Rogers picking up Nova Scotian ISP

Rogers Communications Inc. has made a deal to acquire Seaside Communications, a long-time local internet service provider (ISP) in rural Nova Scotia serving ten northeastern counties of the province. Rogers announced Monday it signed a joint agreement with Seaside -- a decades-old company based in Sydney, N.S., offering internet, phone, and television services -- that would see the smaller ISP become part of the incumbent’s business. According to a notice to customers posted on the regional company’s website, Seaside will “continue to operate as we always have, with the same brands and local presence in our communities.” The notice said customers will “continue to enjoy” service from its 100 per cent local team, “all of whom remain part of the Seaside family.” It also said in a FAQ post it will “work over the next little while to finalize the agreement.” “The agreement we have reached with Rogers results in a unique partnership that combines Seaside’s local knowledge and appreciation of our customers’ needs and aspirations, with the much greater resources available from a renowned national operator,” Seaside CEO Loran Tweedie said in the release from Rogers. “It means Seaside’s staff can look forward to a bright future, and our customers will have access to improved and expanded services.” Seaside said in the notice on its website Rogers will invest in expanding its network and services, and that both companies will “share plans to deliver the best possible services and experiences to customers, including bringing faster internet speed options and additional entertainment services such as Rogers Ignite TV.” “Seaside Communications has been a staple in rural communities of Nova Scotia for more than 46 years, supporting local communities with reliable connectivity to stay connected to the people and things that matter most,” Rogers’ president for the Atlantic Region, Matt MacLellan, said in the company’s release. “We are excited to welcome the Seaside team to the Rogers family and begin our journey together to connect more Nova Scotians to leading technology now, and in the future.” A spokesperson for Rogers did not provide The Wire Report with details on the financials of the deal or Seaside’s customer base by publication Monday. Royal Bank of Canada serves as Seaside’s financial advisor on the transaction, Rogers said. Rogers is also in the process of seeking approval for a much heftier acquisition, being its proposed purchase of Shaw Communications Inc. and its subsidiaries. The Competition Bureau and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada will have to review the purchase of Shaw’s telecommunications services, wireless services, and business automation and security services, while the CRTC is holding a hearing on the purchase of Shaw’s broadcasting services. - Reporting by Hannah Daley at hdaley@thewirereport.ca and editing by Michael Lee-Murphy at mleemurphy@thewirereport.ca

Rogers picking up Nova Scotian ISP

News | August 23, 2021

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Rogers picking up Nova Scotian ISP

News | August 23, 2021

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