By Ken Kelley
TORONTO – It’s not surprising the proposed Rogers-Shaw merger would be one of the first topics that Rogers president and CEO Joe Natale would tackle at the TD Securities’ virtual Telecom and Media Conference on Wednesday.
While the merger still has a number of regulatory hurdles to clear, including the Competition Bureau, ISED Canada and the CRTC, it did chalk up a victory earlier this week when the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta gave the merger the green light. The court’s approval followed an overwhelming thumbs up from Shaw’s shareholders last week.
“We’re very delighted with…
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By Ahmad Hathout
GATINEAU – The CRTC’s second attempt at determining the wholesale costs of internet capacity will determine whether or not third party internet access providers can lower customer rates, if it continues to allow the big telecoms to execute on network investment decisions, or if it elicits yet more appeals.
Striking the right balance on rates for competition and network investment is not only a goal of the Regulator, but it’s a requirement under a cabinet direction from 2020. And Thursday’s upcoming decision – coupled with the CRTC’s decision to force open the big wireless networks to regional carriers…
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By Denis Carmel
GATINEAU – On April 21, 2021, Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) and the Forum for Research and Policy in Communications (FRPC) filed an application with the CRTC proposing to stabilize the funding of the Broadcasting Participation Fund (BPF) but as of today, May 26th, the CRTC has not yet posted the Part I application to its website, therefore a process has not yet been initiated.
“Time is of the essence in this matter, as the Broadcasting Participation Fund (BPF) faces potential revenue shortfalls and exhaustion, in part due to the paucity of tangible benefits orders resulting from media…
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TORONTO — Rogers Communications announced today it is investing $1.4 million to bring high-speed broadband services to more than 275 homes and businesses in the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN) community in southwestern Ontario.
In partnership with the MCFN council’s fibre optics ad hoc committee, Rogers will expand its fibre network to deliver fibre-to-the-home technology across 30 square kilometres of underserved areas in the community. Once completed, residents and business owners will have access to Rogers Ignite Internet with up to 1 Gbps service and Rogers Ignite TV.
“Rogers will work with local contractors to help build the network…
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CALGARY — Shaw Communications announced late Tuesday afternoon the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta has approved the proposed business combination agreement between Shaw and Rogers Communications.
This follows news last week that Shaw’s shareholders voted overwhelmingly in favour of the purchase deal, which still requires regulatory approval from the Competition Bureau, ISED Canada and the CRTC.
The companies expect the merger transaction to be finalized in the first half of 2022.
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CEO Péladeau has already said he is interested in Freedom Mobile
By Ahmad Hathout
MONTREAL – Quebecor CEO Pierre Karl Péladeau has been making headlines in recent weeks by suggesting he is interested in acquiring Freedom Mobile in the event that condition is forced by regulators as part of a Rogers-Shaw merger. Now, he’s sending lobbyists west to familiarize the brand.
During a conference call related to his company’s first quarter earnings report this month, Péladeau expressed interest in taking Videotron’s brand nationwide. He said regulatory conditions are better now, following the CRTC’s decision to give regional carriers access to the wireless…
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Auction of 3800 MHz spectrum in 2023
OTTAWA – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada announced today that spectrum in the range of 3650-4200 MHz, known as the 3800 MHz band, will be repurposed to improve rural connectivity and ensure the effective deployment of 5G technologies.
Also known as C-band, those particular frequencies have been used for decades by satellite operators such as Telesat and other fixed wireless communications. Xplornet, Rogers and Terago, among others, have spectrum licences in the band.
The decision makes 250 MHz available for 5G and 80 MHz (up from 50 MHz) available for wireless broadband or other…
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CALGARY – Shaw Communications said today holders of its class A shares and class B shares voted overwhelmingly in favour of the company’s purchase by Rogers Communications.
The previously announced plan of arrangement for the proposed combination of the two companies was approved at the special meeting of Shaw’s shareholders held on May 20, 2021.
“Today marks an important milestone in the journey to combine Shaw and Rogers, creating a truly national network provider with far-reaching and multigenerational benefits for all Canadians,” said Brad Shaw, executive chair and CEO, in the press release.
“Shaw’s shareholders overwhelmingly supported the transaction and the high…
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TORONTO – Rogers Communications said this week it is expanding its low-cost home internet program, Connected for Success, according to a company blog post.
This program is aimed at helping low-income Canadians connect and was launched by Rogers in 2013. It now offers plans starting at $9.99 a month for 25 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, up to $34.99 a month for 150 Mbps download 15 Mbps upload.
The initial program partnership was with Toronto Community Housing, until it expanded in 2016 to include all Ontarians, New Brunswickers, and Newfoundlanders in rent-geared-to-income housing, and a further expansion in 2018…
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TORONTO – As the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PWHPA) laces up to make hockey history next week, Sportsnet is bringing fans to Calgary to take in the sights, sounds and action of the “Secret Dream Gap Tour” Canadian leg, May 24-30.
Sportsnet is the exclusive broadcaster and will deliver end-to-end coverage of the round-robin competition between Team Scotiabank (Calgary), Team Sonnet (Toronto) and Team Bauer (Montreal). In addition to live game broadcasts, Sportsnet will showcase the superstars of the PWHPA through an exclusive content series and cross-platform promotion in collaboration with event partner Secret Deodorant.
Please click here to…
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