GATINEAU — The Competition Bureau on Tuesday issued a request for information (RFI) from market participants and Canadians in general to assist its investigation into Rogers Communications’ proposed acquisition of Shaw Communications.
“The Bureau is investigating whether the proposed merger is likely to result in a substantial lessening or prevention of competition for mobile wireless, wireline internet and broadcasting services — which are provided by both companies,” reads the Bureau’s press release.
Specifically, the Bureau wants input to help it assess potential impacts on competition in the following areas:
- Mobile wireless services to consumers
- Consumer and small business internet services
- Fibre transport services
- The supply of programming to television providers or broadcasting distribution undertakings (BDUs)
- The provision of relay distribution services to BDUs
The RFI can be found here. The deadline for submitting information to the Bureau is Oct. 29, 2021.
The Bureau says it is using all of the tools at its disposal to advance its investigation into the Rogers-Shaw merger, including obtaining court orders requiring Xplornet, Bell, Telus and Videotron to produce information related to mobile wireless services that is relevant to the Bureau’s investigation.
“The Bureau’s review is ongoing and no conclusions have been made at this time,” the press release says.
A Rogers spokesperson told Cartt.ca in an email the proposed deal will provide “a once-in-a-generation investment in the future of broadband, 5G networks and technology,” and Rogers will continue its “constructive engagement with regulators and the federal government throughout their review process.”
