Rogers Wireless outlines program to support next generation services

Toronto-based Rogers Wireless Communications Inc. has put together a network augmentation program that will accelerate the company's ability to support fully integrated voice and data services. The company will augment its existing network by overlaying a GSM network with integrated General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) packet data capability throughout its nationwide digital coverage area. It will launch GPRS wireless packet data service along with GSM digital voice service with a variety of integrated handsets by July 1, 2001, and expand this coverage to more than 83% of Canada's population by year-end 2001.

"This deployment will be the foundation for our evolution to full third-generation wireless capabilities by year-end 2003," said Charles Hoffman, CEO, Rogers Wireless Inc. "We are pleased to join our partner, AT&T Wireless Services, who announced this same technology progression this morning."

With this announcement, Rogers Wireless has created the following aggressive path to full 3G deployment:

• Data Service availability July 1, 2001—Always-on GPRS wireless packet data service along with GSM digital voice service with a variety of integrated handsets in key markets

• End of 200—Expansion of this coverage to more than 83% of Canada's population

• 2002—Expansion of GSM-GPRS coverage footprint to match analog coverage of 93% of Canada's population

• 2002—Rogers Wireless expects to increase its wireless packet data delivery speed to up to 384 kb/s by adding Enhanced Data for GSM Evolution (EDGE) capability to its GSM-GPRS network throughout its national coverage area.

• During 2003—Deployment Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS).

The company expects to provide UMTS capability in Canada's top 25 top metropolitan areas during 2003. This technology choice for 3G will enable the company and its customers to continue to enjoy the advantages of worldwide economies of scale for network equipment and handsets, as well as have roaming access to the worldwide UMTS coverage footprint as these advanced systems are rolled out around the globe. This network overlay will be deployed on Rogers Wireless' existing nationwide network infrastructure, re-using existing towers, shelters, and transmission facilities.

The existing nationwide TDMA Digital PCS network will continue to offer high-quality voice, circuit-switched data, and short message services for many years to come.

"The extensive national deployment of the existing Rogers AT&T wireless network infrastructure, and the fact that we own and operate our own transmission network means that we can roll out our GSM-GPRS overlay network quickly and cost effectively," said Bob Berner, chief technology officer, Rogers Wireless Inc. "There are several key advantages to deploying the world standard in wireless technology that arise from the corresponding worldwide economies of scale. These advantages include lower network equipment costs, lower handset costs, a much greater variety of handset types and features, and greater development of network features and services. All of these contribute to our ability to provide better products and services to our customers."

The deployment of GSM-GPRS in 2001 will allow Rogers Wireless to deliver advanced integrated wireless voice and packet data services as much as a year earlier than previously expected. This earlier launch of GSM-GPRS will result in a competitive overall product offering, earlier realization of revenue from data access services, content, and third parties, and will accelerate the overall development of the wireless data market in Canada.

Rogers Wireless is currently in the process of selecting vendors for this network implementation and will announce its selection upon completion of the procurement process.

Edited by Ellen Jensen
Managing Editor, Wireless Networks Online

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