Rogers Wireless debuts North American network first

First in North America to field test high-speed 7.2 Mbps wireless data service TORONTO, Oct. 26 /CNW/ - Following the successful expansion of itsrevolutionary high-speed network - HSPA - to 25 Canadian markets earlier thismonth, Rogers today announced it has begun field trials of its 7.2 Mbpswireless data service. The Brampton and Montreal trials utilize 3.5 generationwireless HSPA/UMTS technology (High Speed Packet Access/Universal MobileTelecommunications System), enabling a peak download speed of 7.2 Mbps, by farthe fastest in the country. "The consumer appetite for mobile applications is undeniable in Canadaand around the world," said Rob Bruce, President, Rogers Wireless." The dataspeeds achieved in this trial will enable Rogers to meet our customers' needswith the most advanced, innovative services today and in the future." Rogers is the first wireless provider in North America to trial peakspeeds of 7.2 Mbps and is among the top one percent of GSM carriers worldwidesupporting 7.2. This trial launches the next evolution of Rogers GSM network,and represents a significant investment in leading-edge technologies. Rogerswill have spent approximately $500 million over the past two years upgradingits network towards providing Canadians with the fastest and most reliablewireless network. "Rogers is continuing to trial, launch and deliver innovative andreliable next generation wireless telecommunications services to Canadians,"says industry analyst, Mark Goldberg, of Mark H. Goldberg and Associates Inc."The availability of 3.5G mobile services in our own backyard keeps Canada atthe front of the world stage with respect to telecommunications services andapplications." Rogers is continuing on its path of innovation, following the NorthAmerican introduction of wireless video calling - a feature of Rogers Visionsuite of services that runs on Canada's only HSPA network. With its coast tocoast network, which is proven to have the best reliability in Canada, Rogersis well-positioned to continue to offer customers best-in-class andfirst-to-market technologies and products. About Rogers Wireless Rogers Wireless provides wireless voice and data communications servicesacross Canada to more than 7 million customers under both the Rogers Wirelessand Fido brands. Proven to operate Canada's most reliable wireless voice anddata communications network, Rogers Wireless is Canada's largest wirelessprovider and the only carrier operating on the global standard GSM and highlyadvanced HSPA technology platforms. As well as providing seamless roaming inmore than 200 countries around the world with its GSM based services, RogersWireless also provides wireless broadband services across Canada utilizing its2.5GHz fixed wireless spectrum. The company is a subsidiary of RogersCommunications Inc. (TSX: RCI; NYSE: RCI), a diversified Canadiancommunications and media company. For further information, please visitwww.rogers.com.