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Rogers Communications
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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]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]
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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]
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Assets and divisions
[edit]
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]

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]

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
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OutRank by Rogers helps small businesses connect with potential customers.
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- ^ Arellano, Nestor (February 3, 2012). "Rogers targets small biz with new online marketing suite". ITBusiness. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
Called Outrank, the service promises to help companies generate more inbound phone calls and emails by offering a suite of products that include Web site design, search engine optimization (SEO) services, campaign tracking and paid search marketing.
- ^ Roseman, Ellen (December 6, 2013). "Refunds can be elusive without media help: Roseman". Toronto Star. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
- ^ Atchison, Chris. "Creating a Mobile Website". Connected for Business. Archived from the original on August 31, 2013. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
- ^ Condron, Frank. "Don't Ignore Online Customers". Profit. Archived from the original on February 16, 2013. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
- ^ Laermer, Emily (January 18, 2012). "Online marketer Yodle expanding into Canada". Crain's New York Business. Crain Communications Inc.
- ^ "Find a Premier SMB Partner to help grow your business". Retrieved October 17, 2014.
- ^ "OutRank by Rogers' Small Business Customers See 60% Rise in Web Traffic From Mobile Devices". Retrieved October 17, 2014.
- ^ "Home for Dinner Photos - Outrank by Rogers". Ronald McDonald House Charities. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
- ^ "Rogers shuts down discount brokerage Zoocasa | Toronto Star". thestar.com. June 9, 2015. Retrieved October 16, 2016.
- ^ "Rogers Communications sells Zoocasa real estate site | Toronto Star". thestar.com. July 2, 2015. Retrieved October 16, 2016.
- ^ Bradshaw, James (September 30, 2015). "Rogers revamps Next Issue app to cater to digital reading habits". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved December 24, 2017.
- ^ "Texture Canada Catalog". Retrieved December 24, 2017.
External links
[edit]Rogers Communications
View on GrokipediaOverview
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.[11][2][12] As Canada's largest wireless service provider by subscriber base, Rogers holds significant market share 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 Shaw Communications in 2023, which expanded its cable and wireless operations into Western Canada.[13][14][11] 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.[15][16][17]Market Position and Competitive Landscape
Rogers Communications holds a leading position in Canada's telecommunications industry, particularly in wireless and broadband services, enhanced by its April 2023 acquisition of Shaw Communications, which integrated Shaw's regional assets and expanded Rogers' national footprint. The company commands approximately one-third of the wireless market share by subscribers and revenue as of 2024.[18] Rogers reports serving more wireless and residential internet subscribers than any other provider, with wireless subscribers exceeding 12 million post-merger.[19] In broadband, Rogers benefits from strongholds in Ontario and Quebec, augmented by Shaw's legacy networks in Western Canada, where it gained market share in British Columbia and Alberta.[20] The competitive landscape remains an oligopoly dominated by three national incumbents—Rogers, BCE Inc. (operating as Bell), and Telus Corporation—which control roughly 90% of wireless revenues due to high entry barriers like spectrum costs and infrastructure deployment.[21] These firms also lead in fixed broadband and internet, with the top three accounting for the majority of revenues and subscribers nationwide.[20] Regional players, including Quebecor's Videotron in Quebec and SaskTel in Saskatchewan, 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.[22] 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 SaskTel to offer rates promoting competition.[23] Despite such measures, independent internet service providers have lost nearly 40% of national subscribers since late 2020, reflecting the majors' infrastructure advantages.[24] In 5G, Rogers' network earned top rankings for reliability and consistency in February 2025 assessments, amid ongoing investments by all three leaders to expand coverage, where 5G subscriptions are projected to reach 77% by 2029.[25][26] 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 Sportsnet, 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 alternating current 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.[27] His AC tube invention, developed around 1924–1925, addressed the limitations of battery-dependent sets prevalent at the time, enabling mass-market adoption.[28] By 1927, Rogers Sr. launched CFRB-AM in Toronto, the first station explicitly tied to promoting his radio products, which broadcast from a transmitter in Toronto and helped establish Rogers-Majestic Corporation as Canada's largest radio manufacturer by 1930.[29][30] 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.