Rogers Cable ready to launch own network

TORONTO, Dec. 2 (UPI) -- Rogers Cable Inc. said the company has its own alternate high speed Internet network in place and is ready to transition customers quickly if negotiations with bankrupt ExciteAtHome Corp. are unsuccessful.

John Tory, Rogers' president and chief executive officer, said late Saturday the Toronto-based company has spent several months preparing its own network to ensure a gradual transition to its new high-speed network.

"If negotiations are unsuccessful we are now ready to flip the switch," said Tory.

Rogers Cable, a subsidiary of Rogers Communications Inc., delivers entertainment, information and communications services to 2.3 million customers in the provinces of Ontario, New Brunswick and Newfoundland.

"Our first concern is for our Rogers customers and their access to quality high-speed Internet service," Tory said. "Given ExciteAtHome's financial problems, we wanted to be ready with our own network. If the transition needs to be accelerated it would involve a planned outage, which we expect would last a matter of hours."

The company said RogersAtHome customers continue to receive uninterrupted Internet access while Rogers and ExciteAtHome continue negotiations.