Rogers 2013 Annual Report Download - page 42

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
SIGNIFICANT SPECTRUM POSITION
Our wireless services are supported by our significant spectrum holdings in both high-band and low-band spectrum. As part of our network
strategy, we expect to continue making significant capital investments in spectrum to:
• support the rapidly growing usage of wireless data services
• introduce new innovative network-enabled features and functionality.
Our spectrum holdings include:
CURRENT SPECTRUM LICENCES
Type of spectrum Rogers licence What it supports
850 MHz 25 MHz across Canada 2G GSM and 3.5G / 4G HSPA+ subscribers
1900 MHz 60 MHz in all areas of Canada except 40 MHz Northern Quebec,
50 MHz in Southern Ontario and 40 MHz in the Yukon, Northwest
Territories and Nunavut.
2G GSM and 3.5G / 4G HSPA+ subscribers
AWS spectrum 20 MHz across Canada 4G LTE subscribers
2500 MHz 60 MHz (40 MHz FDD plus 20 MHz TDD) in key population centres
across Canada in Eastern Quebec, Southern Quebec, Southern and
Eastern Ontario, British Columbia. Outside of these areas, Rogers holds
20 MHz of FDD and 10 MHz of TDD spectrum.
4G LTE subscribers
700 MHz Unknown at this time. Participating in the 2014 auction 4G LTE subscribers
We also have access to additional spectrum through network sharing agreements:
NETWORK SHARINGARRANGEMENTS
Type of spectrum Kind of venture What it supports
2.3 GHz/3.5 GHz range Inukshuk is a joint operation in which we hold a 50%interest.
Inukshuk’s primary 2.3 GHz spectrum holdings are licences (20 MHz)
in Eastern Canada, including the key population centres in Southern
and Eastern Ontario and Southern Quebec, and other holdings across
the country. Inukshuk also holds 3.5 GHz (between 50-175 MHz) in
most of the major population centres across Canada. The arrangement
initially included 2500 MHz spectrum. This spectrum was distributed
equally to the partners late in 2012. The mobile and fixed new LTE
national network that is being constructed utilizes the jointly held
2.3 GHz and 3.5 GHz spectrum bands.
Mobile and fixed wireless subscribers
850 MHz, 1900 MHz AWS spectrum Three network-sharing arrangements to enhance coverage and
network capabilities:
• with Manitoba Telecom Services, that covers 96 percent of the
population across Manitoba
3.5G / 4G HSPA+, 4G LTE subscribers
• with TBayTel, that covers our combined base of customers in
North Western Ontario
3.5G / 4G HSPA+ subscribers
• with Quebecor (Videotron) to develop LTE network across the
province of Quebec.
4G LTE subscribers
We have certain arrangements to buy additional spectrum, subject to regulatory approvals:
Type of spectrum Transaction Who it will support
AWS spectrum Acquired an option to buy Shaw’s AWS spectrum holdings in 2014.
Not yet exercised and will require regulatory approvals.
4G LTE subscribers
AWS spectrum Part of a larger strategic transaction with Videotron, which could
lead to the acquisition of Videotron’s Toronto AWS spectrum. If a
transaction does occur, it will require regulatory approvals.
4G LTE subscribers
38 ROGERS COMMUNICATIONS INC. 2013 ANNUAL REPORT