its digital business. The deal was completed on Oct. 19, 2012.[60][61]

In 2012, Rogers purchased CJNT-DT Montreal,[62] and on February 3, 2013, it was rebranded as City Montreal.[citation needed]

National Hockey League

[edit]

On November 26, 2013, Rogers Communications Inc, unveiled the details of a 12-year, C$5.2 billion partnership with the National Hockey League which began in the 2014–15 season. This gave Rogers the controlling stake for national broadcast and digital rights of the NHL and ultimately gave them the ability to stream all NHL feeds on all of their current platforms replacing both Bell Media and CBC Sports as the national broadcast and cable television rightsholders respectively. The effects of this deal shifted the balance of power in the country's broadcast industry as it drove up demand for Rogers Cable TV subscriptions. This transaction marked the first time a first-class North American-wide sports league has allowed all its national right to one company on a long-term basis.[63][64] As part of the deal, Rogers also took over Canadian distribution of the NHL Centre Ice and GameCentre Live services. National English-language coverage of the NHL is carried primarily by Rogers' Sportsnet group of specialty channels; Sportsnet holds an exclusive window for games played on Wednesday nights. Hockey Night in Canada was maintained and expanded under the deal, airing up to seven games nationally on Saturday nights throughout the regular season across CBC Television, the Sportsnet networks, Rogers-owned television network Citytv, and FX Canada. While CBC maintains Rogers-produced NHL coverage during the regular season and playoffs through a time-brokerage agreement with the company, Rogers assumes editorial control and the ownership of any advertising revenue from the telecasts.[65] Citytv (and later Sportsnet) also airs a Sunday night game of the week, Rogers Hometown Hockey, which features a pre-game show originating from various Canadian communities. Sportsnet's networks also air occasional games involving all-U.S. matchups.[66][67][68][69][70][71]

A Sportsnet mobile studio in Regina during Sportsnet's Rogers Hometown Hockey tour

Under a sub-licensing agreement with Rogers, Quebecor Media holds national French-language rights to the NHL, with all coverage airing on its specialty channel TVA Sports. TVA Sports' flagship broadcasts on Saturday nights focus primarily on the Montreal Canadiens.[72][73]

Rogers sought to increase the prominence of NHL content on digital platforms by re-launching the NHL's digital out-of-market sports package GameCentre Live as Rogers NHL GameCentre Live, adding the ability to stream all of Rogers' national NHL telecasts, along with in-market streaming of regional games for teams whose regional rights are held by Sportsnet.[74] GamePlus—an additional mode featuring alternate camera angles intended for a second screen experience, such as angles focusing on certain players, net and referee cameras, and a Skycam in selected venues, was also added exclusively for GameCentre Live subscribers who are subscribed to Rogers' cable, internet, or wireless services.[75][76]

In the lead-up to the 2014–15 season, Rogers began to promote its networks as the new home of the NHL through a multi-platform advertising campaign; the campaign featured advertising and cross-promotions across Rogers' properties, such as The Shopping Channel, which began to feature presentations of NHL merchandise, and its parenting magazine Today's Parent, which began to feature hockey-themed stories in its issues.[77] On May 28, 2014, Rogers announced a six-year sponsorship deal with Scotiabank, which saw the bank become the title sponsor for Wednesday Night Hockey and Hockey Day in Canada, and become a sponsor for other segments and initiatives throughout Rogers' NHL coverage.[78]

On October 6, 2014, Rogers and NHL began their media sales venture in which Rogers will lead all Canadian national NHL media sales across its owned and operated broadcast and digital platforms as well as ad sales for League-owned digital assets in Canada.[79]

Rogers Bank

[edit]

Rogers Bank (French: Banque Rogers) is a Canadian financial services company wholly owned by Rogers Communications. Rogers applied to the Minister of Finance under the Bank Act for permission to establish a Schedule I bank (a domestic bank that may accept deposits) in summer 2011.[80] At launch, Rogers Bank offered a Rogers-branded credit card targeted at existing customers.[81] A companion card branded for Rogers subsidiary Fido was introduced in 2016.[82], but is no longer accepting new applications. The bank offers two categories of credit card to Canadians: Rogers Red Mastercard[83] and Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard.[84]

Former assets, products and services

[edit]

Publishing

[edit]

Prior to 2019, Rogers Publishing Limited published more than 70 consumer magazines and trade and professional publications, digital properties and directories in Canada, including Maclean's, Canada's weekly newsmagazine; its French-language equivalent, L'actualité; Sportsnet Magazine; Chatelaine; Flare; and a variety of other magazines and their companion websites.[85] The publishing arm was once part of the Maclean-Hunter Publishing empire.[86] Rogers did not have printing facilities and contracted out services in 2008 to Montreal-based TC Transcontinental to print magazines from their plants across Canada.[87]

In March 2019, Rogers sold their magazine brands, including Maclean's, Chatelaine and HELLO! Canada, to St. Joseph Communications for an undisclosed sum.[88]

OutRank by Rogers

[edit]

In 2011, a partnership was formed between Rogers Communications and Yodle, Inc to provide a suite of digital marketing services to Canadian small, medium, and enterprise size business.[89][90][91][92][93] These are marketed under the name OutRank by Rogers and operate as a business unit within the company. Services include search engine optimization, mobile marketing, social media marketing, pay per click, and analytics.[94][95][96][97] The opening was announced in January 2012 with the launch of their first client, Ontario-based CLS Roofing.[98] OutRank by Rogers is a Google Premier SMB Partner and promotes responsive web design.[99][100] The company is a donor to the Ronald Mcdonald House of Toronto.[101]

Zoocasa

[edit]

