Rogers and TBayTel today announced a strategic business relationship that will extend HSPA service and enhanced customer products across Northern Ontario. Rogers and TBayTel customers will have access to TBayTel's HSPA network from just west of Sault Ste. Marie to the Manitoba border, connecting users with 3G download speeds to communities and major highway corridors covering an area of close to 300,000 square kilometres for the first time.
The strategic business relationship will give Rogers and TBayTel customers expanded coverage with enhanced mobility features across Northern Ontario. In addition, TBayTel customers will have access to Canada's reliable network, mobile content and the latest handsets from both companies and will benefit from being able to bundle services with other TBayTel offerings.
"This is another example of Rogers forming strategic regional relationships that better connect our customers, while improving the efficiencies of our organization," said Darryl Levy, President, Rogers Communications, Western Canada.
"TBayTel remains focused on providing Northern Ontario residents with advanced telecom solutions that will benefit Thunder Bay and the region through increased economic growth potential and networking capability," said Don Campbell, President & CEO of TBayTel. "TBayTel's new network and relationship with Rogers will provide all customers greater access to the latest in handset technology and to a full range of mobility services, including high speed mobile data, and world-wide roaming."
"The integration of Rogers services and technology will deliver improved value and customer experience to our customers and other stakeholders throughout the region," added Campbell, "This initiative ties together a national HSPA network with TBayTel in the centre of the country, providing an integral link to the east and west."
Access to TBayTel's HSPA network will become available across Northern Ontario during the latter part of 2010. Customers will receive further details prior to the launch.
The agreements are subject to approval by the appropriate regulatory authorities.