Rogers Communications

Rogers Communications is a Canadian communications and media company whose principal businesses include wireless telecommunications, cable television, broadband internet, home phone services, mass media, and professional sports. Based in Toronto, the company operates primarily in Canada and is one of the country's three major national wireless carriers, alongside Bell and Telus. Its consumer-facing brands include Rogers Wireless, Rogers Internet, Rogers Ignite TV, Sportsnet, Citytv, and other media and entertainment properties. The company's modern history began in 1960, when Ted Rogers and broadcaster Joel Aldred assembled Aldred-Rogers Broadcasting to acquire Toronto FM station CHFI. The venture later became connected with Baton Aldred Rogers Broadcasting, which established CFTO-TV, Toronto's first private television station. Rogers entered cable television during the 1960s and expanded substantially through acquisitions, including Canadian Cablesystems in 1979 and Premier Cablevision in 1980. In 1986, Rogers Cable was renamed Rogers Communications and assumed operational control of Cantel, helping establish the wireless business that would become Rogers Wireless. Rogers subsequently developed an integrated communications portfolio. Its cable operations provide broadband, television distribution, and telephony, while its wireless division supplies mobile voice, messaging, data, and 5G services. The company has also invested heavily in sports and media. Rogers Sports & Media operates Sportsnet and other broadcasting assets, while Rogers Blue Jays Baseball Partnership owns the Toronto Blue Jays and Rogers Centre. Rogers became a major shareholder in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment and in 2025 acquired Bell Canada's remaining interest, becoming the majority owner of the organization, which owns teams including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC, and Toronto Argonauts. The company has faced structural pressure from cord-cutting, streaming competition, high telecommunications prices, network reliability concerns, and regulatory scrutiny. Its Shomi streaming service, launched with Shaw Communications in 2014, closed in 2016 after failing to establish a sustainable position. Rogers also experienced major nationwide network outages in 2021 and 2022, prompting customer credits, government scrutiny, and demands for stronger inter-carrier emergency coordination. Rogers announced its proposed acquisition of Shaw Communications in 2021. The transaction was valued at approximately C$26 billion and attracted opposition from consumer groups and the Competition Bureau because Shaw was a significant competitor in wireless and broadband markets. Regulatory approval was ultimately granted in 2023 after conditions including the sale of Shaw's Freedom Mobile business to Quebecor's Videotron and commitments concerning employment, pricing, and network investment. The acquisition substantially expanded Rogers's cable and wireless presence in Western Canada. In 2024, Rogers expanded its technology relationship with Comcast through a ten-year agreement covering broadband, smart-home, and home-security technologies. In 2025, it announced satellite-to-mobile text messaging services through partnerships with SpaceX and Lynk Global, extending messaging and text-to-911 availability beyond conventional cellular coverage.

Rogers Communications has roots in the early development of Canadian radio technology. Edward S. Rogers Sr. founded the Rogers Vacuum Tube Company in 1914 and later developed an alternating-current heater-filament cathode that enabled radios to operate from ordinary household electrical power rather than batteries. He established the CFRB radio station in Toronto and received an experimental television licence in 1931. His death in 1939 left the family business interests to be sold, but his son Edward, known as Ted Rogers, later pursued a career in broadcasting and communications. In 1960, Ted Rogers and Joel Aldred formed Aldred-Rogers Broadcasting and acquired CHFI, a Toronto FM station. The partners became involved in Baton Aldred Rogers Broadcasting, which helped establish CFTO-TV. Rogers also launched CHFI-AM in 1962, a station later known as CFTR. In 1967, Rogers entered cable television through a partnership with Baton Aldred Rogers Broadcasting. Regulatory changes in 1971 required the partnership to sell its interest in Rogers Cable TV, allowing Rogers to pursue cable expansion independently. The company expanded through acquisitions during the 1970s and 1980s. The purchase of Canadian Cablesystems in 1979 led to a Toronto Stock Exchange listing, while the acquisition of Premier Cablevision in 1980 made Rogers the largest cable company in Canada. In 1986, Rogers Cable adopted the Rogers Communications name and assumed operational control of Cantel, a wireless telephone company in which it already held an interest. This created the foundation for the company's later convergence of cable, broadband, telephone, and mobile services. During the 1990s and early 2000s, Rogers broadened its geographic and media footprint. It acquired Cable Atlantic in 2000 and purchased CTV Sportsnet in 2001, renaming it Rogers Sportsnet. The acquisition of the remaining interest in Rogers Wireless held by AT&T Wireless Services in 2004 increased Rogers's exposure to Canada's expanding mobile market. Ted Rogers died in 2008, after which voting control passed to the Rogers Control Trust, a family-linked structure that remains central to the company's governance. Rogers continued to build an integrated media group through sports broadcasting, radio, television, publishing, and professional sports ownership. It acquired Score Media in 2012 and rebranded Montreal station CJNT-DT as City Montreal in 2013. The company also entered the streaming market with Shomi, launched in 2014 with Shaw Communications as a response to Netflix and other online video services. Shomi closed in 2016. In 2018, Rogers introduced Ignite TV, a television platform based on Comcast's X1 technology. The company has faced persistent disruption from cord-cutting, streaming substitution, wireless competition, and public concern about telecommunications pricing. Network reliability became a major issue after a 2021 wireless outage caused by a software update and a much larger July 2022 outage caused by a failed maintenance update. The latter interrupted services used by government offices, financial networks, automated teller machines, and emergency communications. Government officials demanded improved outage communications and inter-carrier backup arrangements. Rogers's proposed acquisition of Shaw, announced in 2021, became one of the most consequential transactions in Canadian telecommunications. The Competition Bureau argued that removing Shaw as a major wireless competitor could lessen competition. Approval was ultimately granted in 2023 with conditions, including the sale of Freedom Mobile to Videotron and commitments concerning prices, jobs, and network upgrades. The acquisition expanded Rogers's western Canadian operations. Rogers later acquired Comwave, expanded its Comcast relationship, and announced satellite-to-mobile messaging partnerships intended to extend connectivity beyond the reach of terrestrial networks. Rogers is now a diversified Canadian communications group with wireless, broadband, cable, media, sports, and enterprise businesses. Its sports portfolio includes Sportsnet, the Toronto Blue Jays, Rogers Centre, and majority ownership of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment following the purchase of Bell's remaining interest in 2025.

