Freedom has been using MVNO regime in the province for time being
Quebecor announced Monday its president and CEO, Pierre Karl Peladeau, recently met with Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew to discuss a series of upcoming initiatives in the province, including the rollout of its own wireless network in the province next year.
Peladeau, who is the owner of the Montreal Alouettes, was in Winnipeg for the Grey Cup final, which saw the Saskatchewan Roughriders defeat the Alouettes 25-17 to win the cup.
In addition to the planned construction of Freedom Mobile’s Manitoba wireless network, expected to launch in 2026, Peladeau and Kinew discussed the potential for a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening the television production sector, according to a Quebecor press release.
“More competition should lead to lower prices, so we welcome Freedom leaning into Manitoba,” Kinew stated in Quebecor’s announcement. “We all want greater coverage in our province, so these investments are welcome.”
“Our network expansion into Manitoba with Freedom reflects our commitment to building a better wireless experience for Canadians,” Peladeau said. “We’re not just investing in infrastructure — we’re investing in people, communities, and the power of choice. We share Premier Kinew’s vision of making life more affordable for Manitobans by fostering greater competition in telecommunications.
“Premier Kinew and I also discussed how TVA, Quebec’s largest broadcaster, could develop collaborations with Manitoba-based productions to leverage talent and strengthen relationships among the various stakeholders of this important cultural pillar,” Peladeau added. “I am pleased by the openness and reception of these initiatives, which are priorities for both Quebecor and the Manitoba Government.”
Freedom Mobile’s network rollout in Manitoba will begin in Winnipeg, before expanding across the province, Quebecor said in its press release. To date, Freedom has invested more than $35 million in wireless spectrum in Manitoba.
Freedom already offers service to customers in Manitoba through the CRTC’s mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) regime, which requires the subsidiary to lease space on the wireless networks of the larger telecoms.
“By building and operating its own infrastructure, Freedom Mobile is unlocking new opportunities to deliver affordable, innovative wireless services to customers,” Quebecor’s press release said. In addition, the expansion will enhance network redundancy, ensuring greater reliability for Freedom customers, and Freedom’s 100-per-cent digital sister brand Fizz will also benefit from access to this enhanced infrastructure in Manitoba, Quebecor said.
During their meeting, Peladeau and Kinew discussed “opportunities to leverage the expertise of Manitoba and Quebec producers, as well as the production facilities and capabilities of Quebecor’s MELS studios, and the broadcasting reach of TVA,” according to the press release.
Collaborative efforts would aim to develop talent, strengthen relationships among key stakeholders, and deepen cultural ties between French-speaking communities, Quebecor said.
Several projects were discussed, “with anticipated economic benefits of several millions of dollars in production and filming expenditures in Manitoba,” the release said.
Photo of Quebecor President and CEO Pierre Karl Peladeau and Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, via Quebecor
