REGINA – Despite increased competition in the province, SaskTel ended 2013 with net income of $90.1 million and operating revenues of $1.2 billion, up $22.7 million from 2012.
But according to president and CEO Ron Styles, that amount could drop to $59.2 million next year due to unintended consequences of new federal regulations that encourage the presence of four wireless companies in all regions of the country. Styles is scheduled to meet with federal government officials this week to express concern over prices in provinces with four carriers, such as Saskatchewan, which he says are much lower than in provinces where…
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OTTAWA – Various parties continued to question the level to which Rogers Media will use its recently acquired NHL hockey content as a component of its Canadian programming expenditures (CPE) commitments at the company’s licence renewal hearing before the CRTC while Rogers said they need not worry.
The Canadian Media Production Association (CMPA), in its opening remarks on Wednesday fretted that Canadian content will suffer because Rogers will use the NHL to account for its CPE commitments, particularly if the Commission approves Rogers request to be treated under the group licensing framework (GLF).
“We have to wonder if hockey fans will…
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TORONTO – Reducing churn through much-improved customer service should be the top priority for newly minted Rogers Communications CEO Guy Laurence, according to a recent analysts report circulated on Bay Street.
“We believe improving customer service is an important strategic priority at Rogers, perhaps the most important priority,” wrote BMO Capital Markets telecom and media analyst Tim Casey. “Among the national wireless incumbents, Rogers’ operating metrics have been underwhelming. Specifically, it has the highest churn rates and a declining ARPU profile. Combined, they translate to deteriorating customer lifetime revenues and value at Rogers. We expect new CEO Guy Laurence will…
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VANCOUVER – Telus has launched a new initiative designed to help its large business clients drive increased employee engagement, cultural transformation and improved financial performance.
Created in response to requests from external partners and customers, Telus Transformation Office offers learning and technology experts to consult and train businesses in five key areas: leadership and culture; digital readiness and connected learning; career and talent services; onboarding and induction; and flexible work styles. The training is completed through a series of half-day workshops or more intensive tailored consulting sessions, customized based on the client's specific needs. Telus business clients will be…
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TORONTO – An increasing number of Canadian households are opting to cut the cords from their television services providers and landline telephones, according to two new reports from Convergence Consulting.
The Battle for the North American (US/Canada) Couch Potato: Online & Traditional TV and Movie Distribution predicts that Canadian TV cord cutter households will reach 665,000 (5.7%) by year-end 2014, a significant jump from the 380,000 estimated at the end of 2013. Based on its ‘TV Cord Cutting Model’, which takes into account annual subscriber additions, economic conditions, and the digital transition, the report estimated that 458,000 (3.9%) Canadian…
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ROGERS MEDIA SPENT MUCH of Tuesday playing defence during its licence renewal hearings before the CRTC, deflecting criticism over the company’s desire to have its hockey broadcasts considered programming of national interest (PNI), or be part of the company’s Canadian programming expenditures (CPE).
CRTC vice-chair of broadcasting Tom Pentefountas took the first shot by questioning whether hockey programming should be included in Canadian content or PNI commitments. After a series of questions on whether this type of sports programming needs regulatory help from the commission, he wondered why hockey should account for CPE or fall under PNI programming.
Keith Pelley, president…
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THE RECENT SPORTS CONTENT AND SPECTRUM acquisitions made by Rogers Communications falls squarely into the category of “they had better be right”.
Adding up the $3.3 billion it paid for 700 MHz spectrum in the just-finished auction, last fall’s $5.2 billion NHL rights deal and the $650 million for its portion of Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment in 2012, that’s nearly $9.2 billion spent or committed in less than 24 months – largely due to the belief that delivering live sports (especially hockey and baseball) to any and every electronic device, any and everywhere in Canada, is the key to…
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VANCOUVER – Telus is offering $1 billion of senior unsecured notes to help pay for its purchases at February’s 700 MHz wireless spectrum auction.
The notes will be offered in two series, the first with a 7-year maturity, and the second with a 30-year maturity. The 3.20% 7-year Notes, Series CO, were priced at $99.739 per $100 principal amount for an effective yield of 3.242% per annum and will mature on April 5, 2021. The 4.85% 30-year Notes, Series CP, were priced at $99.874 per $100 principal amount for an effective yield of 4.858% per annum and will mature on…
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DENVER, CO – Anglers take note: World Fishing Network will be available on a free preview to cable, satellite and telco subscribers in North America for the month of April.
Dedicated to the angling lifestyle, the network’s programming includes instruction, tips, travel, tournaments, cooking, boating and outdoor recreation with exclusive series and original productions like Bill Boyce’s Baja, FORCE on FORCE, Guided with Mark Melnyk, Hookin’ Up with Nick & Mariko, JP DeRose Breaking Boundaries and World Fishing Journal.
Participating TV providers in Canada include Access, Bell, Cablevision du Nord du Quebec, Cogeco, Eastlink, MTS, Rogers, SaskTel, Shaw Cable, Shaw Direct,…
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VANCOUVER – Change is afoot atop Telus, kick-started Monday morning by the surprise announcement that president and CEO Darren Entwistle is stepping aside from the role that he has held since 2000.
He will be replaced by Telus veteran executive Joe Natale effective May 8, when the company holds its annual general meeting for shareholders.
At that time, Entwistle will be named as executive chair of its board, following the retirement of chairman Brian Canfield, who has spent 58 years with Telus and predecessor company BC Tel. Canfield will be honoured with the chairman emeritus distinction.
Natale, (pictured), joined Telus in 2003…
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