In 2008, Rogers Communications launched Zoocasa, an online real estate listing service. The company later became a licensed real estate brokerage and in May 2013, the website relaunched to allow homebuyers to find properties and agents.[102] The service also provided rebates on real estate commissions to buyers and sellers. Zoocasa was shut down on June 22, 2015. The website's domain and technology were purchased for $350,000 and the website relaunched on July 2, 2015, under new ownership.[103]

Texture

[edit]

Texture (previously known as Next Issue) was a digital magazine app introduced to the Canadian market by Rogers in 2013.[104] The service had a monthly subscription fee that gave readers access to over 200 magazines in English and French.[105]

Texture was purchased by Apple in 2018; in 2019, it was discontinued and integrated into Apple News+.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Rogers Communications Inc. is a major Canadian telecommunications and media company headquartered in , , providing wireless voice and data services, broadband internet, , and media content to millions of customers nationwide. Founded in 1960 by Edward S. "Ted" Rogers through the acquisition of Toronto radio station CHFI, the company has expanded from broadcasting roots into a diversified conglomerate operating across three core segments—, Cable, and Media—generating CA$20.6 billion in total in 2024, with Wireless contributing the largest share at approximately CA$10.6 billion. The company's growth has been marked by pioneering innovations, such as enabling Canada's first cellular phone call on July 1, 1985, and substantial network investments totaling over CA$45 billion in recent decades to enhance coverage and reliability. In 2023, Rogers completed a transformative CA$26 billion acquisition of rival , consolidating its position as the dominant provider in cable and markets while committing to regulatory undertakings like expanded rural connectivity investments. However, it has faced scrutiny over operational failures, including a widespread network outage on , 2022, triggered by in router configuration and exacerbated by inadequate system safeguards, which disrupted services for 12 million customers, including critical 911 access, prompting government-mandated resiliency reviews. Rogers' media arm encompasses sports broadcasting via and ownership stakes in assets like the Toronto Blue Jays and , underscoring its role in Canadian entertainment amid ongoing competition and infrastructure demands.

Overview

Company Profile

Rogers Communications Inc. is a diversified Canadian communications and media company that provides wireless telecommunications, broadband internet, cable television, home phone services, and media content to residential, business, and enterprise customers nationwide. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, the company operates through three primary segments: Wireless, which offers mobile voice, data, and device financing under brands including Rogers and Fido; Cable, encompassing high-speed internet, Ignite TV streaming, and home security; and Media, which includes sports broadcasting via Sportsnet, radio stations, and digital publishing. As Canada's largest wireless service provider by subscriber base, Rogers holds significant in mobile communications, serving over 10 million wireless connections as of recent reports. The company employs approximately 24,000 people and generated trailing twelve-month revenue of about $15 billion USD in 2025, reflecting growth from post-acquisition integration following its $26 billion purchase of in 2023, which expanded its cable and wireless operations into . Rogers also owns key media assets, such as a majority stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), which operates professional sports teams including the Toronto Maple Leafs and Raptors, alongside broadcasting rights for NHL and MLB content. Its services emphasize 5G network deployment and fiber-optic broadband expansion, positioning it as a dominant player in Canada's converging telecom and entertainment markets amid competition from BCE Inc. and Telus Corporation.

Market Position and Competitive Landscape

Rogers Communications holds a leading position in Canada's , particularly in and services, enhanced by its April 2023 acquisition of , which integrated Shaw's regional assets and expanded Rogers' national footprint. The company commands approximately one-third of the market share by subscribers and revenue as of 2024. Rogers reports serving more and residential subscribers than any other provider, with subscribers exceeding 12 million post-merger. In , Rogers benefits from strongholds in and , augmented by Shaw's legacy networks in , where it gained market share in and . The competitive landscape remains an dominated by three national incumbents—Rogers, (operating as Bell), and —which control roughly 90% of revenues due to high entry barriers like costs and deployment. These firms also lead in fixed and , with the top three accounting for the majority of revenues and subscribers nationwide. Regional players, including Quebecor's Videotron in and SaskTel in , offer localized alternatives but hold limited national presence. Post-Shaw integration, Rogers nearly doubled its cable revenues and achieved cable service margins of 56% by December 2023, surpassing pre-merger levels through cost synergies and customer migration. Regulatory interventions by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) aim to mitigate concentration, including mandates for wholesale network access to smaller providers, as reinforced in a June 2025 ruling requiring Bell, Rogers, Telus, and to offer rates promoting competition. Despite such measures, independent service providers have lost nearly 40% of national subscribers since late 2020, reflecting the majors' infrastructure advantages. In , Rogers' network earned top rankings for reliability and consistency in February 2025 assessments, amid ongoing investments by all three leaders to expand coverage, where subscriptions are projected to reach 77% by 2029. The sector faces persistent pricing pressures and scrutiny over high costs relative to international peers, though Rogers leverages synergies with its media operations, such as , for bundled offerings.

History

Founding and Early Expansion (1920s–1980s)

