This article is part of the Bright Leaders of Calgary series, which features prominent corporate leaders and their insights on the local business community and vision for the future.
Calgary is realizing a vibrant economic future as businesses use new technologies and innovation to increase productivity and drive meaningful change.
Rogers, a leading communications and entertainment company, is helping Calgary establish itself as a globally recognized technology centre. This includes the creation of CableLabs North, a world-leader in future-forward research & development (R&D), to engage leaders on initiatives that will transform the industry, and support the City of Calgary’s 5G Discovery Zone..
As Senior Vice President, Wireline Network at Rogers, Damian Poltz connects Canadians and businesses coast-to-coast with Rogers’ Wireline Network.
We had the opportunity to chat with Damian about what sets Calgary apart and how businesses here embrace innovation to solve some of the biggest global challenges.
What are the advantages of Calgary’s business environment?
Calgary’s business environment is very vibrant and entrepreneurial. We have the largest concentration of head offices in Canada, and a lot of young companies and young people moving here, increasing the diversity of the city.
Calgary companies are open to collaborating and exploring new opportunities, which goes hand in hand with the city’s demographics and business culture. Calgarians are rapidly embracing new technologies and new ways of thinking, as is evident by Platform Calgary’s support of over 1,300 entrepreneurs, over 500 member companies and over 120 ecosystem partners.
How did Rogers identify Calgary as the best location to launch the 5G Discovery Zone?
A great example of collaboration is The 5G Discovery Zone, Canada’s first downtown 5G test environment located here in Calgary. The City of Calgary, Calgary Economic Development, Platform Calgary, and Rogers came together to create a test-bed focused on fast-tracking the commercialization of innovative solutions in transportation and mobility, public safety and climate and environment.
Rogers has the largest and most reliable 5G network to seamlessly connect Canadians across the country and in every part of Calgary.
The 5G Discovery Zone will connect some of the brightest minds in one place and is a significant milestone for the city and further highlights Calgary as a globally recognized technology centre.
How does Rogers’ wireline network team integrate the 5G focus?
My job is building the fiber backbone across the entire city, connecting infrastructure through a super resilient core and making sure it can be transported around the country.
We are working to enable multi-gigabyte connectivity everywhere. This will set the foundation for the fourth industrial revolution and enable new technology — such as network splicing — which will provide dedicated communication lanes for first responders, and the expansion of 5G Wireless Home Internet to more rural and remote communities.
Which sectors in Calgary have you seen lean heavily into innovation and digital transformation?
Digital transformation impacts every sector, especially technology and energy with the Internet of Things (IoT). A key underlying component in Calgary is the reliable, seamless multi-gigabyte connectivity provided by Roger’s coast-to-coast wireline network.
Combining our network with an entrepreneurial mindset and a culture that fosters innovation is a winning combination that allows Calgary to expand in and explore different sectors. CableLabs North, based right here in Calgary at our Barlow Campus is contributing to this digital transformation in the city by conducting research to enable new ways for organizations from all sectors to access their networks and data at faster speeds with more capacity.
How would you describe Calgary’s talent pool, and how is it changing?
Calgary was recently announced as the fastest-growing tech talent market in North America. Thanks to Calgary’s great culture and lifestyle, we're attracting a very diverse set of talent from across Canada and globally as we become the go-to destination for many innovators.
This skilled talent pool, our robust startup ecosystem, influx of companies moving here, and innovative programs developed at local post-secondary institutions is fueling the increase in technology expertise.
High-demand skills include software development, machine learning, AI and data analytics which lend perfectly to the digital transformation happening across the city and in businesses everywhere. We are constantly on the lookout for top tech talent at Rogers.
How would you describe the city to a non-Calgarian?
Calgary is a vibrant, clean and sunny city with a friendly and welcoming culture. The easy access to beautiful nature and parks is truly amazing and a huge part of why my family and I have grown to love this city.
From the outskirts of town, it only takes me 20 minutes to get downtown to our offices and 45 minutes across town, even during rush hour. You can't say that about many other big cities.
What gives you optimism for Calgary’s future?
Calgary is quickly emerging as a tech and innovation centre. A diverse talent pool and businesses from across sectors are helping build momentum and enhance the culture of the city.
With a high quality of life and access to natural beauty, Calgary and Alberta are limitless, and there’s a lot to discover here which is attracting talent to the region. I have a huge amount of optimism about where the city and province are heading.
About Team Calgary: The Team Calgary corporate partnership program engages our community’s visionary thought leaders to influence Calgary’s economic growth and create long-term prosperity and opportunities for all Calgarians.
Together, we advance the economic strategy, Uplook: An Action Plan For Our Economy, as the path to make Calgary the place where bright minds and big ideas come together with an unmatched spirit to help solve global challenges.