Community Feedback

[BrianH]

Rogers and MTS last summer announced a partnership that would bring a 3G network to most of Manitoba, allowing us to come up to date with the latest in technology. However, I haven't heard any updates from either Roger's or MTS regarding the status of bringing this network online. All that was said last year was "by late 2010". I've heard rumors that some folks in the Brandon area are picking up intermittent 3G signals and are hopefully that the network is close to operational... Anybody hear anything more about this?

[RogersErin]

Hi there BrianH,

Our community forum provides a place where customers can help each other with technical questions related to our products and services. We're going to be flexible with this while customers get familiar with our community guidelines.

For the latest updates on our 3G network, check out the RedBoard Blog (http://redboard.rogers.com). Otherwise Twitter @RogersHelps for service issues and @RogersBuzz for device launches.

Thanks!

[Jeffrey]

Hello BrianH,

Erin is right! The Redboard may have some updates as they come. This is a good question! New towers and upgrades are always in the works so hopefully soon!

Have a look at this page for a quick read.

http://redboard.rogers.com/2010/hello-northwestern-ontario-rogers-and-tbaytel-team-up-to-provide-3g-...

&

http://redboard.rogers.com/2010/rogers-network-update-hspa-rollout-continues-across-canada/

A member of the Rogers team jumped in and left this comment for a similiar question.

"Hi Mike,
Thanks for your comment. While we can’t talk about future network expansion plans or possible agreements with other carriers, we did announce this morning that more Canadian cities — including those in the Prairies — will now have access to HSPA+ service."

So fingers crossed

-Jeffrey

[RogersErin]

@BrianH

Hey there!

I actually received an MTS update I thought you might be interested in:

HSPA+ COVERAGE COMING TO MANITOBA — AND THE COOLEST GADGETS

We're bringing expanded and improved wireless coverage to Manitoba. Rogers already offers service in Winnipeg and Southern Manitoba and is expanding into Manitoba’s northern communities brining choice in wireless solutions for the first time. Southern Manitobans will get better service in more places and Winnipegers will continue to enjoy HSPA+ at home but benefit now when they travel throughout the province.

Once the High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) network is launched, residents will have their pick of the latest wireless devices, including 20 different phones, from BlackBerry smartphones to Android smartphones to the ever-popular Apple iPhone and iPad. Manitobans across the province will also have access to a selection of mobile broadband products that will give them a mobile web surfing experience equal to that of DSL but with the ability to be mobile. In addition, Manitobans will also have access to choice for local phone service thanks to the Rocket Hub, a first in North America for mobile broadband voice and data services.

Once this world class network launches, those living or travelling in Manitoba, including many new northern communities, will have HSPA+ coverage and will be able to use their new devices across Canada and in 215 countries around the world via Rogers extensive direct roaming partnerships worldwide.

For information on the wireless coverage area Rogers will offer later this year check out: http://www.rogers.com/web/content/wireless_network/MB_Network_Exp?setLanguage=en&setProvince=MB&cm_s...

The network is expected to launch in the early part of next year, stay tuned.

Thanks

[Silvorgold]

At this point, I really don't think we'll ever see 3G in Manitoba. I regularly visit rural Manitoba where Rogers doesn't even OFFER service (Rogers also recently updated their coverage map - after 8 years, the map was fixed, and now shows that there's no coverage in the area).

I live in Brandon and there's one tower for the entire city, on every device I've owned I get average data speeds of 15kbps down/20kbps up (1.5k/s 2.0k/s). This is horrible, it's unusable to check email on my iPhone/other devices. I tried to send a 1mb photo a week ago, after TWO hours of it sending, I gave up and cancelled it sending (this isn't a device problem, sim card, etc - it's the network).

Tentatively mid 2011 is just too late to the game, one carrier has beat Rogers GSM coverage already - on HSPA, and they announced plans to introduce HSPA AFTER the MTS/Rogers announcement occurred, and they were able to get it online before MTS/Rogers.

Once a month HSPA randomly pops on my phone for an hour at a time, and testing that - it's slow STILL, but better than nothing. It was really really nice to actually be able to make a call on Rogers while in the country, but that was temporary. I wish Rogers would just turn it on already, Kenora has 3G now on Rogers, Moosomin has 3G with Sasktel, but Manitoba - nothing (outside Winnipeg)

MTS customers are just as tired of waiting too - I know several family members who are all "I want a Blackberry Torch/iPhone, can I get it on MTS?" it's always no.

Just please hurry up already! With "LTE" being tested in Ottawa already - Manitoba will be 5 years behind the trend yet again, when the next generation technology ever happens. After being told by Rogers CSRs and even "Office of President" office for over three years that 3G is coming "soon" to Manitoba, I'll see it when I believe it - and I expect terrible ping and low data speeds. I guess that's life. Ha.. my 3G phone is trying to connect to Sasktel as I type this..

[JohnPeters]

I'm just irritated that there is no date set for when the HSPA will come online.  First it was by late 2010, then I heard January 2011 and now I'm hearing March or April of 2011!!!!!!!!!!   I also heard a rumor that Rogers is ready to go and MTS has been holding up the project.

Has anyone else heard any of this?

Rogers would benefit from keeping their customer up to date a little better, I know dozens of people who have renewed their MTS contracts because we don't receive any news.

[sleeper]

Still nothing? It's Jan 2011 so I guess this date will be pushed FWD again?  Any word......

[shady]

I called today to cancel my MTS contract to switch to Rogers and of course they wanted to know why and i said i want the iPhone.  The guy said that MTS will have them by end of March.  Is this the same date that Rogers is updating their coverage?  I'd much rather be with Rogers but they don't have coverage at our cabin right now so i guess i wait!!!!!!!

[flatlandfisherm]

I have a friend that works for MTS and he told me that Rogers has had their equipment installed, tested and ready to go since October ! I am a Rogers customer and I have been waiting for their service to improve in rural Manitoba for several years. Each time I have called Rogers CSR they give me the same story, its coming. I like others will believe it when I see it. I have been receiving a 3G signal on my BB phone in Morden just before xmas, but that was just a tease.  I may switch back to MTS as a last resort, as the service where I work is no existent unless you climb a tree.

[JohnPeters]

It is confirmed that HSPA+ will go live sometime BEFORE the end of March which coincides with the date MTS is giving out to customers inquiring on the availability of the iphone and the BB Torch.