The origins of Rogers Communications trace to the innovations of Edward S. Rogers Sr., a Canadian inventor who pioneered radio technology in the 1920s. In 1925, Rogers Sr. established the Rogers Vacuum Tube Company, initially operating as Standard Radio Manufacturing Corporation, to produce and sell "batteryless" radios powered by household AC current, eliminating the need for batteries or external power supplies—a breakthrough that made radio reception more accessible to average households. His AC tube invention, developed around 1924–1925, addressed the limitations of battery-dependent sets prevalent at the time, enabling mass-market adoption. By 1927, Rogers Sr. launched CFRB-AM in , the first station explicitly tied to promoting his radio products, which broadcast from a transmitter in and helped establish Rogers-Majestic Corporation as Canada's largest radio manufacturer by 1930. Rogers Sr.'s early death in 1939 from complications of a bleeding ulcer left the family enterprises fragmented, but his technical legacy influenced subsequent developments in Canadian broadcasting. Edward S. Rogers Jr., known as Ted Rogers, revived the family name in broadcasting starting in 1960, when, at age 27, he secured an $85,000 loan to acquire , Toronto's pioneering commercial FM station, marking the formal inception of what became Rogers Communications. Motivated by his father's innovations, Rogers Jr. expanded radio holdings in the , acquiring additional stations and forming Rogers Radio Broadcasting Limited, which capitalized on FM's superior amid growing consumer demand for high-fidelity audio. By the mid-, the company had established a foothold in Toronto's , leveraging regulatory approvals for FM expansion to build listener bases without heavy reliance on AM competition. This period focused on operational efficiencies and content programming, setting the stage for diversification beyond radio. The 1970s and saw Rogers pivot to , entering the market through Rogers Cablesystems amid rising suburban demand for improved signal reception and expanded channel offerings. In 1979, Rogers acquired Canadian Cablesystems Limited, a move that listed the company on the and provided capital for infrastructure buildout. The pivotal 1980 purchase of Premier Cablevision, combined with control of Canadian Cablesystems, elevated Rogers to Canada's largest cable operator, serving over 1 million subscribers by absorbing regional systems in and beyond. These acquisitions, financed through debt and equity amid high interest rates, emphasized network upgrades for reliable delivery, positioning Rogers for analog-to-digital transitions and early experiments in pay-TV services by the late . In 1986, Rogers Cablesystems rebranded as Rogers Communications Inc., consolidating its radio, cable, and emerging wireless ventures under a unified .

National Growth and Diversification (1990s–2000s)

During the 1990s, Rogers Communications intensified its national expansion in wireless services through Rogers Cantel, investing heavily in cellular infrastructure amid initial operating losses to build a nationwide network. The company also pursued cable consolidation and diversification into media via the 1994 acquisition of Maclean Hunter Limited for approximately C$2.5–3.1 billion, which added over 700,000 cable subscribers, publishing assets including magazine, radio stations, and television operations, though some non-core assets like the were later divested in 1996 for debt reduction. This move elevated Rogers to a dominant position in Canadian cable markets while extending its footprint beyond . Debt levels soared to C$5.6 billion by 1997 due to expansion costs and prior ventures like Unitel, prompting strategic divestitures such as the 1996 sale of cable systems serving 303,000 subscribers to for C$350 million and the 1998 exit from local telephony by selling Rogers Telecom to MetroNet for C$600 million plus shares. To stabilize finances, Rogers secured major investments in 1999, including a C$600 million stake sale to for set-top box technology rights and a C$1.4 billion deal granting and British Telecom a 33% stake in Cantel, reducing Rogers' ownership to 51% but injecting capital for further wireless rollout. Concurrently, Rogers launched Rogers@Home high-speed service in 1997, upgrading cable systems to serve 78% of customers by 1998 and bundling it with voice and video for national broadband growth. Entering the 2000s, Rogers consolidated its wireless dominance by repurchasing AT&T's 33% stake in 2004 for C$1.8 billion and acquiring Telecommunications (Fido) for C$1.4 billion, forming Canada's largest wireless provider with expanded subscriber base and spectrum holdings. Cable operations grew through the 2000 acquisition of Cable Atlantic, serving , and a major asset swap with exchanging C$4 billion in systems to focus on eastern markets. Diversification accelerated with the C$160 million purchase of the Toronto Blue Jays team in 2000, integrating sports ownership into its media portfolio, followed by the 2004 acquisition of the SkyDome (renamed ) for C$25 million to synergize with broadcasting assets. Media expansion continued with the 2007 acquisition of five stations, enhancing urban television presence. By the mid-2000s, these efforts positioned as Rogers' core growth engine, contributing 54% of revenue and 70% of profits by 2007, while bundled cable, internet, and media services drove national gains despite ongoing investments. Debt was reduced to C$3.1 billion by late 1999 through these maneuvers, enabling sustained diversification across and entertainment sectors.

21st Century Challenges and Transformations

In the early , Rogers Communications encountered intensified in 's sector, dominated by an oligopolistic structure involving Rogers, Bell, and Telus, which limited and contributed to persistently high service prices compared to international benchmarks. providers, including Rogers, focused on amid price wars and auctions, with Rogers reporting significant efforts in this area by 2000. Despite substantial capital expenditures per subscriber—positioning as a leader in network investments—the market's structure drew criticism for insufficient downward pressure on prices, as evidenced by ex-post returns exceeding competitive norms. Regulatory pressures from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) posed ongoing challenges, particularly around wholesale access and pricing models. In , Rogers' implementation of usage-based billing (UBB) for services sparked widespread backlash, with over 450,000 signatures on petitions opposing caps that major providers like Rogers, Bell, and Shaw enforced to manage . The CRTC's initial approval faced federal government intervention, leading to a review that highlighted tensions between incumbent protections and smaller ISPs' access needs. Additional disputes arose over as an essential service, declared by the CRTC in 2016, compelling Rogers to adapt to mandates shifting focus from voice to high-speed provisions. Network reliability emerged as a critical , exemplified by a nationwide outage on , 2013, which disrupted voice services for millions and exposed risks to emergency 911 access. deficiencies compounded these issues, with persistent complaints about billing and support, as noted in case studies of Rogers' operations. trends further eroded traditional cable revenues, as streaming alternatives accelerated subscriber losses in the , forcing Rogers to confront declining linear TV demand. To address these pressures, Rogers pursued digital transformations, redesigning customer touchpoints for a mobile-first era, including online self-service platforms and enhanced capabilities by the late . Investments in LTE networks and preparations for reflected a shift toward data-centric , aiming to integrate , , and media services amid evolving consumer behaviors. These adaptations, while costly, positioned Rogers to mitigate competitive and technological disruptions through converged offerings.

