Rogers invests 10 billion Canadian dollars in artificial intelligence, testing after a major break

Rogers Building, the green-topped campus of Canadian media company Rogers Communications, is seen in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada, July 14, 2022. REUTERS/Chris Hellgren

Jul 24 (Reuters) – Rogers Communications (RCIb.TO)On Sunday, it said it would invest C$10 billion ($7.74 billion) over the next three years in artificial intelligence (AI), more testing and oversight, just weeks after the company reported network problems that caused widespread disruptions across the country. .

CEO Tony Staveri said Telecom Canada has made progress on a formal agreement between carriers to funnel 911 calls to each other’s networks automatically — even in the event of a power outage on any carrier’s network.

“I believe this is the only responsible way forward and I am personally committed to making this possible for all Canadians,” Staveri said in a letter on Sunday.

Staveri said the company is effectively disconnecting its internet and wireless network services to create an “always connected” network — to help ensure customers never experience disruptions to both cellular and internet services again.

Earlier this month, the operator, which has about 10 million wireless subscribers and 2.25 million retail internet subscribers, suffered a glitch that lasted nearly 19 hours, disrupting services from flights to banking and emergency 911 calls.

The Canadian government also ordered an investigation and required telecom companies to agree within 60 days to develop communication protocols to keep people better informed. Read more

(1 dollar = 1.2914 Canadian dollars)

Additional reporting by Janavi Nidomulu in Bengaluru; Editing by Diane Craft

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