[27] 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 CHFI-FM, Toronto's pioneering commercial FM station, marking the formal inception of what became Rogers Communications.[3][31] Motivated by his father's innovations, Rogers Jr. expanded radio holdings in the 1960s, acquiring additional stations and forming Rogers Radio Broadcasting Limited, which capitalized on FM's superior sound quality amid growing consumer demand for high-fidelity audio.[32] By the mid-1960s, the company had established a foothold in Toronto's media market, leveraging regulatory approvals for FM expansion to build listener bases without heavy reliance on AM competition.[33] This period focused on operational efficiencies and content programming, setting the stage for diversification beyond radio. The 1970s and 1980s saw Rogers pivot to cable television, entering the market through Rogers Cablesystems amid rising suburban demand for improved signal reception and expanded channel offerings.[34] In 1979, Rogers acquired Canadian Cablesystems Limited, a move that listed the company on the Toronto Stock Exchange and provided capital for infrastructure buildout.[33] 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 Ontario and beyond.[34][30] 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 1980s.[35] In 1986, Rogers Cablesystems rebranded as Rogers Communications Inc., consolidating its radio, cable, and emerging wireless ventures under a unified corporate identity.[3]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.[34] 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 Maclean's magazine, radio stations, and television operations, though some non-core assets like the Toronto Sun were later divested in 1996 for debt reduction.[35] [34] This move elevated Rogers to a dominant position in Canadian cable markets while extending its footprint beyond Ontario.[36] 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 Ontario cable systems serving 303,000 subscribers to Cogeco for C$350 million and the 1998 exit from local telephony by selling Rogers Telecom to MetroNet for C$600 million plus shares.[35] To stabilize finances, Rogers secured major investments in 1999, including a C$600 million stake sale to Microsoft for set-top box technology rights and a C$1.4 billion deal granting AT&T and British Telecom a 33% stake in Cantel, reducing Rogers' ownership to 51% but injecting capital for further wireless rollout.[35] [34] Concurrently, Rogers launched Rogers@Home high-speed Internet service in 1997, upgrading cable systems to serve 78% of customers by 1998 and bundling it with voice and video for national broadband growth.[35] Entering the 2000s, Rogers consolidated its wireless dominance by repurchasing AT&T's 33% stake in 2004 for C$1.8 billion and acquiring Microcell Telecommunications (Fido) for C$1.4 billion, forming Canada's largest wireless provider with expanded subscriber base and spectrum holdings.[34] Cable operations grew through the 2000 acquisition of Cable Atlantic, serving Atlantic Canada, and a major asset swap with Shaw Communications exchanging C$4 billion in systems to focus on eastern markets.[34] Diversification accelerated with the C$160 million purchase of the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team in 2000, integrating sports ownership into its media portfolio, followed by the 2004 acquisition of the SkyDome (renamed Rogers Centre) for C$25 million to synergize with broadcasting assets.[36] Media expansion continued with the 2007 acquisition of five Citytv stations, enhancing urban television presence.[34] By the mid-2000s, these efforts positioned wireless as Rogers' core growth engine, contributing 54% of revenue and 70% of profits by 2007, while bundled cable, internet, and media services drove national market share gains despite ongoing infrastructure investments.[34] Debt was reduced to C$3.1 billion by late 1999 through these maneuvers, enabling sustained diversification across telecommunications and entertainment sectors.[35]21st Century Challenges and Transformations
In the early 2000s, Rogers Communications encountered intensified competition in Canada's wireless sector, dominated by an oligopolistic structure involving Rogers, Bell, and Telus, which limited consumer choice and contributed to persistently high service prices compared to international benchmarks.[37][38] Wireless providers, including Rogers, focused on customer retention amid price wars and spectrum auctions, with Rogers reporting significant efforts in this area by 2000.[39] Despite substantial capital expenditures per subscriber—positioning Canada 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.[40] Regulatory pressures from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) posed ongoing challenges, particularly around wholesale access and pricing models. In 2011, Rogers' implementation of usage-based billing (UBB) for internet services sparked widespread consumer backlash, with over 450,000 signatures on petitions opposing data caps that major providers like Rogers, Bell, and Shaw enforced to manage network congestion. The CRTC's initial approval faced federal government intervention, leading to a review that highlighted tensions between incumbent protections and smaller ISPs' access needs.[41] Additional disputes arose over broadband as an essential service, declared by the CRTC in 2016, compelling Rogers to adapt to mandates shifting focus from voice to high-speed data provisions.[42] Network reliability emerged as a critical vulnerability, exemplified by a nationwide wireless outage on October 10, 2013, which disrupted voice services for millions and exposed risks to emergency 911 access.[43][44] Customer service deficiencies compounded these issues, with persistent complaints about billing and support, as noted in case studies of Rogers' operations.