TORONTO — Microsoft is partnering with global carriers, including Rogers, to enable new 5G customer scenarios with its new Azure Edge Zones and Azure Private Edge Zones. Azure is Microsoft’s cloud computing platform.
Building on its previous work with AT&T, Microsoft announced last week the preview of Azure Edge Zones with carriers, connecting Azure services directly to 5G networks in the carrier’s data centre, explains the news release. With Azure Edge Zones, developers will be able to build optimized and scalable applications for commercial clients using Azure and directly connected to 5G networks, taking advantage of consistent Azure APIs…
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Quarterly results reporting begins this week
By Greg O’Brien
TORONTO – Both Cogeco Inc. and Shaw Communications will release their fiscal 2020 second quarter results this week, but since their quarters ended February 29th, those numbers will resemble more of a time capsule than an account of what is going on in the market right now and the real news will be what the companies have to say about what’s happened since with the Covid-19 crisis.
“We believe Canadian telcos and cablecos remain structurally sound and even after our target price revisions, we believe the sector will provide investors attractive potential total…
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TORONTO – Canada’s marketing and research association dedicated to television, thinktv, confirmed what we wrote about earlier this week: As Canadians shelter at home in greater numbers due to the Covid-19 crisis, television audiences are growing.
In a communique to members Thursday, thinktv noted average daily television viewing has increased by 12% for A25-54 and 14% for A18-34 YOY (Total Canada) with growth across almost every daypart, while time spent has grown from 23 to 25.7 hours/week (2+).
Increases are even higher when sports networks (which have seen large drops in viewers) are left out of the calculations.
News has seen…
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Partnerships with Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada and Women’s Shelters Canada
TORONTO – Rogers Communications announced today two new partnerships to expand its community support during Covid-19, by bridging the digital divide and helping raise awareness for the critical needs of vulnerable women and children.
“This public health crisis compels all of us to take special care of those who need our help more than ever before,” said Joe Natale, president and CEO. “We are pleased to help support the great work being done by Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada and Women’s Shelters of Canada as they help ensure some of…
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By Denis Carmel
GATINEAU – On March 24th, Bell Canada filed an application with the CRTC to request permission to block so-called Wangiri fraud calls, until June 1.
Wangiri calls work the following way: one gets a phone call, most often on a cell phone and it rings only once. Wangiri is Japanese for “one ring”.
Then the victim is tempted to call back, thinking it missed a call. When it does, the “bad actor” will try to keep the victim on the phone for as long as possible and when the victim gets its telephone invoice, it will have incurred significant…
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TORONTO — Sportsnet is allowing viewers to get up close and personal, while maintaining social distance, with the new In Conversation with Ron MacLean which begins airing Wednesday night.
Using a virtual roundtable format, the 20- to 30-minute show will feature MacLean having in-depth discussions with notable Canadians from all corners of the sports and entertainment worlds, says the news release.
The show will be available exclusively on Sportsnet’s Facebook and YouTube channels and sportsnet.ca, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. In Conversation with Ron MacLean will also be available to listeners…
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TORONTO — With Rogers Media’s free preview of its FX specialty channel now extended until May 11, the broadcaster announced the new Mrs. America limited series starring Cate Blanchett will premiere in Canada on FX and online on FX Now starting April 15.
The nine-part miniseries, featuring Blanchett as conservative firebrand Phyliss Schlafly, tells the story of the movement to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), and the unexpected backlash it brought about. Portraying some of the most iconic women of the era, the cast also includes Rose Byrne (Bridesmaids) as Gloria Steinem, Margo Martindale (American Crime Story) as Bella…
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OTTAWA – CBC/Radio-Canada has announced it is delivering special access to content across all of its platforms, including news, educational resources for kids and parents, and a wide variety of programming to keep Canadians entertained when they need a break.
“The situation continues to change each day. Canadians need to know what’s happening and to understand what it means for them and for their family and friends. Our news teams are working around the clock to keep all Canadians on top of the latest developments here in Canada and around the world,” said CBC CEO Catherine Tait in a statement.
“We’re…
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TORONTO – Rogers Communications on Wednesday provided an update to its ongoing response plan which will see the company continue to provide service and support to its customers and communities while safeguarding the health and safety of the public and its employees.
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to significantly impact the well-being of individuals and the Canadian and global economies, The company issued a statement saying it is “focused on operating and maintaining its wireless and wireline networks, and media operations, as well as the key business operations required to ensure service continuity for customers,” it reads.
“Rogers has implemented alternative…
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Canadian communications giant dead at 85
CALGARY – Shaw Communications founder, executive chair and former CEO JR Shaw is being remembered not only as a pioneering cable and telecom builder, but a family man, philanthropist, and a one-of-a-kind gentleman who inspired deep loyalty and unity.
Known throughout the North American communications industry simply as JR, Shaw was a pioneer in Canadian business and a Canadian telecommunications sector visionary. He passed away in his sleep Tuesday at the age of 85.
“My family and I are at a loss for words and are deeply saddened at JR’s passing,” said Brad Shaw, CEO of…
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