Shaw Communications Acquisition and Integration (2021–2025)

On March 15, 2021, Rogers Communications announced an agreement to acquire in a C$26 billion all-stock transaction, aiming to combine their wireless, cable, and operations to accelerate deployment and expand services in . The deal included commitments from Rogers to invest C$6.5 billion in for network builds, rural connectivity, and job creation, with projected annual synergies exceeding C$1 billion within two years of closing. Shaw shareholders approved the transaction on May 21, 2021, followed by (CRTC) approval of the broadcasting assets on March 24, 2022. Regulatory scrutiny intensified from the , which challenged the merger over concerns of reduced ; to address this, Rogers agreed in May 2022 to divest Shaw's to Videotron (a subsidiary) for up to C$2.9 billion, including licenses, with the upholding approval on December 31, 2022. Final federal approval came from the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry on March 31, 2023, conditional on pro-competitive measures like the transfer to Videotron and affordability undertakings. The acquisition closed on April 3, 2023, with Shaw's common shares delisted from the Toronto Stock Exchange and its operations integrated into Rogers, effectively doubling Rogers' cable segment quarterly revenue run-rate to C$2 billion. Post-closing integration focused on network convergence, rebranding Shaw services to Rogers starting in July 2023, and realizing cost synergies, which Rogers reported as ahead of schedule by November 2023, contributing to a 30% rise in total service revenue and 39% increase in adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2023. Integration efforts through 2025 emphasized operational efficiencies and management, though initial challenges included potential disruptions to and execution risks noted in financial guidance. By April 2024, Rogers had created 1,828 net new jobs in , aligning with merger commitments, while 2023 annual results marked record growth with wireless service revenue up 9%. Ongoing progress in synergies and network upgrades supported an improved financial outlook into 2025, despite elevated leverage from the deal.

Corporate Governance

Ownership Structure and Family Control

Rogers Communications Inc. operates under a dual-class share structure consisting of Class A voting shares and Class B non-voting shares, which enables concentrated control by a small group of shareholders despite broad public of the latter class. The Class A shares, which carry voting , are predominantly held by Rogers Control Trust, granting the trust approximately 97% of the company's total voting power as of early 2025. In contrast, the trust's equity represents only about 29% of the common , highlighting the structure's design to prioritize voting influence over economic interest. The Rogers Control Trust, established by founder Ted Rogers to perpetuate family oversight, holds these Class A shares through Rogers Voting Shares Holdings Inc., a wholly owned , with The Bank of serving as since its inception. This irrevocable trust benefits successive generations of the Rogers family, including descendants of Ted Rogers, who died in 2008, ensuring that voting decisions align with long-term family stewardship rather than short-term market pressures. The structure has remained intact following the 2023 acquisition of , with no dilution of the trust's reported through October 2025. Institutional investors and public shareholders primarily hold Class B non-voting shares, which confer economic rights such as dividends but no influence over board elections or strategic votes. Major holders among these include entities like FIL Ltd. and , though their stakes do not challenge the trust's dominance. This setup has drawn scrutiny for entrenching family control, as evidenced by internal disputes in 2021 that tested the trust's mechanisms but ultimately reinforced its authority without altering the share classes. As of mid-2025, Rogers Control Trust remained the largest single shareholder by equity at around 27% of , underscoring the persistence of family-centric governance.

Leadership Transitions and Board Composition

Following the death of founder Ted Rogers on December 2, 2008, Nadir Mohamed was appointed President and CEO in March 2009 after serving as president and . Mohamed led the company through a period of strategic focus on wireless growth until his retirement announcement in February 2013. British telecommunications executive Guy Laurence succeeded Mohamed as President and CEO on December 2, 2013, emphasizing customer-centric reforms and cost efficiencies during his tenure, which ended abruptly on October 17, 2016, amid reported tensions with the Rogers family. Joe Natale, formerly president of Telus Consumer Solutions, replaced Laurence effective immediately in October 2016 and guided the company through the early stages of investments and the pursuit of the acquisition until his departure on November 16, 2021. Tony Staffieri, previously CFO, was appointed interim President and CEO on November 16, 2021, and confirmed in the permanent role on January 11, 2022, overseeing the completion of the $26 billion Shaw merger in April 2023 and subsequent integration efforts. Significant board-level transitions have intertwined with family dynamics and corporate control. In October 2021, amid escalating disputes within the Rogers family over succession and strategy, Edward S. Rogers, son of the founder and then-chairman, was removed from his position by a board majority, with appointed as interim chair; Edward successfully challenged this in court and was reinstated as chair by December 2021, solidifying family influence via the Rogers Control Trust. On August 14, 2024, Edward S. Rogers was elevated to Executive Chair, enhancing his oversight role in strategic decisions including post-merger synergies with . In January 2024, sisters Melinda Rogers-Hixon (former deputy chair) and Martha Rogers retired from the board as part of a private family settlement, reducing internal divisions and streamlining governance. The Rogers Communications board comprises a mix of family representatives, executive directors, and independent members to balance control with external expertise, with ultimate voting power concentrated through the family-held Rogers Control Trust. As of 2025, Edward S. Rogers serves as Executive Chair, Tony Staffieri as a director in his capacity as CEO, and Lisa Rogers (daughter of Ted Rogers) as a family-affiliated director. Independent directors include Robert J. Gemmell as Lead Director, alongside figures such as Ivan Fecan, David Robinson, and Michael Cooper, providing oversight on audit, compensation, and governance committees. The board's size and composition reflect adjustments post the 2023 Shaw acquisition, incorporating telecom sector experience while prioritizing long-term value amid regulatory and integration challenges, though specific Shaw family integration into the board has been limited. In late September 2021, a significant family dispute erupted at Rogers Communications when Edward Rogers III, son of founder Ted Rogers and chairman of the company and the family-controlled Rogers Control Trust, attempted to remove chief executive officer Joe Natale and replace him with Tony Staffieri as president and CEO. Edward also issued a written consent resolution on behalf of the trust, which holds approximately 97.5% of the company's voting shares through Class A shares, to remove five independent directors aligned with Natale and appoint five new directors supportive of his leadership changes. The move drew immediate opposition from Edward's mother, Loretta Rogers, and his sisters and Martha Rogers, who backed Natale's continuation amid the pending $26 billion acquisition of . The board, influenced by this faction, voted to remove Edward as chairman, prompting dueling claims of authority and a lawsuit filed by Edward in the to validate his consent resolution under the Business Corporations Act. Loretta Rogers argued that Edward's unilateral actions disregarded governance norms, family consensus, and her wishes as a key trustee, potentially jeopardizing the Shaw deal. On November 5, 2021, the court ruled in Edward's favor, declaring the consent resolution valid and effective to remove and replace the directors, thereby affirming his control as trust chairman and restoring stability for the Shaw acquisition's completion in 2023. The decision emphasized strict adherence to over broader ideals, highlighting the power of dual-class share structures in family-controlled firms. Tensions persisted, with Lisa and Martha Rogers launching a 2023 lawsuit alleging denial of board access and information rights as minority shareholders, but this was overshadowed by the 2021 outcome. The feud concluded amicably on January 17, 2024, when Lisa and Martha announced their retirement from the board, settling differences with Edward and affirming family unity in company stewardship. This resolution preserved Edward's leadership while addressing ongoing family governance frictions rooted in the trust's structure established after Ted Rogers' 2008 death.

