By Ahmad Hathout
OTTAWA – In the middle of March, Rogers Communications was asked to prepare a document by Innovation, Science and Economic Development that floated ideas for how governments could potentially help enhance network capacity if needed, including mobilizing temporary wireless sites, fast-tracking permit applications and allowing access to rights-of-way for emergency fibre installs.
The example measures, obtained by Cartt.ca through an access to information request, was in response to one of several questions asked of Canadian telecommunications companies by the federal department in the event the virus strained networks – and before the full effect of what the virus…
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CEO says Bell is set to launch 5G, but it’s not the right time
By Greg O’Brien
MONTREAL – Taking into account the Covid-19 crisis so far, there was nothing unexpected in Bell Canada’s first quarter of 2020 – and company executives told investors and analysts today it plans to continue to with its capital expenditures this year.
“Despite the impacts of Covid-19, Bell delivered positive service revenue and adjusted EBITDA growth in Q1, supported by ongoing broadband wireless, Internet and IPTV subscriber base expansion and a 2.6% reduction in total operating costs,” said company CFO Glen LeBlanc in this morning’s press…
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TORONTO — Hot Docs and sponsor Hollywood Suite announced today Hot Docs’ popular Curious Minds speaker series has been turned into a digital lecture series, available to stream nationwide on Hot Docs at Home starting May 18.
The Curious Minds at Home series will include four six-week courses led by acclaimed speakers, including the Toronto Star’s Shinan Govani and music historian Dr. Mike Daley, from the comfort of their homes. Weekly interactive Q&As will complement the video lectures, giving registrants the opportunity to further engage in the themes covered, says the news release.
The topics for the inaugural lineup…
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TORONTO — In a first for the Canadian broadcast TV market, Sportsnet will begin airing NBA 2K League virtual basketball games, starting tonight at 7 p.m. on Sportsnet One and Sportsnet Now.
The esports broadcast series will feature teams competing in five-on-five gameplay using unique characters — not existing NBA players — with the season running throughout the summer, says the news release.
All 23 NBA 2K League teams, including the Toronto Raptors affiliate, Raptors Uprising GC, will participate in regular-season gameplay from their local markets. Sportsnet’s live broadcast will feature the most exciting moments, with each matchup played…
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TORONTO – This week the City of Toronto said it has partnered with a number of technology and telecommunications companies to provide free temporary connectivity for many vulnerable Torontonians.
The partnerships will provide free internet access for residents in lower-income neighbourhoods, seniors in long-term care homes and clients in many city-operated shelters during the Covid-19 crisis, said the city’s press release.
While the city encourages Torontonians to stay home as much as possible, citizens need to be connected in order to be informed, to find out about pandemic support services, emergency income supports and to stay in touch with family and…
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MONTREAL – Cogeco Communications has appointed Frédéric Perron as president of Cogeco Connexion, effective September 1, 2020. He will be based at the division’s Ontario headquarters in Burlington.
Perron (pictured in his LinkedIn photo) has over 20 years of managerial experience at international telecommunications and financial services companies such as T-Mobile, Vodafone, and Capital One. He replaced Ken Smithard, who retired earlier this year.
“Frédéric is a strong leader, who excels in combining strategic vision, commercial management and operational efficiency and I look forward to him joining our organization and sharing his breadth of experience,” said Philippe Jetté, Cogeco’s president and…
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TORONTO – Rogers Communications’ Fido announced a new partnership on Thursday with Pflag Canada – a national charitable organization founded by parents to help themselves and their family members understand and accept their LGBTQ2S children.
In order to help keep vulnerable people safe and connected during the public health crisis, tablets with free wireless data will be distributed to enable virtual peer-to-peer support meetings. “As these uncertain times create heightened stress and anxiety for so many, the support provided through Pflag is needed now more than ever,” says the Fido press release.
With in-person support meetings paused during the Covid-19…
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TORONTO – Rogers Cable announced today interactive music video streaming app Xite, is now available on Ignite TV.
It joins other Ignite apps including Netflix, Prime Video, Tubi and hayu. “Xite is the first music video streaming app on Ignite TV and the first in a stream of music apps coming to the service,” said Eric Bruno, Rogers’ SVP, 5G, content and connected home, in the press release.
Ignite TV customers can explore hours of music across Xite’s library of music videos including some of today’s most popular artists, old favourites from decades past or one-hit wonders that stand the test…
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TORONTO — In an effort to encourage Torontonians to stay home and help stop the spread of Covid-19, the city of Toronto is letting residents enjoy High Park’s cherry blossom bloom virtually with help from Rogers.
The city has decided to close High Park as of April 30 to discourage people from gathering in person to view the blossoming Sakura (cherry blossom) trees. Every year at this time, tens of thousands of people visit High Park to enjoy the cherry blossoms, which typically bloom from late April into early May and last between four to 10 days, depending on the…
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QUISPAMSIS, N.B. — The Canadian Communication Systems Alliance (CCSA) announced today Ian Spencer is joining the organization as manager of contracts, effective Monday, May 4.
Operating from his home base in Whitby, Ont., Spencer will be responsible for supporting Lori Rosenberg, CCSA’s vice-president of contracts, in negotiating current and future CCSA master programming agreements, managing staff in the administration of the agreements and implementing various CCSA member services. He will replace Debbie Randon, CCSA’s current manager of contracts, who will retire in July after 20 year of stellar service, says the news release.
Most recently, Spencer worked at CBC/Radio-Canada as manager…
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