Rogers Communications Inc. filed a preliminary prospectus yesterday that would allow the Toronto-based media and cable company to raise as much as $4 billion in debt.

The new shelf prospectus will replace Rogers' existing one, which is set to expire Dec. 9. The new prospectus, which will be in effect for 25 months after it becomes final, will allow Rogers to raise funds in both the United States and Canada.

Rogers said it also filed the prospectus with the Ontario Securities Commission and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.