VANCOUVER, Jan. 23, 2012 /CNW/ - Rogers Communications and Wavefront, Canada's wireless centre of excellence for commercialization and research, announced today the launch of the Rogers Wireless Innovation Centre, a new Centre that helps technology innovators develop products and bring them to market faster.

The Rogers Wireless Innovation Centre will showcase the capabilities of Canada's first Long Term Evolution (LTE) network along with the latest wireless innovations and technologies, including machine to machine (M2M) solutions for customers and application developers. Scheduled to open this spring in Vancouver, the Centre will give innovators the opportunity to learn and connect with the latest global wireless technology, work with key developers and share their solutions with industry leaders.

"We're excited to work with Wavefront to leverage our world-class LTE technology to spur the development of innovative products and solutions for Canada, and Canadians," said Gordon Nelson, Vice President, BC, Rogers. "Vancouver is a key growth market for Rogers which is why it was one of the first markets in Canada to experience the benefits of our LTE network. We look forward to seeing many more firsts come out of the Rogers Wireless Innovation Centre and helping Canadians understand how machine to machine and other wireless technologies can impact their company's productivity and compete in a global market."

Rogers and Wavefront are also working together on the Rogers Wavefront Innovation Mentorship program.  This national initiative is expected to launch this spring and will pair early-stage wireless technology companies from across Canada with experienced technology and business professionals from Rogers and Wavefront.  By providing these emerging technology companies with comprehensive support, coaching and resources, the Rogers Wavefront Innovation Mentorship program will help position them for long-term success.

"Our organizations will mutually benefit as innovation is key for each of us and working together with Rogers gives companies and entrepreneurs a chance to excel in this market and on the international stage," said James Maynard, Wavefront President and CEO.  "Innovation is in Rogers' DNA. They are known leaders in M2M and their LTE network, the first in Canada and the only LTE network in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, is the true foundation for technology innovation."

Rogers was the first wireless carrier in Canada to launch an LTE network and is the first and only Canadian carrier to offer an LTE network in Vancouver and surrounding cities. The Rogers LTE network offers mobile speeds similar to broadband connections and delivers unparalleled connectivity and increased usage capacity to provide an unrivalled mobile experience. Rogers LTE network is now live in Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal and many surrounding communities. For more information on Rogers LTE, visit www.rogers.com/LTE.

About Rogers Communications

Rogers is a diversified public 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, and sports entertainment. 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 www.rogers.com.

About Wavefront

Wavefront is the national centre of excellence for wireless commercialization accelerating the growth and success of wireless companies in Canada. Wavefront improves speed-to-market and delivery of mobile applications and wireless technologies by providing emerging companies with a suite of WaveGuide™ training, mobile industry advisory services, incubation services, testing resources and market linkages that facilitate commercial engagement with the mobile network and enterprise ecosystem companies around the world. For more information on Wavefront, visit www.wavefrontac.com.