Rogers Communications
One of Canada's largest telecommunications, media, and sports companies.
Last updated August 21, 2026
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Overview
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.
History
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.
- 2025
Rogers becomes majority owner of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment
[1]Rogers acquired Bell Canada's remaining stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment.
- 2023
Shaw acquisition closes
[1]Rogers completed the acquisition after Canadian regulatory approval and the divestiture of Freedom Mobile to Videotron.
- 2023
Comwave is acquired
[1]Rogers acquired Canadian internet and voice-over-IP provider Comwave.
- 2022
Major Rogers network outage
[1]A failed maintenance update caused a nationwide service disruption affecting telecommunications and essential public services.
- 2021
Rogers announces Shaw acquisition
[1]Rogers announced a proposed C$26 billion acquisition of Shaw Communications.
- 2018
Ignite TV launches
[1]Rogers introduced its next-generation television platform using Comcast's X1 technology.
- 2016
Shomi closes
[1]The streaming service ceased operations after approximately two years.
- 2014
Shomi launches
[1]Rogers and Shaw launched an online video service intended to compete with streaming platforms such as Netflix.
- 2004
Rogers acquires AT&T Wireless's Rogers Wireless stake
[1]The transaction gave Rogers full ownership of the remaining 34 percent interest held by AT&T Wireless Services.
- 2001
Rogers acquires CTV Sportsnet
[1]The sports network was renamed Rogers Sportsnet and became a foundation of the company's sports-media portfolio.
Products and positioning
A vertically integrated Canadian telecommunications, media, and sports group combining national wireless services, fixed broadband, entertainment content, and major sports assets.
Mobile telecommunications · 1986
Rogers Wireless
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.
Broadband internet
Rogers 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.
Pay television · 2018
Ignite TV
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.
Sports media · 2001
Sportsnet
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.
Broadcast television
Citytv
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.
Enterprise telecommunications
Rogers Business
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.
Sports ownership and venue
Toronto Blue Jays and Rogers Centre
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.
Professional sports ownership
Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment
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.
Brand decisions
2025
Satellite-to-mobile messagingProduct launchBackground
Large areas of Canada remain outside the practical reach of conventional terrestrial cellular networks.
Action taken
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.
2024
Expansion of Comcast technology partnershipStrategyBackground
Rogers sought to extend the technology relationship behind Ignite TV into wider residential connectivity and smart-home services.
Action taken
Rogers announced a ten-year agreement giving it access to Comcast-developed broadband, smart-home, and home-security hardware and technology.
2022
Customer response to nationwide network outageOtherBackground
A failed maintenance update caused a prolonged outage affecting mobile, internet, emergency, government, and financial services.
Action taken
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.
2021
Proposed acquisition of Shaw CommunicationsM&ABackground
Rogers sought greater scale in Canadian cable, broadband, and wireless markets, particularly in Western Canada.
Action taken
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.
2018
Launch of Ignite TVProduct launchBackground
Rogers needed to modernize its television product as viewing shifted toward on-demand and internet-connected services.
Action taken
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.
2014
Launch of Shomi streaming serviceProduct launchBackground
Rogers and Shaw faced growing substitution from Netflix and other online video services as consumers cancelled or avoided traditional cable subscriptions.
Action taken
The companies launched Shomi as a Canadian online video subscription service.
Aftermath
Shomi closed on November 30, 2016 after roughly two years of operation.
Recent events
Rogers appoints Tony Staffieri permanent CEO[3]
Reported:
Rogers Communications appointed Tony Staffieri permanent president and chief executive officer, effective immediately.
Rogers CFO Tony Staffieri steps down[4]
Reported:
Rogers Communications said CFO Tony Staffieri stepped down after more than a decade in the role. The company did not cite a reason for the move.
Rogers appoints Paulina Molnar as interim CFO[4]
Reported:
Rogers Communications appointed senior vice president Paulina Molnar as interim CFO.
Rogers launches Orange Shirt Day campaign[5]
Reported:
Rogers Communications launched a campaign supporting Orange Shirt Day, featuring a specially designed orange T-shirt. The article says proceeds from sales will benefit the Orange Shirt Society’s Indigenous education efforts.
Apple, Rogers and Ontario partner to provide iPads to students[6]
Reported:
Apple partnered with Rogers Communications and the Ontario government to support students learning from home. More than 21,000 cellular-equipped iPads were being purchased and distributed to students, with Rogers providing free LTE data.
Rogers and Enjoy announce Canadian service partnership[7]
Reported:
Rogers Communications and Enjoy Technology announced an exclusive partnership to bring Enjoy’s mobile technology retail service to Canada, initially for Rogers mobile customers in the Toronto area. The service was scheduled to launch on October 29, 2019.
Sources11 sources
- 1Rogers Communicationsen.wikipedia.org
- 2Rogers Communications corporate websiterogers.com
- 3Rogers任命Tony Staffieri为永久首席执行官winnipegfreepress.com
- 4Rogers首席财务官Tony Staffieri离任telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com
- 5Rogers推出橙色衬衫日活动castanet.net
- 6苹果、Rogers与安大略省合作向学生提供iPadimore.com
- 7Rogers与Enjoy宣布在加拿大合作提供服务toronto.citynews.ca
- 8Rogers Communications appoints new CFO amid ongoing senior leadership shuffleinfotel.ca
- 9Rogers Communications Appoints Tony Staffieri As President And CEOfinanznachrichten.de
- 10Rogers Communications appoints veteran Brandt as CFOfinancialpost.com
- 11Rogers launches new Orange Shirt Day campaign supporting residential school survivorstoronto.citynews.ca
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