MONTREAL – While fending off persistent questions from financial analysts, Quebecor CEO Pierre Karl Péladeau left the impression that his company may, in fact, pursue wireless spectrum beyond Quebec.
Responding to queries yesterday during the company’s first quarter conference call, Peladeau said it was too early to close the door on anything, marking a change in what the company has said thus far – which has been that it wants its own wireless network, but only in areas where it has cable, i.e. Quebec.
“If we think that the conditions (of the wireless spectrum auction) are acceptable, we will acquire a big enough portion so that we can build a third generation wireless network,“ said Peladeau during the call.
Pressed further on what he meant by that and if the company plans to look nationally, the CEO added: “It’s too early to say (but) I don’t think that we should close doors when we consider that there could be some interesting opportunities.“
Speculation now is that if the spectrum auction rules fall in their favour, that MTS and Quebecor, who are now “coalition partners“ could form some kind of joint venture for a new national wireless carrier.
– Greg O`Brien