Business Operations

Wireless Services

Rogers Wireless operates as the primary mobile telecommunications division of Rogers Communications, providing voice, data, and messaging services nationwide under the flagship Rogers brand, as well as budget flanker brands Fido and , which operate on the same Rogers network, with Fido for value-oriented postpaid plans and Chatr for prepaid options. The division leverages a extensive spectrum portfolio, including low-, mid-, and high-band frequencies, to deliver services via its proprietary , which spans urban centers, suburbs, and select rural areas through partnerships for extended coverage. The network supports advanced technologies, beginning with the initial 5G rollout in major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Ottawa on January 15, 2020, marking Canada's first commercial 5G deployment. This evolved to include the nation's first 5G standalone core network in March 2022, enabling enhanced efficiency and low-latency applications, followed by midband 5G using 3500 MHz spectrum starting June 2022 and the introduction of 5G Advanced technology nationwide in June 2025 for improved speeds and device compatibility. As of recent updates, 5G coverage reaches over 31 million Canadians, prioritizing high-demand urban zones while integrating fixed wireless access for broadband alternatives in underserved regions. Rogers commands the largest subscriber base among Canadian carriers, holding over 30% as of late 2024, driven by consistent postpaid growth and low churn rates. In the third quarter of 2025 alone, it added 111,000 net mobile subscribers, including 62,000 postpaid and 49,000 prepaid, reflecting sustained demand amid competitive pricing and network investments. The segment's financial performance underscores its centrality to Rogers' operations, with operating revenue totaling 10.6 billion CAD in 2024—over half of the company's overall 20.6 billion CAD revenue—and service revenue rising 4% year-over-year due to subscriber expansion and stable . Adjusted EBITDA for grew 7% in 2024, supported by cost efficiencies and higher-margin postpaid loadings, though fluctuated with upgrade cycles.

Cable Television and Broadband

Rogers Communications operates cable television and broadband internet services through its cable division, serving primarily urban and suburban areas in , , and parts of following the integration of assets acquired in 2023. The company's platform, rebranded as Rogers TV in October 2024, delivers content via IP-based streaming, replacing traditional set-top boxes with cloud-hosted processing for reduced hardware size and enhanced functionality. This system supports integrated search across live broadcasts, on-demand video, DVR recordings, and third-party apps such as and , alongside features like voice-controlled navigation and personalized sports hubs for tracking teams and leagues. The platform originated with the Ignite TV launch on August 19, 2018, which shifted from legacy coaxial delivery to (IPTV), enabling scalability and app-like interfaces while maintaining access to over 500 channels in premium packages. The 2024 rebranding and partnership with introduced advanced entertainment tools, including seamless device integration for casting to larger screens via or . Rogers holds the dominant position in Canada's cable networks sector, benefiting from extensive that covers millions of households and supports bundled service retention amid trends. Broadband services, branded as Rogers Internet, offer unlimited data plans with download speeds starting at 100 Mbps and reaching up to 1.5 Gbps in select fiber-enabled regions, powered by 3.1 cable modems and emerging fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) deployments. These plans include advanced gateways for multi-device connectivity, suitable for 10-15 or more simultaneous users, with emphasis on low latency for gaming and streaming. In September 2024, Rogers initiated a nationwide rollout of Comcast's virtualized , aiming to boost reliability, reduce latency, and enable future speeds exceeding 4 Gbps through software upgrades without full hardware overhauls. Fiber expansion efforts include targeted builds, such as 200 kilometers of new along municipal roads in , , commencing in 2025 to enhance local access, and a $10 million undersea cable project completed in September 2025, delivering symmetrical speeds up to 2 Gbps to approximately 3,000 homes and businesses in British Columbia's Southern Gulf Islands. and segments drove steady revenue contributions in the third quarter of 2025, with total company service revenue rising 4% year-over-year to $4.739 billion, reflecting subscriber stability and pricing adjustments despite competitive pressures from alternatives. The company maintains leadership in fixed download speeds, averaging 198.1 Mbps nationally as of March 2025, outpacing rivals by significant margins.