1. 2025Rogers becomes majority owner of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment

   Rogers acquired Bell Canada's remaining stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment.

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2. 2023Shaw acquisition closes

   Rogers completed the acquisition after Canadian regulatory approval and the divestiture of Freedom Mobile to Videotron.

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3. 2023Comwave is acquired

   Rogers acquired Canadian internet and voice-over-IP provider Comwave.

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4. 2022Major Rogers network outage

   A failed maintenance update caused a nationwide service disruption affecting telecommunications and essential public services.

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5. 2021Rogers announces Shaw acquisition

   Rogers announced a proposed C$26 billion acquisition of Shaw Communications.

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6. 2018Ignite TV launches

   Rogers introduced its next-generation television platform using Comcast's X1 technology.

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7. 2016Shomi closes

   The streaming service ceased operations after approximately two years.

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8. 2014Shomi launches

   Rogers and Shaw launched an online video service intended to compete with streaming platforms such as Netflix.

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9. 2004Rogers acquires AT&T Wireless's Rogers Wireless stake

   The transaction gave Rogers full ownership of the remaining 34 percent interest held by AT&T Wireless Services.

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10. 2001Rogers acquires CTV Sportsnet

    The sports network was renamed Rogers Sportsnet and became a foundation of the company's sports-media portfolio.

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11. 1986Rogers Cable becomes Rogers Communications

    The renamed company assumed operational control over Cantel, strengthening its position in wireless telecommunications.

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12. 1980Premier Cablevision is acquired

    Rogers became Canada's largest cable company.

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13. 1979Canadian Cablesystems is acquired

    The acquisition expanded Rogers's cable holdings and preceded its Toronto Stock Exchange listing.

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14. 1967Rogers enters cable television

    Rogers began cable television operations through a partnership with Baton Aldred Rogers Broadcasting.

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15. 1960Aldred-Rogers Broadcasting is formed

    Ted Rogers and Joel Aldred formed the broadcasting venture and acquired Toronto FM station CHFI.

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16. 1914Rogers Vacuum Tube Company is founded

    Edward S. Rogers Sr. established the company that formed the technological and family-business origins of the later Rogers group.

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A vertically integrated Canadian telecommunications, media, and sports group combining national wireless services, fixed broadband, entertainment content, and major sports assets.

• Rogers WirelessMobile telecommunications1986

  Rogers Wireless provides consumer and business mobile services across Canada, including voice, messaging, mobile data, smartphones, connected devices, and 5G connectivity. The business is one of Canada's largest national wireless operations and is supported by the company's spectrum holdings and terrestrial network. Rogers has also pursued satellite-enabled messaging to extend basic communications into areas outside conventional cellular coverage.

• Rogers InternetBroadband internet

  Rogers Internet delivers fixed broadband service over the company's cable and upgraded network infrastructure. It serves residential and business customers with internet access, Wi-Fi equipment, and related connectivity products. The service is a core part of Rogers's converged communications model, often bundled with wireless, television, home phone, and smart-home offerings.

• Ignite TVPay television2018

  Ignite TV is Rogers's cable television platform, introduced in 2018 and based on Comcast's X1 technology. It combines conventional television distribution with cloud-oriented search, voice control, applications, on-demand programming, and integration with broadband services. The platform was developed as Rogers responded to changing viewing habits and competition from internet video services.

• SportsnetSports media2001

  Sportsnet is Rogers's principal sports-media brand, encompassing television networks, digital properties, radio, and sports content. It broadcasts Canadian professional and national sports programming and supports Rogers's broader strategy of linking telecommunications distribution with owned and licensed content. Sportsnet is also connected to Rogers's ownership of the Toronto Blue Jays and other sports assets.

• CitytvBroadcast television

  Citytv is a Canadian television network and media brand operated by Rogers Sports & Media. Its programming includes local news, entertainment, lifestyle, and other general-interest content. Rogers expanded the Citytv footprint through acquisitions and station transactions, including the rebranding of Montreal station CJNT-DT as City Montreal.

