CRTC called out for “vague”, “unenforceable” safeguards
OTTAWA – Telus, Bell, Independent Broadcast Group (IBG), and the Canadian Communication Systems Alliance Inc. (CCSA) have each filed separate comments in support of the National Pensioners Federation and Public Interest Advocacy Centre’s (NPF-PIAC) petition to the Governor-In-Council, asking for the CRTC’s recent decision to approve Rogers Communications’ acquisition of Shaw Communications’ broadcasting assets to be set aside or referred back to the Commission.
(Cartt.ca obtained copies of the submissions from PIAC and Bell.)
Whittled down to its core, the argument put forth in NPF-PIAC’s petition and the submissions made in support of…
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Officially filed application to Competition Tribunal seeking to block the merger
GATINEAU – The Competition Bureau has filed applications to prevent Rogers Communications from acquiring Shaw Communications, in part due to its findings that competition has already taken a hit since the announcement of the proposed merger.
“Following an extensive investigation, the Bureau determined that competition between Rogers and Shaw has already declined,” a press release says. “The Bureau’s position is that if the proposed merger is allowed to proceed, that harm will continue and may worsen.”
The investigation found before the merger was announced, “Shaw planned to enter new wireless…
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TORONTO – Early Saturday morning, Rogers Communications issued a press release saying it was notified that the Commissioner of Competition will file applications to the Competition Tribunal opposing the company’s proposed $26 billion purchase of Shaw Communications.
Despite that, the two companies said in the release they remain committed to the deal and they are engaged in sale process for full divestiture of Freedom Mobile to maintain strong fourth carrier. Both Xplornet and Quebecor are rumoured to be in negotiations to buy Shaw’s wireless assets.
“Rogers and Shaw remain committed to the transaction, which is in the best interests of Canada…
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OTTAWA – Bell and Telus fired back at Rogers over the telecom’s claim the cross-band spectrum caps proposed by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) for the upcoming 3800 MHz spectrum auction are “wildly anti-competitive”.
As Cartt.ca reported last month, comments submitted to ISED’s Consultation on a Policy and Licensing Framework for Spectrum in the 3800 MHz Band, shows the country’s telecoms are divided on which, if any, pro-competitive measures should be adopted for the upcoming 3800 MHz spectrum auction.
Rogers submitted initial comments to the consultation claiming a proposal by ISED to introduce cross-band spectrum caps (which would…
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CALGARY – Rogers Communications today announced the first members of a new advisory council, which will oversee THINKLab, a National Centre of Technology and Engineering Excellence to be established in Calgary after its proposed merger with Shaw Communications closes.
The Rogers THINKLab is part of a $6.5-billion multi-year commitment to invest in Western Canada once the companies have come together. It “will bring together leaders from academic institutions, developers, and research partners that will foster made-in-Canada technology solutions to benefit consumers and businesses, while fuelling Canadian competitiveness,” a press release explains.
The THINKLab Advisory Council will be responsible for guiding and…
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OTTAWA – Consumer advocacy groups the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) and the National Pensioners Federation (NPF) today filed a petition to the federal cabinet, asking for the CRTC’s recent decision to approve Rogers Communications’ acquisition of Shaw Communications’ broadcasting assets to be set aside.
If cabinet decides not to set aside the decision, the organizations have asked for the decision to be referred back to the Commission.
“Consumers shouldn’t pay for these mergers,” said John Lawford, executive director and general counsel of PIAC, in a press release announcing the petition was filed. “This Petition is a result of…
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TORONTO – Rogers Communications announced today it is now offering 2.5 Gbps symmetrical fibre-powered service in select areas of Ontario, New Brunswick and Newfoundland.
Rogers says in a press release announcing the launch of the new speeds it is the first to offer 2.5 Gbps symmetrical service, “the fastest internet speeds in Atlantic Canada.”
Customers already subscribed to Rogers’ Ignite Internet Gigabit 1.5 will automatically be upgraded to the new speeds today at no extra cost.
“Access to high-speed internet is critical and we are committed to bringing our fibre-powered network to more communities and neighbourhoods so customers will have access to…
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TORONTO – A proposal for the sale of Freedom Mobile has been presented to the federal government in an effort to ensure Rogers Communications’ acquisition of Shaw Communications is approved.
The Globe and Mail is reporting two unnamed sources confirmed the proposal presented was put forward by rural Internet provider Xplornet Communications.
Multiple proposals for Freedom’s sale have been put to Rogers since Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne released a statement at the beginning of last month saying he would not permit Rogers to acquire all of Shaw’s wireless assets.
Rogers needs approval from ISED, the…
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TORONTO – Rogers Communications today reported its first quarter 2022 financial results, which show total revenue increased 4% to $3.6 billion compared to the same quarter in 2021 and adjusted EBITDA increased 11% to $1.5 billion.
“Each of our businesses delivered better revenue and profitability than expected,” said Tony Staffieri, president and CEO of Rogers, during a conference call with investors today.
Wireless revenue grew 3% to $2.1 billion, cable revenue grew 2% to $1 billion and media revenue grew 10% to $482 million, according to a press release announcing the Q1 results.
Total service revenue was reported to have increased by…
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TORONTO — Saying it’s “a major milestone” in its path to 10 Gbps speeds, Rogers Communications announced today it has successfully completed tests in both lab and customers trials of download and upload speeds of up to 8 Gbps on its fibre-powered network.
These 8 Gbps symmetrical speeds more than double the fastest published Internet speeds of any major provider in Canada, Rogers says in its press release.
“Fibre-powered networks are the foundation of building world-class connectivity solutions for our customers, and it is critical that the network technology delivers on the reliability and speed our customers need,” Robert Dépatie,…
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