Media and Entertainment Assets

Rogers Sports & Media, a division of Rogers Communications, manages a portfolio of television networks, sports broadcasting rights, and direct ownership in professional sports franchises and venues, serving as a key component of the company's entertainment offerings. This division reaches approximately 95% of Canadians through premium sports and entertainment content across linear TV, streaming platforms like Sportsnet+, and live events. In the third quarter of 2025, the media segment generated C$753 million in revenue, reflecting growth driven by sports-related assets and expanded content partnerships. The core broadcasting assets include , Canada's leading English-language sports network, which operates multiple channels such as , Sportsnet 360, and Sportsnet World, providing coverage of major leagues including the NHL, MLB, and NBA. secured a 12-year national media rights deal with the NHL on April 2, 2025, valued at C$7.7 billion, granting exclusive English-language broadcast rights to regular season games, playoffs, and Stanley Cup Finals across all platforms. Additionally, Rogers assumed full ownership of Canada following CRTC approval of its buyout of Bell Media's stake on June 13, 2025, enhancing NBA content distribution. In entertainment programming, Rogers licenses and operates specialty channels including for urban lifestyle and news content—acquired from CTVglobemedia in 2007—and brands such as Bravo, , , Discovery, , , and through a 2025 agreement with . On the sports ownership front, Rogers holds full ownership of the Toronto Blue Jays MLB franchise, acquired in 2000, which includes broadcast rights integrated with for regular season and postseason games. The company expanded its portfolio in July 2025 by increasing its stake in (MLSE) to 75%, securing majority control over teams including the (NHL), (NBA), (MLS), and (CFL). This acquisition, valued at approximately C$4.7 billion, integrates MLSE's assets with Rogers' existing holdings to leverage synergies in content production and venue operations. Rogers also owns the , a in serving as the Blue Jays' home field and hosting various events, with naming rights extended through ongoing investments. These assets position Rogers as a dominant player in Canadian sports media, with integrated vertical control from team ownership to broadcast distribution, though subject to regulatory oversight on content licensing and market concentration.

Rogers Bank and Financial Services

Rogers Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rogers Communications Inc., operates as a federally regulated Schedule I chartered bank under Canada's Bank Act. It received Letters Patent of Incorporation from the Minister of Finance on May 3, 2013, following an application process initiated in 2011, enabling it to focus on credit, payment, and related financial services integrated with Rogers' telecommunications offerings. The bank's primary products are credit cards, including the Rogers Red and Rogers World Elite , both with no annual fee and unlimited cash back rewards—up to 2% on all purchases for eligible Rogers or Fido customers, and 1.5% for others. Rewards accrue as points redeemable flexibly for Rogers and Fido mobile, internet, or TV bills; statement credits; bookings; or gift cards, with accelerated rates on U.S. purchases and benefits such as travel medical and purchase protection. In September 2023, Rogers expanded its financing capabilities, allowing cardholders to finance eligible devices like smartphones and smartwatches over 36 to 48 months, with options for early payoff and 0% interest on select 24-month plans tied to mobile subscriptions. These services emphasize ecosystem integration, offering perks like bill discounts—up to $10 monthly on postpaid mobile plans for World Elite cardholders—and priority customer support, aimed at boosting retention and transaction volume within and cable segments. As of June 30, 2025, the bank reported compliance with capital requirements, including a Common Equity Tier 1 ratio supporting its credit card-focused portfolio, which features segmented risk-weighted assets primarily from unsecured lending. While specific asset figures are not publicly detailed separately from Rogers' consolidated reports, the division contributes to overall through and reward redemptions that drive service payments.

Controversies and Criticisms

Network Reliability and Major Outages

Rogers Communications has faced scrutiny over network reliability, particularly following high-profile outages that disrupted services for millions of customers. Independent assessments by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) have highlighted deficiencies in redundancy and protections that exacerbated failures, though post-incident reforms were implemented. Despite these challenges, third-party analyses such as reports indicate Rogers leading competitors in consistent quality and reliability metrics for both and fixed as of early 2025, with scores reflecting strong performance in voice, , and streaming uptime. The most severe incident occurred on July 8, 2022, when a nationwide outage affected over 12 million Rogers customers, representing approximately 25% of Canada's internet and phone connectivity. Services began failing at around 4:58 EDT, with full restoration not achieved until July 9, resulting in a disruption lasting up to 26 hours for some users. The outage stemmed from human error during a routine configuration change on core IP network routers, which triggered a cascade of routing protocol overloads and prevented traffic from reaching critical systems. This single point of failure propagated due to absent safeguards, such as proper isolation between internal and external networks, amplifying the impact across wireless, broadband, and even emergency services like 911. The 2022 event led to widespread consequences, including halted banking transactions, disrupted public transit, and temporary loss of inter-carrier connectivity affecting non-Rogers users. In response, the CRTC commissioned an independent review, which identified systemic vulnerabilities like inadequate testing protocols and over-reliance on vendor equipment without diversified backups. Rogers subsequently enhanced network segmentation, implemented stricter change management, and invested in redundant pathways, contributing to improved resiliency scores in follow-up evaluations. Customer complaints related to service quality rose significantly in the aftermath, with Rogers accounting for a disproportionate share of telecommunications grievances reported to the Commission for Complaints for Telecom-television Services (CCTS), including a 138% increase in claims of complete service loss.