[45] Cord-cutting trends further eroded traditional cable revenues, as streaming alternatives accelerated subscriber losses in the 2010s, forcing Rogers to confront declining linear TV demand.[46] To address these pressures, Rogers pursued digital transformations, redesigning customer touchpoints for a mobile-first era, including online self-service platforms and enhanced broadband capabilities by the late 2010s.[47] Investments in LTE networks and preparations for 5G reflected a shift toward data-centric infrastructure, aiming to integrate wireless, internet, and media services amid evolving consumer behaviors.[48] These adaptations, while costly, positioned Rogers to mitigate competitive and technological disruptions through converged offerings.[49]Shaw Communications Acquisition and Integration (2021–2025)
On March 15, 2021, Rogers Communications announced an agreement to acquire Shaw Communications in a C$26 billion all-stock transaction, aiming to combine their wireless, cable, and broadband operations to accelerate 5G deployment and expand services in Western Canada.[50] The deal included commitments from Rogers to invest C$6.5 billion in Western Canada for 5G network builds, rural connectivity, and job creation, with projected annual synergies exceeding C$1 billion within two years of closing.[50] [51] Shaw shareholders approved the transaction on May 21, 2021, followed by Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) approval of the broadcasting assets on March 24, 2022.[52] [53] Regulatory scrutiny intensified from the Competition Bureau, which challenged the merger over concerns of reduced wireless competition; to address this, Rogers agreed in May 2022 to divest Shaw's Freedom Mobile to Videotron (a Quebecor subsidiary) for up to C$2.9 billion, including spectrum licenses, with the Competition Tribunal upholding approval on December 31, 2022.[54] [55] Final federal approval came from the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry on March 31, 2023, conditional on pro-competitive measures like the spectrum transfer to Videotron and affordability undertakings.[55] [56] 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.[57] [22] 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.[58] [59] Integration efforts through 2025 emphasized operational efficiencies and capital expenditure management, though initial challenges included potential disruptions to service quality and execution risks noted in financial guidance.[60] By April 2024, Rogers had created 1,828 net new jobs in Western Canada, aligning with merger commitments, while 2023 annual results marked record growth with wireless service revenue up 9%.[61] [62] Ongoing progress in synergies and network upgrades supported an improved financial outlook into 2025, despite elevated leverage from the deal.[63]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 ownership of the latter class.[64] The Class A shares, which carry voting rights, are predominantly held by Rogers Control Trust, granting the trust approximately 97% of the company's total voting power as of early 2025.[65] In contrast, the trust's equity ownership represents only about 29% of the common shares outstanding, highlighting the structure's design to prioritize voting influence over economic interest.[65][66] 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 subsidiary, with The Bank of Nova Scotia serving as trustee since its inception.[67] 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.[68] The structure has remained intact following the 2023 acquisition of Shaw Communications, with no dilution of the trust's voting bloc reported through October 2025.[69] 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.[70] Major holders among these include entities like FIL Ltd. and Royal Bank of Canada, though their stakes do not challenge the trust's dominance.[71] 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.[72] As of mid-2025, Rogers Control Trust remained the largest single shareholder by equity at around 27% of shares outstanding, underscoring the persistence of family-centric governance.[69]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 chief operating officer. 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 5G investments and the pursuit of the Shaw Communications 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.[73][74][75][76][77][78][79][80][81] 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 John A. MacDonald 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 Shaw Communications. 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.[82][83][84][85] 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.[86][87][88][87]Family Disputes and Legal Resolutions
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.[89] 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.[90][91] The move drew immediate opposition from Edward's mother, Loretta Rogers, and his sisters Lisa Rogers and Martha Rogers, who backed Natale's continuation amid the pending $26 billion acquisition of Shaw Communications. 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 Supreme Court of British Columbia to validate his consent resolution under the British Columbia Business Corporations Act.[92][93] 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.[94] 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.[90][95] The decision emphasized strict adherence to corporate law over broader governance ideals, highlighting the power of dual-class share structures in family-controlled firms.[96] 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.[97] 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.