Angry competitive ISPs say prices and regulatory distrust will increase
By Ahmad Hathout
GATINEAU – Large independent internet service provider TekSavvy, having been in the process of building its fibre facilities, was gearing up for next month’s critical 3.5 GHz spectrum auction. In January, competitive ISP Distributel purchased telecom Primus. And several other competitive ISPs reduced their prices in light of what they anticipated would be a new era of lower wholesale internet fees.
But those business decisions were based on the assumption the CRTC would choose lower bulk internet purchase rates that at least were between the interim rates set in…
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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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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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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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WildBrain to handle global distribution and manage YouTube channel for series
TORONTO — Kids entertainment company WildBrain announced today it has partnered with Headspinner Productions for a second season of the animated kids comedy series Denis and Me, following a commission from WildBrain’s Family Channel for 20 new three-minute episodes.
Family Channel is also picking up the show’s first season of 10 three-minute episodes, which will launch this summer. Season two will premiere in the fall, says WildBrain’s press release.
In addition, WildBrain is taking on global distribution for the series across seasons one and two, and the company’s AVOD network WildBrain…
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VICTORIA — According to Convergence Research Group’s newest “The Battle for the Canadian Couch Potato: OTT and TV” report, based on analysis of more than 50 “over-the-top” streaming services (from over 35 providers), Canadian OTT access revenue grew 35% to reach $2.05 billion in 2020.
Convergence Research estimates such streaming revenue in Canada will grow a further 32% to $2.71 billion in 2021, and reach $3.96 billion in 2023.
“We forecast the almost doubling of annual Canadian OTT access revenue over the period will continue to mostly benefit non-Canadian players,” such as Amazon, Apple, DAZN, and Netflix reads the company’s Continue Reading
By Greg O’Brien
MONTREAL and OXFORD, N.S. – Should the Competition Bureau decide Freedom Mobile must be sold as a condition of Rogers Communications being able to purchase Shaw Communications, count Eastlink founder John Bragg and Quebecor Inc. CEO Pierre Karl Péladeau as interested.
During his company’s first quarter conference call with financial analysts today, Péladeau said the Commission’s new wireless policies, coupled with the potential for Freedom Mobile coming on the market, could mean conditions are right for the company to move beyond its home province.
“We’re pleased with the CRTC decision allowing facilities-based MVNOs, as it confirms the importance…
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