Regulatory Scrutiny of Mergers and Market Dominance

The proposed acquisition of Shaw Communications by Rogers Communications, announced on March 17, 2021, for approximately C$20 billion, faced extensive regulatory review due to concerns over reduced competition in Canada's concentrated wireless telecommunications market, where Rogers, Bell Canada, and Telus collectively hold over 90% of subscribers. The Competition Bureau, Canada's antitrust enforcer, sought to block the merger in May 2022, arguing it would substantially lessen competition, particularly in Alberta and British Columbia, by eliminating Shaw's regional fixed and mobile services, potentially leading to higher prices and reduced service quality for consumers. In December 2022, the Competition Tribunal dismissed the Bureau's application for an interim , ruling that Rogers' post-merger market share in would fall below the Bureau's 35% "safe harbour" threshold for presuming anticompetitive effects, and that entry by Quebecor's Videotron—via its acquisition of Shaw's —would mitigate risks in . The Tribunal applied the Bureau's Merger Enforcement Guidelines but found insufficient evidence of unilateral post-merger, emphasizing that Shaw's limited national presence did not pose a significant competitive constraint. The Bureau opted not to appeal in January 2023, allowing the deal to proceed, though critics argued the decision overlooked broader oligopolistic dynamics in the sector. Final approval came on March 31, 2023, from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister , conditioned on pro-competitive remedies including Videotron's national expansion with to offer low-cost plans in underserved areas, Rogers' commitment to create and maintain 3,000 jobs in for 10 years, and infrastructure sharing mandates to facilitate smaller carriers' access. Non-compliance penalties include up to C$1 billion in damages to the government, with annual C$100 million fines per unmet commitment. The CRTC separately approved the aspects, imposing conditions on and cable transfers to ensure content diversity. Broader scrutiny of Rogers' market dominance persists, as the "Big Three" carriers maintain high through spectrum control and costs, contributing to Canada's above-OECD average wireless prices despite regulatory efforts like mandated wholesale . In August 2023, the Competition Tribunal ordered the Bureau to pay Rogers and Shaw nearly C$13 million in costs, criticizing aspects of the Bureau's challenge as unreasonable and disproportionate. Subsequent CRTC decisions, such as Telecom Decision 2025-154, have highlighted declining wholesale-based competition, with Rogers petitioning for review amid ongoing debates over mandated access to its networks.

Pricing Practices and Customer Dissatisfaction

Rogers Communications has faced significant criticism for its pricing strategies in , cable, and services, characterized by frequent annual increases and additional fees that have drawn regulatory scrutiny and consumer backlash. In the wake of its 2023 acquisition of , Rogers implemented multiple price hikes, including a reported spike that watchdog groups described as exacerbating affordability issues in Canada's concentrated telecom market. Billing disputes, such as unexpected charges and system access fees, emerged as the leading category of complaints to the Commission for Complaints for Telecom-television Services (CCTS), accounting for a substantial portion of the 38% overall rise in telecom grievances in the 2023-2024 . Customer dissatisfaction has intensified around perceived misleading contract terms, particularly regarding price protections during fixed-term agreements. Hundreds of Rogers subscribers reported to in November 2024 that providers raised rates mid-contract without adequate disclosure, prompting calls for clearer regulatory mandates on price increase notifications. Similarly, in October 2024, complaints surfaced over abrupt $7 monthly hikes in TV box rental fees, with customers arguing that original contracts implied stability in such ancillary costs, leading to accusations of deceptive practices. Rogers' handling of disputes has been uneven, with some customers receiving ad-hoc discounts on hikes while others faced denials, fostering perceptions of arbitrary treatment as highlighted in January 2025 reports. Formal complaint volumes underscore the scale of discontent, with Rogers-specific filings to the CCTS surging 68% year-over-year in 2023-2024 and more than doubling since 2022, outpacing rivals like Bell and Telus. Incorrect billing topped the issues, followed by service quality and contract disputes, reflecting broader frustrations in a market where Rogers holds significant and cable market share. Regulatory intervention escalated in December 2024 when Canada's filed suit against Rogers, alleging of "Infinite" plans as unlimited data despite undisclosed speed throttling after high usage thresholds, potentially misleading consumers on value-for-price. These patterns align with a mid-2023 CCTS report noting a 118% jump in Rogers complaints over six months, driven largely by pricing and billing errors. While Rogers has defended its practices as necessary for network investments, the cumulative effect has contributed to high churn rates and parliamentary summons of its CEO in November 2024 to address consumer grievances. Independent analyses, including those from OpenMedia, attribute heightened dissatisfaction to reduced competition post-merger, with Rogers' pricing exceeding international benchmarks in mobile and broadband costs. No comprehensive Canadian-specific satisfaction indices like J.D. Power's were identified ranking Rogers favorably in recent years, contrasting with its occasional network quality accolades.

Financial Performance and Impact

Key Financial Metrics and Growth Drivers

Rogers Communications reported consolidated service of C$4,739 million for the third quarter of 2025, marking a 4% increase from C$4,567 million in the third quarter of 2024, driven primarily by growth in and media segments. Trailing twelve-month (TTM) stood at C$21.02 billion as of the latest reporting, with TTM adjusted EBITDA at C$9.24 billion, reflecting operational efficiencies post-Shaw integration. Net income for Q3 2025 reached C$5.8 billion, substantially boosted by a one-time gain from the MLSE transaction, though adjusted figures indicate steady underlying profitability.
MetricQ3 2025 ValueYear-over-Year Change
Service C$4,739 million+4%
Media C$753 million+26%
Wireless Net Adds111,000N/A (industry-leading)
Internet Net Adds29,000N/A
Adjusted EBITDA (TTM)C$9.24 billionN/A
Capital Expenditures (2025 Guidance)~C$3,700 millionDown from C$4,041 million in 2024
Net Debt Leverage Ratio3.9xImproved from 4.5x at end-2024
Primary growth drivers include robust subscriber acquisition in and services, with Q3 2025 marking industry-leading combined net additions and the lowest churn rates in company history, attributable to expanded coverage and postpaid mobile plans. The 2023 Shaw Communications acquisition has sustained momentum, nearly doubling cable revenue through network synergies and market share gains in , contributing to a 9% rise in annual service revenue in subsequent periods. Media segment expansion, fueled by sports content like NHL playoffs and strategic content launches such as partnerships, further propelled revenue, with pro forma 2025 media guidance at C$4 billion. Capital efficiencies from Shaw integration and reduced capex intensity support generation, enabling debt reduction and reaffirmed 2025 guidance of 3-5% service revenue growth and low double-digit adjusted EBITDA expansion.

