Telus revenue, subs up; continued concerns about roaming

Roaming revenue remains among the biggest headwinds for Telus Corp.’s year ahead, even though an increase in roaming revenue (resulting from the loosening of pandemic travel restrictions) led to its $27 million year-over-year increase, and its chief financial officer saying the company anticipates a continued recovery in the metric throughout 2022. This content is available …

PIAC says no to permanent roaming test, Telus wants new definition

Telus Corp. wants the CRTC to set an industry-wide definition of “permanent roaming,” especially after its decision to allow MVNO services to be available to some carriers.  This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need. …

Bell renews request for CRTC to intervene on Videotron permanent roaming claims

Bell Mobility Inc. is asking the CRTC to put in place new measures for Quebecor Inc.’s Videotron after it was ordered by the regulator last year to keep providing Videotron with wholesale roaming following allegations of permanent roaming by its users.  This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN …

Bell suing Videotron over permanent roaming claims

BCE Inc. is suing Quebecor Inc.’s Videotron, escalating their battle over wireless customers allegedly being allowed to roam on Bell’s network without authorization.  This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need. Take a free trial …

Roam Mobility shutting down

Otono Networks Inc.’s Roam Mobility will cease operations on June 30, the company said Wednesday. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need. Take a free trial or subscribe to The Wire Report now. FREE …

CRTC tells Bell and Quebecor to play nicer in Part 1 roaming decision

BCE Inc. must keep providing Quebecor Inc.’s Videotron with wholesale roaming on an ongoing basis, the CRTC said Wednesday in a decision that also took the two perennial rivals to task for not first working together to solve the issue. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot …

New iPhones to use eSIMs

Apple Inc.’s upcoming iPhones will have dual SIM capability, with a physical nano SIM and an  embedded SIM, or eSIM. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need. Take a free trial or subscribe to …

TNW pushing ahead with Part 1 despite WiFi MVNO decision

TNW Wireless Inc. is still hopeful the CRTC will rule in its favour in a Part 1 complaint to force BCE Inc. and Telus Corp. to negotiate roaming plans so it can implement its proposed national WiFi-based wireless service, according to company president Lawry Trevor-Deutsch. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN …

Small providers, incumbents clash over WiFi-based MVNOs

Mandating wholesale roaming access to Wi-Fi-based mobile virtual network operators (MVNO) will encourage innovation and competition by providing Canadians with more wireless service options, some organizations and small providers told the CRTC, while incumbents argued such a mandate would actually threaten their investment in future technology, including 5G. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers …

Telecoms at odds on mandatory-roaming licence conditions

The CRTC’s 2015 decision to regulate wholesale wireless roaming has made an Innovation Canada condition of licence unnecessary, BCE Inc. and Telus Corp. told the department — an argument refuted by their competitors, large and small, as companies weigh in on the process for renewing AWS-1 and other spectrum licences. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a …

TBayTel asks for 1-year extension for Wireless Code changes

The CRTC is seeking comment on whether it should grant regional telecom TBayTel Inc. an extension to implement aspects of the new Wireless Code that will be required by Dec. 1. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you …

No merit to TNW’s roaming request, telecoms say

Most of Canada’s major wireless providers were of the same mind on an application by TNW Wireless Inc. asking the CRTC to compel BCE Inc. and Telus Corp. to enter into roaming agreements with TNW, telling the regulator in interventions that its service doesn’t qualify for mandatory roaming. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in …

IoT connections to factor into roaming agreements: Juniper

The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices means the technology will need to be included in roaming agreements in the future, according to a new report by Juniper Research. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media …

CRTC asks telecoms about MVNOs, plans for low-income customers

The CRTC is asking wireless service providers about whether they’ve been approached by potential mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) and their service offerings for low-income individuals. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need. Take …

CRTC consulting on MVNO rules

The CRTC has launched a consultation on changing its wholesale wireless roaming rules, following a call by the government telling the regulator to reconsider how that policy affects WiFi-based mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, …

Roaming revenues to fall 11% after EU ban: Juniper

The European Union’s elimination of roaming charges has pushed global mobile roaming revenue numbers down, according to a new report by Juniper Research. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need. Take a free trial …

TNW Wireless files Part 1 over roaming agreements

A Northern mobile wireless provider is asking the CRTC to compel a pair of incumbents to strike roaming agreements with it, arguing that its proposed national Wi-Fi based service is substantially different from one kiboshed by the regulator earlier this year. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN …

Bains tells CRTC to reconsider MVNO rules

TORONTO — Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains is directing the CRTC to reconsider a March decision in which it set rules for regulated wholesale roaming by wireless providers in a move that could change the landscape around mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) in Canada. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here …

Ice Wireless offering unlimited data, roaming plans

Iristel Inc.’s Ice Wireless is now selling plans with unlimited data and roaming in the United States and Mexico, the company said in a press release Wednesday.

The plans “include unlimited calls, texts and roaming throughout Canada, United States and Mexico starting from $59,” it said.

The company is also offering an unlimited data plan for $89 per month, which is available on a promotional basis.

CRTC rules against Sugar Mobile in roaming dispute with Rogers

Rogers Communications Inc. doesn’t have to provide roaming services to Iristel Inc.’s mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) Sugar Mobile, the CRTC said Wednesday in a move that closes the door on mandating access by MVNOs to wireless carriers’ networks.

