North America : Rogers AT&T wireless announced that it has begun a trial of 3rd Generation EDGE capability in the Greater Vancouver Area. The rollout of this network enhancement across the Canada-wide Rogers AT&T Wireless network will begin in 2004.

Rogers AT&T Wireless EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution) was installed through a software upgrade on the network in Vancouver. With the completion of this deployment, customers in the Vancouver area who have EDGE capable devices will benefit from the higher data speeds of 100-130 kbps, with speed bursts of up to 200 kbps. EDGE capable devices from Rogers AT&T Wireless that are currently in market include: the Nokia 6200 and the Sony Ericsson wireless PCMCIA GC-82 modem card.

"Rogers AT&T Wireless is committed to providing our customers across the country with a superior network quality and reach. This network evolution follows the successful national deployment by Rogers AT&T Wireless of GSM/GPRS and fulfills the promise of true 3G technology," said Bob Berner, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Rogers AT&T Wireless. "By working with our primary infrastructure supplier, Ericsson Communications, we have been able to roll-out our EDGE trial quickly and efficiently."

As previously announced, the total cost of the deployment of EDGE capability across the Rogers AT&T Wireless network in Canada is expected to cost in the range of $20 - $25 million dollars.

The deployment of Rogers AT&T Wireless EDGE capability is concurrent with the rollout of EDGE by AT&T Wireless Services Inc. in the United States. The simultaneous provision of EDGE by both Rogers AT&T Wireless and AT&T Wireless Services will provide customers on both sides of the border with access to this high-speed data service wherever they travel across North America.

Rogers Wireless Inc. operates under the co-brand Rogers AT&T Wireless and has offices in Canadian cities from coast to coast. Rogers AT&T Wireless is Canada's leading wireless communications service provider, offering a complete range of wireless solutions including Digital PCS, wireless, advanced wireless data services, and one- and two-way messaging services to a total of more than 3.8 million customers across the country. Rogers Wireless Communications Inc. is approximately 56% owned by Rogers Communications Inc., and approximately one-third owned by AT&T Wireless Services, Inc.