PART OF THE RATIONALE behind Bell Canada’s purchase of CTV is that the mobile and broadband spaces are unregulated – and that content exclusives will be part of the game when attracting and retaining subscribers who want to see their video content on their iPads, BlackBerrys or PCs, as well as their TVs.
Bell CEO George Cope told us as much when we asked him about it during the press conference announcing the deal last week.
However, to paraphrase what Telus has been saying for a while now: “Not so fast, consolidators.”
The Bell/CTV deal was excellent timing for the…
Continue Reading
REGINA – Telus has rolled out its new wireless network in what it describes as “tech hungry” Saskatchewan.
As part of the company’s investment in 3G+ wireless services this year, Telus entered into a enhanced network sharing agreement with SaskTel that builds on arrangements the companies have had in place since 1999. The network sharing agreement facilitates the deployment of next generation wireless voice and data services for Telus customers in Saskatchewan, optimizes cell-site utilization, and maximizes the potential for operating efficiencies.
"Telus is excited to bring its new blazing fast 3G+ network, the biggest in Saskatchewan, along with some of…
Continue Reading
OTTAWA – The battle between Telus and MTS Allstream over mandated wireless roaming in Manitoba continues to brew.
After Telus complained to Industry Canada earlier this month about MTS Allstream’s alleged refusal to negotiate a deal on roaming rates in Manitoba, MTS Allstream replied by asking the government to disregard Telus’ application which it says misconstrues “certain facts and has outright omitted a number of others”.
In particular, MTS Allstream claims that Telus’ application misrepresents the rationale and eligibility criteria for out-of-territory roaming, in-territory roaming and the definition of a new entrant, so that it may obtain “an even…
Continue Reading
OTTAWA – The CRTC’s decision to deny an appeal from Telus to reconsider two earlier rulings could have an unexpected and wide ranging impact on the Canadian enterprise market, the telco warned.
The Commission said Tuesday that it was turning down Telus’ request to review and vary Telecom Decisions 2009-85 and 2010-11 because “it is incumbent upon a party making a review and vary application to raise all of the grounds in support of their application that are, or should be, apparent to the applicant at the time the application is made.”
The request is part of a…
Continue Reading
VANCOUVER – A 12% increase in wireless subscribers helped to drive up second quarter earnings at Telus.
Net income was $296 million, up 21% from $244 million in the same period last year, while operating revenues increased to $2.39 billion from $2.38 billion. EBITDA for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 was $919 million, compared to $873 million in the same period last year.
Total net wireless subscriber additions of 124,000 increased by 12% over the same period a year ago. Higher value postpaid net additions were up 15% to 109,000, and smart phone subscribers now represent 25% of total postpaid…
Continue Reading
OTTAWA – Telus has filed a complaint with Industry Canada asking for mandated roaming on the wireless networks in Manitoba owned by MTS Allstream after what Telus says has been years of negotiations that never went anywhere.
“Telus has been unable to negotiate reasonable terms for roaming since 2001 and as a result Telus customers in Manitoba, particularly in the 204 area code (Winnipeg) are unable to obtain data roaming in their home Province,” reads the company’s application.
“Additionally all customers of Telus are limited to varying degrees in terms of roaming on the MTS network. This asymmetry is contrary to…
Continue Reading
VANCOUVER – Using state-of-the-art HSPA+ Dual Cell technology, Telus announced Tuesday it will increase its 3G+ wireless data network access speeds to up to 42 Mbps when commercial deployment is complete in Canadian cities and towns.
Telus says it is the only North American carrier to have successfully tested HSPA+ Dual Cell technology in its wireless labs and to announce deployment in its commercial network. However, the company did not set out a timeline for deployment when making the announcement, but noted devices that can take advantage of the network’s new capabilities aren’t coming until next year.
HSPA+ Dual Cell technology…
Continue Reading
GATINEAU – Citing “serial abuse” by Shaw Communications, Telus has reiterated its demand for immediate interim relief from the CRTC over the Calgary-based cableco’s tactics when customers want to switch from Shaw Cable or Shaw Direct to Telus’ Optik TV.
It did so while lamenting the Regulator’s decision to extend and expand CRTC 2010-406, the call for comments on the customer transfer process and related competitive issues, the very thing Telus (and others) want solved. Now. As reported by Cartt.ca, the Commission (prodded by Rogers Communications) decided to extend the deadline for comments on the proceeding because it…
Continue Reading
TORONTO – Smartphone maker INQ is doing something few have done before: It is launching in North America in Canada, before the States.
INQ bills itself as more than a handset company though because its hardware and software are completely geared around social media. Its launch release this morning bills it in near religious terms: “The inventors of true social mobile bring their mission of affordable wireless internet for the masses to North America,” reads the release’s headline.
It’s Canadian launch partner is Telus, which will roll out the INQ Chat 3G (pictured) “soon”, under the Telus and Koodo brands, according to…
Continue Reading
TORONTO – Telus TV launched Astral Media’s Playhouse Disney channel today.
As of today, Telus TV subscribers in BC and Alberta who subscribe to Family Channel, can tune into channel 74 to enjoy a broad range of entertaining and learning-focused children’s programming from Disney, as well as acclaimed Canadian series.
The line-up of shows on Playhouse Disney includes Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny, Imagination Movers and Franny’s Feet. September will bring a new season of Special Agent Oso to the channel along with a new season of the Canadian Original production, The Secret World of Benjamin Bear. New series Stella and…
Continue Reading