Telecom Lead America: Rogers Communications will introduce LTE in 44 markets this spring and intends to reach a total of 95 markets in 2013.
The Canadian telecom operator will also be making its 2600 MHz LTE spectrum band available in all markets, and 34 of the 44 new LTE markets will be capable of maximum network speeds of up to 150 Mbps.
In Q4 2012, Rogers posted wireless data revenue of $728 million. It’s 43 percent of service revenue. At present, Rogers has 9.4 million wireless voice & data subscribers. Its wireless ARPU is $61 in the fourth quarter of last year.
According to Scotia Capital estimates, Rogers leads the market in
smartphone subscriber share. Its smartphone users generate nearly double the ARPU of an average voice only subscriber and churn less.
Rogers LTE customers using a 2600-enabled device can do even more and have access to the fastest speeds available. Rogers has more LTE network deployed in the 2600 MHz spectrum band than any other carrier in Canada.
John Boynton, executive vice president and chief marketing officer at Rogers, said: “The power of the network is critical to enabling these digital experiences, and with Rogers LTE, Canadians are getting more use out of their devices, at the fastest speeds available.”
Among the 44 LTE markets launching this spring will be Saint John, New Brunswick; Medicine Hat, Alberta; Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario; Guelph, Ontario; Muskoka, Ontario; Collingwood, Ontario; and multiple cities in Quebec.
Current Rogers exclusive, 2600-enabled devices include the LG Optimus G 2600, the Rocket Stick, Rocket Hub and the Rocket Mobile Hotspot.
