Working Together to Bridge the Digital Divide: Rogers Supports the Federal Government’s Expansion of the Connecting Families Program

Rogers recently expanded eligibility and choice; with upwards of 750,000 Canadians now eligible for Connected for Success™

Company commits to expanding low-cost high-speed internet program to Western Canada as part of the proposed Rogers-Shaw merger

TORONTO, August 11, 2021 - Rogers Communications today announced its support for the federal government's plans to expand Connecting Families, a program that helps low-income Canadians to access affordable internet. Rogers has proudly participated in the program as a founding member since its launch in 2018, making low-cost high-speed internet available for those receiving the maximum child care benefit and now eligible low-income seniors.

Rogers participation in Connecting Families builds on the company's low-cost high-speed internet program Connected for Success. This first-of-its-kind Canadian program is currently available to upwards of 750,000 eligible Canadians across Rogers internet coverage area in Ontario, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland.

'As a leader in bridging the digital divide through our Connected for Success program, we are proud to work with the government to connect even more Canadians to the things that matter most like vital resources, learning, employment and loved ones,' said Sevaun Palvetzian, Chief Communications Officer and lead for corporate responsibility at Rogers. 'We were the first to introduce a program to help low-income Canadians access affordable internet and by coming together with Shaw, we will expand Connected for Success nationally, to ensure no Canadian is left behind.'

Rogers first introduced Connected for Success with Toronto Community Housing in 2013, and in 2016 it was expanded to eligible residents of rent-geared-income housing across Ontario, New Brunswick and Newfoundland. In March 2021, Rogers expanded eligibility for Connected for Success to even more Canadians to include those receiving eligible income or disability support and seniors receiving the federal guaranteed income supplement. The program starts at $9.99/month and also offers internet speed options to provide more choice and flexibility to support the evolving connectivity needs of individuals and families.

As part of the proposed merger with Shaw, Rogers would expand the Connected for Success program nationally to reach every eligible Canadian where the combined company offers Internet services. Access to this program would help connect even more low-income families in Western Canada to critical networks and services.

For more information on eligibility for Rogers Connected for Success, please visit www.connectedforsuccess.ca or call 1-866-689-0758 to speak with a representative.

Cautionary Statement:
This news release includes 'forward-looking information' within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to, among other things, the anticipated benefits of the transaction, including the reach and availability of the combined entity's products and services and the combined entity's ability to provide low-cost broadband to more Canadians in Western Canada.

We caution that all forward-looking information is inherently subject to change and uncertainty and that actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. A number of risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking information or could cause our current objectives, strategies and intentions to change. Accordingly, we warn investors to exercise caution when considering statements containing forward-looking information and that it would be unreasonable to rely on such statements as creating legal rights regarding our future results or plans. We cannot guarantee that any forward-looking information will materialize and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information. Any forward-looking information contained in this news release represent expectations as of the date of this news release and are subject to change after such date. However, we are under no obligation (and we expressly disclaim any such obligation) to update or alter any statements containing forward-looking information, the factors or assumptions underlying them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. All of the forward-looking information in this news release is qualified by the cautionary statements herein.

Forward-looking information is provided herein for the purpose of giving information about the proposed transaction referred to above and its expected impact. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The completion of the above-mentioned proposed transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, termination rights and other risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, certain regulatory approvals. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the proposed transaction will occur. The proposed transaction could also be modified, restructured or terminated. There can also be no assurance that the anticipated benefits expected to result from the transaction will be fully realized.

A comprehensive discussion of other risks that impact Rogers and Shaw can also be found in their public reports and filings which are available under their respective profiles at www.sedar.com.

About Rogers
Rogers is a proud Canadian company dedicated to making more possible for Canadians each and every day. Our founder, Ted Rogers, purchased his first radio station, CHFI, in 1960. We have grown to become a leading technology and media company that strives to provide the very best in wireless, residential, sports, and media to Canadians and Canadian businesses. Our shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI). If you want to find out more about us, visit about.rogers.com.

For more information:
Rogers Communications, [e-mail], 1-844-226-1338