[92] This resolution preserved Edward's leadership while addressing ongoing family governance frictions rooted in the trust's structure established after Ted Rogers' 2008 death.[98]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 Chatr, which operate on the same Rogers network, with Fido for value-oriented postpaid plans and Chatr for prepaid options.[99][100] The division leverages a extensive spectrum portfolio, including low-, mid-, and high-band frequencies, to deliver services via its proprietary radio access network, which spans urban centers, suburbs, and select rural areas through partnerships for extended coverage.[101] 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.[102] 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.[103][104][105] 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.[106] Rogers Wireless commands the largest subscriber base among Canadian carriers, holding over 30% market share as of late 2024, driven by consistent postpaid growth and low churn rates.[107] 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.[108] The segment's financial performance underscores its centrality to Rogers' operations, with wireless 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 average revenue per user.[109][110][18] Adjusted EBITDA for wireless grew 7% in 2024, supported by cost efficiencies and higher-margin postpaid loadings, though equipment sales fluctuated with upgrade cycles.[18]Cable Television and Broadband
Rogers Communications operates cable television and broadband internet services through its cable division, serving primarily urban and suburban areas in Ontario, Atlantic Canada, and parts of Western Canada following the integration of Shaw Communications assets acquired in 2023. The company's cable television platform, rebranded as Rogers Xfinity 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.[111] This system supports integrated search across live broadcasts, on-demand video, DVR recordings, and third-party apps such as Netflix and YouTube, alongside features like voice-controlled navigation and personalized sports hubs for tracking teams and leagues.[112][113] The platform originated with the Ignite TV launch on August 19, 2018, which shifted from legacy coaxial delivery to internet protocol television (IPTV), enabling scalability and app-like interfaces while maintaining access to over 500 channels in premium packages.[114] The 2024 rebranding and partnership with Comcast introduced advanced entertainment tools, including seamless device integration for casting to larger screens via Chromecast or AirPlay.[115] Rogers holds the dominant position in Canada's cable networks sector, benefiting from extensive infrastructure that covers millions of households and supports bundled service retention amid cord-cutting trends.[116] Broadband services, branded as Rogers Xfinity 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 DOCSIS 3.1 cable modems and emerging fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) deployments.[117] These plans include advanced Wi-Fi gateways for multi-device connectivity, suitable for 10-15 or more simultaneous users, with emphasis on low latency for gaming and streaming.[118] In September 2024, Rogers initiated a nationwide rollout of Comcast's virtualized access network architecture, aiming to boost reliability, reduce latency, and enable future speeds exceeding 4 Gbps through software upgrades without full hardware overhauls.[119] Fiber expansion efforts include targeted builds, such as 200 kilometers of new fiber along municipal roads in Clarington, Ontario, commencing in 2025 to enhance local access, and a $10 million undersea fiber 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.[120][121] Rogers' cable and broadband 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 fixed wireless alternatives.[122] The company maintains leadership in fixed broadband download speeds, averaging 198.1 Mbps nationally as of March 2025, outpacing rivals by significant margins.[123]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.[124] 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.[125] The core broadcasting assets include Sportsnet, Canada's leading English-language sports network, which operates multiple channels such as Sportsnet One, Sportsnet 360, and Sportsnet World, providing coverage of major leagues including the NHL, MLB, and NBA. Sportsnet 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.[126] Additionally, Rogers assumed full ownership of NBA TV Canada following CRTC approval of its buyout of Bell Media's stake on June 13, 2025, enhancing NBA content distribution.[127] In entertainment programming, Rogers licenses and operates specialty channels including Citytv for urban lifestyle and news content—acquired from CTVglobemedia in 2007—and brands such as Bravo, HGTV, Food Network, Discovery, FX, Magnolia Network, and Investigation Discovery through a 2025 agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery.[128][129] 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 Sportsnet for regular season and postseason games.[130] The company expanded its portfolio in July 2025 by increasing its stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) to 75%, securing majority control over teams including the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), Toronto Raptors (NBA), Toronto FC (MLS), and Toronto Argonauts (CFL).[131] 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 Rogers Centre, a multi-purpose stadium in Toronto serving as the Blue Jays' home field and hosting various events, with naming rights extended through ongoing investments.[132] 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.[133]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.