Rogers Expands 10-Year Comcast Pact to Add Streaming, Smart Home & 10G Tech

Rogers Communications has expanded its decade-long partnership with Comcast to roll out upgraded streaming, smart home, and connectivity offerings. The refreshed deal includes several new components aimed at enhancing home entertainment and connectivity for Rogers customers across Canada.

A key upgrade is access to Entertainment OS, Comcast's streaming software platform originally developed for set-top boxes and smart TVs. Rogers will use the platform to power its streaming services, delivering a consistent experience across devices.

The agreement also introduces a new 10G-capable home hub gateway, enabling ultra-high-speed broadband. In the event of a primary connection failure, Rogers users will have a mobile WiFi hotspot backup, which also doubles as a range extender to improve WiFi-signal reach within homes.

Smart home tech gets bolstered too: Rogers will add new sensors (beyond its existing doorbells, security cameras, etc.) to its portfolio under the Comcast-powered ecosystem. This move aims to deliver more fully-integrated home automation and security offerings.

Rogers CEO Tony Staffieri stated that the partnership builds on a "nearly decade-long" relationship and helps Rogers maintain its position as a leader in converged entertainment and connectivity. He emphasized the importance of seamless experience across home devices, mobile access, and streaming, matching growing consumer expectations.

Comcast's Executive VP of Connectivity and Platforms, Dave Watson, remarked that the extension will enable Rogers's millions of customers to access cutting-edge Comcast and Xfinity technologies. The enhancements reflect both companies' strategy to meet rising demand for on-demand video, smart home features, and resilient broadband connectivity.

Rogers revealed that its broadband usage metrics surged, with data on its network up by 200% compared to five years ago. The company's revenue also jumped 28% year-on-year, driven by cable and mobile services. However, net income dropped 50% due to costs associated with its acquisition of Shaw, including debt and integration expenses.