CAMPBELL RIVER, BC – Telus TV has arrived to challenge the television provider incumbents in more five more communities in British Columbia and Alberta.
Over the last week, the telco has launched its IP-based TV product in Campbell River, Mission and Chilliwack BC, and in Medicine Hat, and Lethbridge, AB. The service offers more than 390 channels, including 35 in HD, as well as an HD PVR, video-on-demand and pay-per-view.
As an added incentive, Telus is pledging to donate $100 for every new subscriber to various local charities such as a park restoration or the local YMCA/YWCA. On Vancouver Island, its donations…
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GATINEAU – The sale of advertising time on American cable channels, by a new third-party company, is now back on the industry’s agenda.
In its presentation to the CRTC this morning Telus advocated an approach by Mediadenovo which would see the new company (Italian for “media of the new”, we’re told) – which is headed by former Canadian Association of Broadcasters president and CEO Glenn O’Farrell – sell the two minutes per hour of local availability ad time to national advertisers.
American cable channels like CNN, A&E, Golf Channel and others make that time available to distributors to sell into local…
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OTTAWA – Telus’ Michael Hennessy says that it all comes down to priorities.
In advance of his company’s presentation in front of the CRTC on Tuesday, the SVP of regulatory and government affairs said that the current fee-for-carriage discussions are “doing everything backwards” because they failed to set priorities, and to recognize consumer sovereignty in today’s digital world.
“Our fundamental position is that what we’re talking about now is a tremendous waste of our time and resources because we’re not giving consumers enough credit, and listening to how they want to define the television world, or the entertainment and informational world…
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VANCOUVER – A week after the launch of its new HSPA wireless network, Telus launched a lawsuit in the Supreme Court of British Columbia against Rogers Communications over the latter’s continuing claim to the “fastest network.”
“(S)ince November 5, 2009, Telus has been using a newer HSPA/HSPA+ network than the HSPA/HSPA+ part of the Rogers… network,” reads Telus’ statement of claim. “The Rogers… Network is not more reliable than the Telus… network.”
The claim also notes that Rogers claim to be the fastest also no longer stands and that Telus’ new net – which is built along with Bell Canada –…
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TORONTO and CALGARY – With Industry Canada’s review of the CRTC decision on Globalive still on-going, it’s hurry up and wait for the potential new wireless entrant.
With nothing but time on its hands, the company has sent 400 of their newly trained employees out in Calgary and the Greater Toronto Area to commit ‘random acts of kindness’ such as distributing hand sanitizer and pumping gas, or helping with charities such as the Salvation Army and local food banks.
In the meantime, incumbent telcos and even Globalive itself have been busy compiling their submissions for Industry Minister Tony Clement to aid in the review process. All…
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VANCOUVER – In celebration of National Philanthropy Day this Sunday, Telus said that it will donate $7.1 million to more than 2,900 charities in Canada this year through its employee charitable giving program.
The program matches member contributions to eligible charities dollar for dollar. Team members and retirees can choose to make a donation through payroll or pension deduction, and the company covers all administration costs.
"At Telus, we give where we live," said Josh Blair, EVP of human resources, in the press release. "Many members of our communities are facing difficult times and it’s important for Telus to support the…
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VANCOUVER – Telus lowered its 2009 guidance to investors after reporting a drop in revenue and profit for its third quarter ended September 30, 2009.
Net income dipped 2% to $280 million which included favourable income tax-related adjustments related to prior years’ tax matters. Excluding income tax-related adjustments, net income dropped by 7%.
Operating revenue was $2.4 billion, a decrease of $39 million from last year. Consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) decreased by 5% primarily due to lower revenues, higher defined benefit pension plan expenses, and higher restructuring costs from ongoing operating efficiency initiatives.
The company said that…
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TORONTO – Digital imaging retailer Black’s has begun selling Telus’ wireless products and services after being purchased by the telco back in Sepetmber.
The national retail chain will carry a selection of Telus’ 3G and 3G+ wireless phones, including products from device manufacturers such as Research in Motion, HTC, Nokia, LG, Samsung and Motorola.
"The future of wireless begins today with the launch of the largest and fastest network in Canada," said Joe Natale, president of consumer solutions, in the announcement. "Our customer’s needs are evolving. More and more wireless devices come complete with high quality photo and video capabilities, and…
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TORONTO and VANCOUVER – Calling it “a bad day for Canadians and wireless competition in Canada”, Globalive may be down, but it doesn’t sound like they’re entirely out of the wireless industry in Canada.
After learning that the CRTC found it to be non-compliant with Canadian ownership and control requirements, the company said in a statement that “Wind Mobile will be delayed in becoming Canada’s newest competitive wireless operator in over a decade.”
It also expressed surprise that the Commission’s decision would be “at odds” with Industry Canada.
“Having already received approval from Industry Canada, we are extremely disappointed that the…
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REGINA, VANCOUVER and MONTREAL – SaskTel has signed wireless network sharing agreements with Telus and Bell, designed to expand their customers’ network coverage, improve roaming, and provide access to a wider range of wireless devices.
SaskTel initially announced its next generation network plans as part of its overall 2009 network investment program, which will ensure that all Saskatchewan residents have access to high speed Internet coverage, and that 98% have access to wireless service. SaskTel’s UMTS/HSPA network is scheduled to launch mid-2010 with a targeted completion date of 2011.
"SaskTel has continually evolved its wireless network in Saskatchewan to provide its customers…
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