Rogers Overview
Rogers Communications is the largest integrated telecommunications operator in Canada, headquartered in Toronto. Rogers is a market leader in wireless, cable TV, internet, media, and other fields, with over 12.5 million wireless users, making it the largest mobile operator in Canada. The company owns mobile brands including Rogers Wireless, Fido, and Chatr, as well as Rogers Sports & Media (which includes sports, news, broadcasting, and other media assets).
In 2023 Rogers completed the largest merger in Canadian telecom, with Shaw Communications, and strengthened its position in the western provinces. For enterprises it offers connection management, device management, and 5G private networks, including connected vehicles, industrial IoT, and smart cities.
Rogers facts
- Founded: 1985 (Cantel began operations); origins trace back to 1978
- Headquarters: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Founder: Ted Rogers (1928-2008)
- Wireless users: Over 12.5 million (2024)
- Retail internet users: Approximately 4.2 million
- Market Position: Canada's largest wireless carrier
- Stock Codes: TSX: RCI.A, RCI.B; NYSE: RCI
History and milestones
Rogers' wireless business originated from the pager company Canadian Telecom founded by David Margolese in 1978. In 1984, Margolese, Ted Rogers, and others formed Cantel, which began operating a cellular network in July 1985, becoming one of the first wireless carriers in Canada. In 1986, Ted Rogers gained control and acquired all shares by 1990. It was renamed Rogers Wireless in 2003.
In 2004, Rogers acquired Microcell Solutions (Fido brand), significantly increasing its market share. In the 2010s, Rogers continued investing in LTE and 5G networks and expanded into media business (owning the home stadium of the Toronto Blue Jays, sports networks, etc.). In 2022, Rogers announced the acquisition of Shaw Communications for CAD 26 billion, selling Freedom Mobile to Quebecor to meet regulatory requirements. The merger closed in 2023. Rogers then spanned the country from east to west, and wireless service revenue kept growing. In Q2 2024 the adjusted EBITDA margin was 65%.
Core technical capabilities
Nationwide 5G Coverage
One of the widest 5G networks in Canada, covering major cities and rural areas
Enterprise IoT Solutions
Rogers for Business provides enterprise-level services including connectivity management, private networks, and security.
Converged Services
Integration of wireless + wired + media, supporting smart home and converged data plans.
Cybersecurity
Rogers Cybersec provides enterprise security and threat protection services.
Network standards and coverage
| Technology | Coverage | Uses | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4G LTE | Nationwide | Primary mobile and IoT | Main network |
| 5G NR | Major cities, and still expanding | High-speed broadband and industrial IoT | Still expanding |
| LTE-M / NB-IoT | Priority areas | Low-power IoT | In commercial service |
Brands
Rogers is the main brand, for higher-spend and household customers. Fido is the value postpaid brand. Chatr is the prepaid brand for price-sensitive customers. After the Shaw merger, cable and wireless in western provinces, including Alberta and British Columbia, are much stronger.
IoT uses
Connected Vehicles
- Vehicle diagnostics and remote control
- Fleet Management and Dispatch
- Insurance telematics
- Electric Vehicle Charging Network
Industrial Manufacturing
- Factory Automation Connectivity
- Remote equipment monitoring
- Predictive Maintenance
- AGVs and Robots
Smart city
- Intelligent Transportation System
- Public Safety Communication
- Environmental monitoring
- Smart lighting
Retail and Logistics
- POS terminal connection
- Inventory Tracking
- Cold Chain Monitoring
- Last-mile delivery
Competitive advantages
- Scale: Canada's largest wireless operator, ahead of peers in net user additions
- Shaw: The merger strengthened the western market
- Combined services: Wireless, cable, and media from one company
- Enterprise: Enterprise IoT and cybersecurity products
- Sports media: Exclusive sports content that helps keep subscribers
Financial results
In Q2 2024, wireless service revenue rose 4% year on year, adjusted EBITDA rose 6%, and the margin was 65%. The company guided 8–10% growth in total service revenue and 12–15% growth in adjusted EBITDA for 2024. After the Shaw merger, Rogers' lead in the Canadian market is wider.