Economic Contributions and Industry Influence

Rogers Communications contributes substantially to the economy through direct operations, supply chain effects, and induced spending. In 2024, the company supported over 90,000 jobs across and added $14.3 billion to national GDP, equivalent to approximately 0.5% of the country's total economic output, via its wireless, cable, and media segments. This impact included over $3.5 billion in federal, provincial, and municipal revenues, fees, and licensing payments in the prior year, with similar contributions expected annually given exceeding $20 billion in 2024. These figures stem from Rogers' commissioned economic assessments, which account for multiplier effects from employee wages, vendor purchases, and tied to its services. The company's infrastructure investments further amplify economic activity by enhancing connectivity and enabling downstream productivity gains. Rogers maintains Canada's largest 5G network as of September 2025, with ongoing expansions in capacity and coverage that support business operations, , and digital services nationwide. Capital expenditures, focused on network upgrades post-2023 Shaw acquisition, totaled billions annually, driving employment in , and technology sectors while facilitating broader adoption of high-speed —over 95% of Canadians had access to at least 50 Mbps download speeds by 2023, partly due to such investments by major carriers like Rogers. In the telecommunications industry, Rogers exerts significant influence as one of Canada's "Big Three" providers alongside BCE and Telus, commanding a leading position in wireless and internet markets with industry-high subscriber growth and churn rates below historical averages in 2025. Wireless services, generating over half of its revenue (more than CAD 11.6 billion in 2023), underscore its dominance in mobile connectivity, where it holds substantial market share among carriers. This position shapes competitive dynamics, with Rogers actively engaging regulators on policies like wholesale access and broadcasting modernization to protect incumbents' investments amid critiques of dominance constraining smaller rivals. The firm has lobbied extensively—134 federal meetings in one recent 12-month period—on spectrum allocation, merger approvals like the 2023 Shaw deal, and competition rules, influencing outcomes that favor large-scale infrastructure deployment over fragmented markets.

Former Assets and Divestitures

Publishing and Digital Ventures

Rogers Media, a division of Rogers Communications, historically operated a consumer publishing business that encompassed magazines and their corresponding digital platforms, including websites and online content distribution. Key titles included , Chatelaine, Hello! , Today's Parent, Canadian Business, , and Toronto Life. These properties generated revenue through , subscriptions, and digital extensions, though the segment faced declining amid shifting trends toward online formats. In line with a 2016 strategic shift to reduce print dependencies, Rogers ceased print editions for several titles, such as in 2017, while maintaining digital operations. Earlier divestitures included the 2016 sale of financial publications to TC Media (now part of TC Transcontinental). These moves reflected broader industry pressures, including ad revenue migration to digital giants and operational cost challenges in print production. The division's full exit occurred on March 20, 2019, when Rogers agreed to sell its seven remaining consumer magazine brands—encompassing both print and digital assets—to St. Joseph Communications for an undisclosed amount. St. Joseph, publisher of Toronto Life prior to the deal, assumed responsibility for content production, digital platforms, and staff transitions for approximately 120 employees. This transaction marked the culmination of Rogers' phased withdrawal from publishing, initiated after its 2000 acquisition of the consumer magazine portfolio from TDP (publisher of Maclean's and others), and allowed Rogers to refocus on core and broadcasting. Digital ventures tied to , such as content and extensions of the magazine brands, were transferred intact in the sale, with no separate standalone digital entities divested. Post-sale, Rogers retained no ownership in these properties, though legacy digital archives remained accessible via Rogers' broader media ecosystem until integration with the buyer.

Other Discontinued Operations

In 1989, Rogers Communications sold its U.S. operations, comprising systems in , , and other states, to Industries Inc. for US$1.58 billion (approximately C$1.9 billion at the time), redirecting the proceeds primarily toward expanding its Canadian wireless business via Cantel and refurbishing domestic cable . This divestiture marked an early strategic retreat from international expansion to consolidate focus on core Canadian markets amid regulatory and competitive pressures south of the border. Following the 1994 acquisition of Maclean Hunter Ltd., Rogers divested non-core assets to manage elevated debt levels exceeding C$4 billion. In 1996, it sold select cable systems serving 303,000 subscribers to Cable Inc. for C$350 million, retaining the bulk of its domestic cable footprint. That same year, Rogers offloaded its majority stake in printing and data processing units acquired through Maclean Hunter, including Davis & Henderson Ltd. (cheque printing) and Transkrit Corporation (data services), as part of broader asset sales generating nearly C$3 billion overall. In 1998, Rogers sold its fixed-line subsidiary, Rogers Telecom Inc., to MetroNet Communications Corp. for C$600 million in cash plus shares valued at C$400 million initially, further alleviating financial strain from prior leveraged buyouts. In November 2001, Rogers Cable Inc., a key operating unit, completed the sale of remaining U.S. cable assets—including Rogers American Cablesystems Inc. and Rogers Cablesystems of Alaska Inc.—to focus exclusively on Canadian operations amid declining profitability in foreign markets. More recently, in August 2025, Rogers agreed to divest its portfolio of nine business data centres across Canada to InfraRed Capital Partners for approximately C$200 million, with assets reclassified as held for sale in the company's Q3 2025 financials; Rogers retained rights to continue providing data centre services and network connectivity to the facilities post-sale, aligning with efforts to streamline non-core infrastructure amid rising debt from the 2023 Shaw merger. These transactions reflect a pattern of periodic divestitures to reduce leverage, fund core telecom investments, and comply with regulatory conditions, rather than operational shutdowns.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.