Rogers has announced a major USD 10-million initiative to enhance internet service for approximately 3,000 homes and businesses on the Pender, Mayne, and Galiano Islands in British Columbia.
The telecommunications giant has deployed an undersea fiber line to connect these Southern Gulf Islands to the mainland, dramatically improving speed and reliability.
“We are committed to bringing the best communications and entertainment experiences to customers across the country,” said Bret Leech, President, Residential, Rogers. “Now, residents on the Southern Gulf Islands can use Rogers Xfinity, Canada’s most reliable internet, to stream, make video calls, and more.”
The project delivers a significant technological leap for the island communities, with internet speeds now reaching up to 2 Gbps, an upgrade from the previously available 25 Mbps. This development enables residents to work remotely, access cloud-based tools, and enjoy seamless digital experiences from the comfort of their homes.
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“We continually invest in our networks to bring Canadians fast, reliable service,” added Mark Kennedy, Chief Technology Officer. “This was a unique build to connect these communities with a fiber line. Our team of 40 spent over 12,000 hours on the project, supported by five vessels.”
Due to the remote location and challenging terrain of the Southern Gulf Islands, deploying traditional infrastructure has been historically difficult.
The underwater build involved submerging nearly eight kilometers of fiber-optic cable, which was laid along the ocean floor by divers with minimal environmental impact.
With the cable permanently installed on the seabed, Rogers affirmed that the new network brings improved resilience to areas often affected by adverse weather conditions and service disruptions. The infrastructure is expected to enhance both the everyday internet experience and emergency communication reliability.
This latest initiative is part of Rogers’s long-term commitment to connectivity, having invested nearly USD 70 billion in its networks over the past two decades. With the continued rollout of Rogers Xfinity and multi-gig internet capabilities, the company aims to deliver high-speed, future-ready services to almost eight million Canadian homes in 2025.
