Updated: Quebecor scales back Manitoba expansion after CRTC access rate decision

Quebecor Inc. announced that it is suspending the launch of its "data-rich" mobile plans in Manitoba after the CRTC decided it must agree to Telus Corp.’s mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) access rates. The two companies were in disagreement over the price-per-gigabyte that Quebecor should pay to access Telus’ network and entered final offer arbitration (FOA) with the CRTC in February. On Monday, the regulator selected Telus’ offer because it strikes a better balance between sustainable competition from Quebecor and incentivizing Telus to continue network investments. Quebecor said it was "disappointed." "We are surprised that the CRTC wants to limit the choices of Canadians who would like to enjoy innovative new wireless plans at better prices," said CEO Pierre Karl Péladeau in a statement released Monday night. He explained that the decision will make Quebecor's MVNO operations "unprofitable" and forces the company to reconsider its pricing and expansion into certain regions. "Unfortunately, this will create two classes of Canadians: those who live in areas covered by Freedom’s network, who will enjoy the fruits of healthy competition, and those who will be denied the benefits of our full presence as Canada's fourth mobile carrier," the CEO concluded. According to the CRTC's decision, Telus provided a cost analysis that showed that its pricing offer fell much closer to the expected costs of opening up its network to Quebecor. Meanwhile, compared to the average cost that Telus reported, Quebecor's offer was "much lower." Quebecor clarified to the Wire Report that the company still plans to rollout its services in Manitoba, but there will be "less data-rich wireless plans." The Montreal-based company is also in two disputes with Rogers Communications Inc. and BCE Inc. over MVNO access. Its battle with Rogers is taking place in court after Rogers filed to appeal the CRTC’s choice of Quebecor’s access agreement following FOA. The Bell dispute is over the launch date for wholesale access to its network by Videotron and Freedom Mobile. This story was updated to include Quebecor's statement and to clarify the company's Manitoba expansion plans.

Updated: Quebecor scales back Manitoba expansion after CRTC access rate decision

Brief | April 22, 2024

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Updated: Quebecor scales back Manitoba expansion after CRTC access rate decision

Brief | April 22, 2024

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