$RCI

A new report by TelecomTV finds that most telecom operators are prioritizing AI-driven revenue streams over efficiency gains. The AI-Native Telco Index evaluated 56 operators, noting 20 focus primarily on revenue, 28 on a balanced approach, and 6 on efficiency. Bell Canada reported $507m in AI-powered revenues in 2025, while SK Telecom saw 92.5% year-over-year growth in AI datacenter revenues. Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison reported $28m in sovereign AI cloud income in 2025.

Rogers Communications priced $1.59 billion in subordinated notes, including $1 billion in U.S. dollar-denominated notes at 7.150% and 7.400%, and C$600 million in Canadian notes at 6.000%. Proceeds will redeem existing notes. Offerings close September 23, 2026, subject to conditions.

Rogers Communications priced a $1 billion U.S. public offering and a C$600 million Canadian private placement of subordinated notes due 2057. The U.S. notes carry 7.150% and 7.400% rates, while the Canadian notes have a 6.000% rate. Proceeds will redeem or purchase higher-maturity subordinated debt.

Rogers Communications Inc. (TSX: RCI.A, RCI.B, NYSE: RCI) announced a public offering of US$1 billion in fixed-rate subordinated notes and a private placement of Cdn$600 million in similar notes, both due in 2057. The net proceeds will be used to redeem or purchase existing subordinated notes. The offerings are expected to close on September 23, 2026, subject to customary conditions.

Rogers Communications announced the addition of exclusive Sportsnet+ content, including over 150 NHL games, to its Xfinity TV packages at no extra cost. The new content, available from September 29, includes Monday Night Hockey and over 100 additional matchups. This move aims to enhance the sports viewing experience for customers with Sportsnet in their package.

Ookla reports Wi-Fi 7 adoption in Canada reached 4.9% in Q1 2026, with Telus (7.7%) and Bell (7.0%) leading. Bell Pure Fibre held 40.4% of Wi-Fi 7 samples, Rogers 26.3%, and Telus PureFibre 20.3%. Wi-Fi 7 median download speeds for Bell neared 1 Gbps. Fibre uploads were significantly faster than cable, with lower latency. Ookla advocates for router upgrades to meet CRTC speed targets.

Rogers and OEG Sports & Entertainment (OEGSE) extended their partnership for 10 years, keeping Rogers Place as the home of the Edmonton Oilers through 2036. The deal includes extensive branding and advertising rights. Rogers is also the exclusive regional broadcast partner of the Oilers through 2035. The companies celebrated the 10-year anniversary of Rogers Place with ticket giveaways and new fan experiences.

RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc. (RICK) named Travis Reese as Interim President and CEO under a one-year agreement starting September 1, 2026, according to an SEC filing. Details on salary, benefits, and perquisites were disclosed.

Rogers Communications and Quebecor agreed to a 12-year sublicensing deal for French-language NHL games, starting 2026-27. TVA Sports will broadcast up to 350 regular-season games, including 32 Montréal Canadiens games and exclusive Stanley Cup Playoffs coverage. Quebecor (TSX: QBR.A, QBR.B) and Rogers (TSX: RCI.A, RCI.B, NYSE: RCI) aim to expand French-language NHL content for Canadian audiences.

Analysts from Morgan Stanley, RBC, Barclays, Wedbush, and Barrington updated ratings and price targets for Verizon (VZ), Rogers (RCI), and National CineMedia (NCMI). Verizon reported better-than-expected Q2 EPS and raised FY26 guidance. Rogers had mixed Q2 results. National CineMedia reported worse-than-expected Q2 results but acquired Captivate Holdings.