Rogers tests symmetrical 8-Gbps in symmetrical 2.5G fiber broadband rollout
Rogers Communications (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B; NYSE: RCI) says it has begun rolling out symmetrical 2.5-Gbps fiber broadband services in parts of Ontario, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland.
Meanwhile, the Canadian cable MSO also has revealed that it has completed lab and customer trials of symmetrical 8-Gbps services, which it hopes to make available this summer.
As part of the 2.5-Gbps deployment, the operator's Ignite Internet Gigabit 1.5 customers will automatically be upgraded to the higher speed as it becomes available.
“Access to high-speed internet is critical and we are committed to bringing our fiber-powered network to more communities and neighborhoods so customers will have access to our full suite of services, including the ultimate entertainment experience with Ignite TV and Ignite SmartStream, with the award-winning Voice Remote,” commented Robert Dépatie, president and chief operating officer, Home and Business, Rogers Communications.
Dépatie added, “Our Ignite Internet packages and bundles, with even faster download and upload speeds, mean that customers can enjoy a more reliable, responsive connection for streaming music or movies, video conferencing or broadcasting live streams, as well as creating backups or saving large files to the cloud.”
Both the 2.5-Gbps offering and the 8-Gbps trials build on Rogers’ increasing use of fiber to the premises (FTTP) technology. For example, the service provider says it is spending CAN$200 million to bring FTTP to a greater number of homes and businesses in New Brunswick. All such fiber builds will be able to support the 8-Gbps service, according to Rogers.
“Fiber-powered networks are the foundation of building world-class connectivity solutions for our customers, and it is critical that the network technology delivers on the reliability and speed our customers need,” concluded Dépatie. “With download and upload speeds of up to 8 Gbps and an advanced fiber technology, customers will be able to explore streaming TV, online game play, videoconferencing, immersive virtual reality, and more like never before.”
Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director & Associate Publisher
Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.
Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.
He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, DOCSIS technology, and more.