[134][135] The bank's primary products are Mastercard credit cards, including the Rogers Red Mastercard and Rogers World Elite Mastercard, 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; travel bookings; or gift cards, with accelerated rates on U.S. purchases and insurance benefits such as travel medical and purchase protection.[136][137] 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 5G mobile subscriptions.[138][139] 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 Rogers' wireless and cable segments. As of June 30, 2025, the bank reported compliance with Basel III 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.[140][141] While specific asset figures are not publicly detailed separately from Rogers' consolidated reports, the division contributes to overall revenue through interest income and reward redemptions that drive service payments.[142]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.[8] Despite these challenges, third-party analyses such as Opensignal reports indicate Rogers leading competitors in consistent quality and reliability metrics for both wireless and fixed broadband as of early 2025, with scores reflecting strong performance in voice, data, and streaming uptime.[143][144] 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.[8] 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.[9] 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.[8] 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.[9] 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.[145] 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.[8] Rogers subsequently enhanced network segmentation, implemented stricter change management, and invested in redundant pathways, contributing to improved resiliency scores in follow-up evaluations.[146] 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.[147]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.[148][149] 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.[150][151] In December 2022, the Competition Tribunal dismissed the Bureau's application for an interim injunction, ruling that Rogers' post-merger market share in Alberta 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 Freedom Mobile—would mitigate risks in British Columbia.[152][153] The Tribunal applied the Bureau's Merger Enforcement Guidelines but found insufficient evidence of unilateral market power post-merger, emphasizing that Shaw's limited national presence did not pose a significant competitive constraint.[154] 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.[155] Final approval came on March 31, 2023, from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister François-Philippe Champagne, conditioned on pro-competitive remedies including Videotron's national expansion with Freedom Mobile to offer low-cost plans in underserved areas, Rogers' commitment to create and maintain 3,000 jobs in Western Canada for 10 years, and infrastructure sharing mandates to facilitate smaller carriers' access.[55][156] Non-compliance penalties include up to C$1 billion in damages to the government, with annual C$100 million fines per unmet commitment.[157] The CRTC separately approved the broadcasting aspects, imposing conditions on satellite and cable transfers to ensure content diversity.[158] Broader scrutiny of Rogers' market dominance persists, as the "Big Three" carriers maintain high barriers to entry through spectrum control and infrastructure costs, contributing to Canada's above-OECD average wireless prices despite regulatory efforts like mandated wholesale roaming.[159] 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.[160][161] 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.[162]Pricing Practices and Customer Dissatisfaction
Rogers Communications has faced significant criticism for its pricing strategies in wireless, cable, and internet 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 Shaw Communications, 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 fiscal year.[163][164] Customer dissatisfaction has intensified around perceived misleading contract terms, particularly regarding price protections during fixed-term agreements. Hundreds of Rogers subscribers reported to CBC News 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.[165][166] 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.[167] 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 wireless and cable market share. Regulatory intervention escalated in December 2024 when Canada's Competition Bureau filed suit against Rogers, alleging false advertising of "Infinite" plans as unlimited data despite undisclosed speed throttling after high usage thresholds, potentially misleading consumers on value-for-price.[168][169][170] 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.[171] 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.[172][168]Financial Performance and Impact
Key Financial Metrics and Growth Drivers
Rogers Communications reported consolidated service revenue 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 wireless and media segments.[122] Trailing twelve-month (TTM) revenue 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.[173] 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.[174]| Metric | Q3 2025 Value | Year-over-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| Service Revenue | C$4,739 million | +4% |
| Media Revenue | C$753 million | +26% |
| Wireless Net Adds | 111,000 | N/A (industry-leading) |
| Internet Net Adds | 29,000 | N/A |
| Adjusted EBITDA (TTM) | C$9.24 billion | N/A |
| Capital Expenditures (2025 Guidance) | ~C$3,700 million | Down from C$4,041 million in 2024 |
| Net Debt Leverage Ratio | 3.9x | Improved from 4.5x at end-2024 |