With a glance to rivals Bell Canada that has joined the race and Telus that is about to join in, Rogers Communications has taken steps to consolidate its opening position in Canada’s GSM 3G HSPA wireless broadband market.

 

The company announced that the Nokia N86 smartphone will soon be in the same game as the just-launched Rogers-exclusive LG Eve as well as the Rogers-exclusive Sony Ericsson Xperia X1. These devices, along with the BlackBerry Bold 9000 in white, the HTC (News - Alert) Magic form what the communications firm calls “The ultimate Webphone lineup” is now available all for under $100.

 

Rogers has been perfecting the GSM family of technologies for nearly ten years says the firm. Today, with a selection of more than 30 HSPA devices, Rogers offers the broadest portfolio of the wireless products Canadians want including the widest range of HSPA smartphones, Google Android (News - Alert) and BlackBerry devices, and the best variety of Quick Messaging phones.

 

“Customers looking for a proven HSPA network will continue to choose Rogers,” said Bob Berner, executive vice president, network and chief technology officer at Rogers Communications (News - Alert). “We introduced our HSPA network back in 2006 and we continue to invest significantly in our network technologies. Our proven network lets us offer seamless communications on the widest selection of high-performing HSPA devices to our customers.”

 

Rogers continues to provide other innovative offerings in the Canadian wireless market. It provides wireless voice and data communications services across Canada to more than 8.3 million customers under both the Rogers Wireless (News - Alert) and Fido brands. In addition to providing seamless roaming in more than 200 countries/areas with its GSM and HSPA based services, Rogers Wireless also provides wireless broadband services across Canada utilizing its 2.5GHz fixed wireless spectrum.

 

Last month Rogers introduced Research in Motion’s BlackBerry (News - Alert) Curve 8520 smartphone. Part of the BlackBerry Curve series of device it features a new touch-sensitive trackpad for navigation and dedicated media keys that are integrated into the top of the handset for quick and convenient control of music and videos. It also comes with built-in Wi-Fi, 802.11 b/g and support for Rogers TalkSpot service, allowing customers to make unlimited Canada-wide calls over Wi-Fi for $15 per month.

 

“Rogers and RIM have a proud history, dating back over ten years, of bringing Canadians the best in smartphone hardware and technology,” said John Boynton, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, Rogers Communications. “Rogers is thrilled to offer this latest BlackBerry Curve to our customers looking for a stylish and cutting edge smartphone at an attractive price.”