• Rogers BusinessEnterprise telecommunications

  Rogers Business provides connectivity and communications services to commercial, institutional, and public-sector customers. Its portfolio draws on Rogers's wireless, broadband, cable, voice, networking, and managed-service capabilities. The business extends the company's consumer network infrastructure into enterprise connectivity and communications requirements.

• Toronto Blue Jays and Rogers CentreSports ownership and venue

  Through Rogers Blue Jays Baseball Partnership, Rogers owns the Toronto Blue Jays and operates Rogers Centre, the Toronto stadium previously known as SkyDome. These assets give the company a direct platform for sports content, sponsorship, live events, broadcasting, and customer engagement.

• Maple Leaf Sports & EntertainmentProfessional sports ownership

  Rogers is the majority owner of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, whose properties include the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC, Toronto Argonauts, and associated minor-league teams. The ownership gives Rogers a substantial position in Canadian professional sports and complements its Sportsnet broadcasting business.

• 2025Satellite-to-mobile messagingProduct launch

  Large areas of Canada remain outside the practical reach of conventional terrestrial cellular networks.

  What changed. Rogers announced satellite-to-mobile text messaging and text-to-911 capabilities through partnerships with SpaceX and Lynk Global.

  Aftermath. The service was described as extending mobile messaging coverage to areas without traditional cellular service.

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• 2024Expansion of Comcast technology partnershipStrategy

  Rogers sought to extend the technology relationship behind Ignite TV into wider residential connectivity and smart-home services.

  What changed. Rogers announced a ten-year agreement giving it access to Comcast-developed broadband, smart-home, and home-security hardware and technology.

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• 2022Customer response to nationwide network outageOther

  A failed maintenance update caused a prolonged outage affecting mobile, internet, emergency, government, and financial services.

  What changed. Rogers apologized, attributed the incident to the maintenance update, and offered customers a five-day service credit.

  Aftermath. The federal government investigated the outage and pressed telecommunications companies to improve customer communications and mutual support during network failures.

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• 2021Proposed acquisition of Shaw CommunicationsM&A

  Rogers sought greater scale in Canadian cable, broadband, and wireless markets, particularly in Western Canada.

  What changed. Rogers announced an approximately C$26 billion acquisition of Shaw, subject to shareholder and regulatory approval.

  Aftermath. The transaction was approved and completed in 2023 after Freedom Mobile was sold to Videotron and additional competition-related commitments were imposed.

  Announced transaction value. C$26 billion (2021 announcement)

  • Competition Bureau of Canada — The Competition Bureau sought to block the transaction, arguing that it could substantially reduce competition in wireless services.
  • Quebecor / Videotron — Videotron acquired Freedom Mobile as a remedy associated with regulatory approval.
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• 2018Launch of Ignite TVProduct launch

  Rogers needed to modernize its television product as viewing shifted toward on-demand and internet-connected services.

  What changed. Rogers introduced Ignite TV, a television platform licensed from Comcast's X1 technology.

  Aftermath. Ignite TV became a central component of Rogers's residential broadband and television offering.

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• 2014Launch of Shomi streaming serviceProduct launch

  Rogers and Shaw faced growing substitution from Netflix and other online video services as consumers cancelled or avoided traditional cable subscriptions.

  What changed. The companies launched Shomi as a Canadian online video subscription service.

  Aftermath. Shomi closed on November 30, 2016 after roughly two years of operation.

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• 2025Rogers launches satellite-to-mobile messaging service

  Rogers announced satellite-enabled text messaging and text-to-911 capabilities through partnerships with SpaceX and Lynk Global.

  Product launch
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• 2024Rogers expands Comcast technology agreement

  A ten-year agreement expanded cooperation with Comcast on broadband, smart-home, and home-security hardware and technology.

  Other
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• 2023Canadian regulators approve Rogers acquisition of Shaw

  The Shaw transaction received final approval after commitments including the divestiture of Freedom Mobile to Videotron and obligations related to jobs, pricing, and network investment.

  M&ARegulation
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• 2023Rogers acquires Comwave

  Rogers acquired Canadian internet service and voice-over-IP provider Comwave.

  M&A
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• 2022Rogers suffers major national network outage

  A failed maintenance update caused a prolonged outage affecting mobile, internet, emergency, government, banking, and payment services. The company apologized and offered a five-day service credit.

  OtherRegulation
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• 2021Rogers announces proposed acquisition of Shaw Communications

  Rogers announced an approximately C$26 billion plan to acquire Shaw, prompting concerns about reduced competition in Canadian wireless and broadband markets.

  M&ARegulation
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• 2021Rogers experiences nationwide wireless outage

  A software-update problem disrupted wireless calling, text messaging, and data services across much of Canada. Rogers later provided customer reimbursement.

  Other
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• 2021Rogers family dispute disrupts corporate governance

  A dispute involving Edward Rogers, other family members, the board, and the Rogers Control Trust produced competing claims over the composition and chairmanship of the company board.

  Leadership changeLawsuit
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1. Rogers Communications
2. Rogers Communications corporate website