Rogers to expand LTE to Toronto by Sept. 28th and confirms 4G LTE capable Samsung Galaxy S II, four other LTE devices and LTE Tablet

Rogers just dropped a bombshell, not only have they announced expansion of their LTE network to Toronto by the end of September but have also confirmed their own Samsung Galaxy S II equipped with 4G LTE. This beast phone is in the same lineage as the Samsung Galaxy S II available worldwide and on Bell but with a few twists. It looks like this phone is similarly equipped to the long rumored Hercules but with 4G LTE. More after the break.

Also worth mentioning is that Rogers states that it is in talks with two manufacturers for an LTE equipped Tablet. We have reason to believe that it's down to HTC and Samsung with both the HTC Jetstream and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 LTE Edition.

We're eagerly waiting what the other four other LTE devices (including one from HTC) will be.

Here's the official press release with some pics courtesy of MobileSyrup and HowardForums.

Rogers to expand Canada's first LTE network to Toronto
Five LTE wireless devices coming this fall

TORONTO, Aug. 30, 2011 /CNW/ - Rogers Communications Inc. announced today the next phase of its commercial launch of Canada's first Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, bringing the latest global wireless technology to Canada's largest city - Toronto on September 28, 2011. Rogers was the first carrier to introduce LTE to Canadians with its Ottawa launch on July 7, 2011.

"Ottawa residents are already enjoying the benefits of Canada's fastest network technology - now Torontonians can begin the countdown to LTE and a whole new wireless experience," said John Boynton, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. "LTE is the latest example of how Rogers continues to bring the world's best and newest innovations to Canadians first."

Rogers also announced customers in Toronto and Ottawa can be among the first in the world to experience LTE wireless devices when the company continues to roll out its LTE product line this fall. It includes: the Samsung Galaxy S II LTE Smartphone; the LTE Rocket™ mobile hotspot (Sierra Wireless AirCard® 754S); Rogers LTE RocketTM stick (now available in Ottawa); LTE Tablet from a leading manufacturer; and the previously announced HTC Smartphone.

LTE is a next generation technology that will enable unparalleled connectivity, giving customers a mobile broadband experience similar to what they currently experience at home and at work. This next-generation mobile speed will create a better experience for customers using highly-interactive applications like multi-player gaming and rich multi-media communications. It will deliver more usage capacity, which means more users can simultaneously access the network at top speeds without affecting overall network performance.

This year, Rogers will have LTE devices capable of maximum theoretical download speeds of up to 100 Mbps. Today, devices are capable of downloading up to 75 Mbps and Ottawa LTE customers are experiencing typical download speeds ranging from 12 Mbps to 25 Mbps. These speeds are significantly faster than those Canadians experience on any other wireless network. As device selection evolves, maximum theoretical download speeds on the Rogers network will increase to up to 150 Mbps.

"This is an example of how we continue to bring the world's best and newest innovations to our customers and Canadians to be first to enjoy a faster and superior mobile experience with any one of our LTE devices," said John Boynton. "Rogers' LTE network and devices will redefine the way we work, play and communicate."

Starting today, Rogers customers in Toronto and Ottawa can reserve a selection of LTE wireless devices through the new Rogers Reservation System at www.rogers.com/lte.
Rogers was the first Canadian carrier to start conducting technical trials last fall, followed by the commitment to a multiyear deployment that began with Canada's first LTE launch in Ottawa in July 2011. Rogers LTE will expand to Montreal and Vancouver this fall.

The launch of LTE reinforces Rogers' proud history of innovative firsts and commitment to investing to build Canada's digital future. Rogers was the first carrier in North America to launch an HSPA+ network; the first carrier in Canada to launch GSM; the first in the world to launch the BlackBerry; and the first in Canada to launch both the Android and the iPhone.
Canadians can learn more about Rogers' LTE network by visiting www.rogers.com/lte. To find out when LTE is coming to your area, sign up at www.IwantmyLTE.ca.

About the company:

Rogers is a diversified public Canadian communications and media company. We are Canada's largest provider of wireless voice and data communications services and one of Canada's leading providers of cable television, high-speed Internet and telephony services. Through Rogers Media we are engaged in radio and television broadcasting, televised shopping, magazines and trade publications, and sports entertainment. We are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI). For further information about the Rogers group of companies, please visit www.rogers.com.

Image with caption: "John Boynton, Rogers Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, announced today that Rogers will expand Canada's first LTE network to Toronto on September 28, 2011. (CNW Group/Rogers Communications Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20110830_C7130_PHOTO_EN_2647.jpg