The results are in: Independent testing shows Rogers Hi-Speed Internet customers can count on the speed they need

Study by globally-recognized SamKnows shows Rogers network investments are delivering fast and reliable internet speeds to customers 

TORONTO, July 4, 2013 /CNW/ - Rogers Communications announced today that results of independent third-party broadband speed performance testing show that Rogers delivered on average 100 per cent or more of advertised download speeds on the most popular packages it offers for sale. The study was based on data collected in customer homes by SamKnows Ltd., an independent world leader in broadband performance testing.

"Canadians are among the highest users of the internet in the world, and with everything moving online, the internet has become the foundation of the home," said John Boynton, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Rogers Communications. "We've made significant investments in our network infrastructure allowing us to offer faster download speeds. This new independent test shows that we're delivering the internet speeds we advertise to give our customers added assurance that they're getting what they pay for."

The study results show that: 

• Rogers delivered on average, 100 per cent or more of advertised speeds on both uploads and downloads in its Lite, Express, Extreme, and Extreme Plus packages. The data suggests that customers on the recently introduced Ultimate package also get 100 per cent of their advertised speeds, but more testing is required with a larger sample size to confirm this;
• Based on studies conducted by SamKnows in the U.S., Rogers outperforms U.S. fibre-to-the-node service providers, delivering 106 per cent of advertised download speeds during peak hours compared to the U.S. average of 97 per cent. In a separate study of broadband speeds in Europe, SamKnows also found European internet service providers delivered only 74 percent of advertised speeds during peak hours. 

"We're excited to be working with Rogers on such a large-scale home based speed performance testing program," said Alex Salter, CEO of SamKnows. "Using our proven SamKnows methodology, our results confirm Rogers is able to deliver the internet speeds advertised to customers."

Rogers is the first Canadian internet service provider to enter into a large home-based speed testing program as part of its overall commitment to deliver the best network experience. Over the last year, the company has made the largest investment ever in its Rogers Hi-Speed Internet network to deliver faster, enhanced internet service to consumers and businesses. Customers on the most popular packages are now enjoying download speeds that are at least 25 per cent faster and upload speeds that are at least three times faster than before. Rogers also recently added its Ultimate package, offering download speeds of up to 150 Mbps - up to three times faster comparing widely available speeds in Ontario. 

The results of the SamKnows report are based on data that was collected for a period of one month in May 2013, using a custom hardware device called a Whitebox that a customer simply plugs in to the existing internet connection in his or her home. Approximately 200,000 speed tests were conducted. This methodology has also been used by national regulators in the U.S., the U.K., Brazil and Singapore. The testing program with SamKnows is ongoing, and additional results will be released in the coming months. To read a copy of the report, please visit www.samknows.com/rogers.

About Rogers Communications
Rogers Communications is a diversified Canadian communications and media company. We are Canada's largest provider of wireless voice and data communications services and one of Canada's leading providers of cable television, high speed internet and telephony services. Through Rogers Media we are engaged in radio and television broadcasting, televised shopping, magazines and trade publications, sports entertainment, and digital media. We are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI). For further information about the Rogers group of companies, please visit rogers.com. 

About SamKnows
SamKnows has established itself as the leading authority on broadband service availability and independent broadband performance testing. 

Founded in 2008 and operating from London, United Kingdom, this privately held and independent company continues to build out its global measurement platform, creating a standard for broadband performance measurement. As part of its work with the FCC (USA), Ofcom (UK), the European Commission, Anatel (Brazil), and the IDA (Singapore), SamKnows is working with governments, industry leaders and academics worldwide to create a methodology and test platform that measures every aspect of broadband and network performance. For further information about SamKnows, please visit www.samknows.com.

SOURCE: Rogers Communications Inc.

Paula Lash
Rogers Communications
[email protected]

Susan Williamson 
SamKnows
[email protected]