Roam Mobility launches two new U.S. roaming plans

Otono Networks Inc.’s Roam Mobility is launching new monthly roaming plans for travellers in the United States.

“With Roam Mobility, Canadians can get the highest value USA roaming plan with plenty of 4G LTE data, and don’t have to worry about tapping in their Canadian monthly plan’s data,” the Vancouver-based company said in a Wednesday press release.

Videotron introduces flat-rate roaming

Quebecor Inc.’s Videotron is introducing a new service for customers to avoid bill shock when roaming internationally.

The Daily Traveller Pass will allow customers to pay a flat fee — at $6 per day travelling in the United States or $10 per day in more than 100 other countries — to relieve “phone bill surprise,” a Wednesday press release said.

EU on verge of eliminating roaming charges

The European Union is set to eliminate mobile roaming charges within its 28-member bloc by this summer, as EU negotiators came to an agreement Wednesday on wholesale prices that would eliminate the charges by June 15, 2017.

Dubbed “roam-like-at-home,” the initiative will allow consumers travelling within the EU to “call, send SMS or surf on their mobile at the same price they pay at home,” according to a press release on the European Commission website.

Investel to launch national Wi-Fi based wireless service

Investel Capital Corp.’s TNW Networks Corp. (TNW) will soon start deploying a Wi-Fi-based mobile technology as part of a nationally available wireless service that the company is claiming will be disruptive to the Canadian market, despite regulatory uncertainly caused by a CRTC complaint regarding a similar service.

Some concern about delay in Natale start date: analysts

It could be mid-2017 before former Telus Corp. head Joe Natale takes over as CEO at Rogers Communications Inc., according to financial analysts, some of whom said Tuesday that the delay could have negative effects on the company.

Analysts optimistic about Natale at Rogers after Laurence’s surprise exit

In an unexpected move, Rogers Communications Inc. has announced Guy Laurence is no longer CEO of the company and will be replaced by former Telus Corp. CEO Joe Natale, a choice analysts responded to positively Monday.

Quebec court approves class action suit over data charges

Quebec’s highest court has ruled that a class-action lawsuit against wireless carriers over international roaming charges can proceed.

CRTC allowing off-tariff GSM agreements, for now

The CRTC has determined that a hands-off approach to regulating roaming rates on GSM networks until it approves a final set of guidelines would not put smaller carriers in a negotiating disadvantage with larger ones.

The regulator drew that conclusion in a decision on Friday, stating that negotiations on GSM roaming pricing are optional and if a smaller carrier does not agree with the terms, “ it can use a Commission-approved default tariff that contains rates, terms, and conditions that are just and reasonable.”

Sugar Mobile partners with U.S. MVNO

Iristel Inc.’s mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) Sugar Mobile announced Wednesday it has partnered with an American WiFi-based service to leverage existing WiFi customers who might want some access to cellular networks.

Complaints, bill shock fell after Wireless Code: study

The Wireless Code has proved effective in the two years since its implementation, suggest the results of a CRTC-commissioned study, which reported a decline in wireless complaints as well as incidences of “bill shock.”

In the report, produced at the end of March, market research company TNS Canada outlined the results of a more-than $48,500 contract to “determine how consumers understand their wireless service contracts and their related rights and how that has changed over time.”

Ice Wireless can continue to roam until final decision

Sugar Mobile, an affiliate of Iristel Inc.-subsidiary Ice Wireless, can continue roaming on Rogers Communications Inc.’s network while the CRTC considers its final decision in a dispute between the two companies.

Rogers dropping Cuba from Roam Like Home service

Rogers Communications Inc. is eliminating Cuba as a destination for its Roam Like Home service starting July 12.

Andrew Garas, Rogers’ manager of media relations, said in an email Wednesday that the Cuban operator’s wireless infrastructure “is not as developed as our Canadian networks and isn’t able to support the significant traffic generated by our customers using Roam Like Home.”

Rogers encouraging travellers to roam with their phones

The vast majority of Canadian travellers take their smartphones with them when they go on summer vacation, a survey by Rogers Communication Inc. suggests, as the company pushes its roaming offering.

The Rogers-commissioned research found that 95 per cent of Canadian travellers were planning to bring their devices with them, but that 60 per cent were still “reluctant to use their devices the way they do at home because they’re afraid of roaming charges.”

Bell-MTS deal could pose regulatory risk for SaskTel: report

The biggest risk to Saskatchewan Telecommunications Holding Corp. in the wake of BCE Inc.’s proposed $3.9-billion takeover of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. is the potential changing of the regulatory landscape, according to a provincially-commissioned analysis.

Videotron temporarily adds U.S. roaming to premium plans

Quebecor Inc.’s Videotron is offering Canada-U.S. roaming plans that allow customers to use their plan for up to 90 days in the United States each year without incurring roaming charges.

Videotron’s website says the “Without Borders” plans include unlimited voice, including calls to the to the U.S., and unlimited texts. The plans cost $65.95 for 2 GB of data,  $75.95 for 3 GB, $85.95 for 5 GB and $95.95 for 6 GB.

What does the future hold for WiFi calling?

Despite the fact that large wireless carriers have been offering WiFi calling for months, the emergence of WiFi calling provider Sugar Mobile, and hinted-at-plans by Shaw Communications Inc. to integrate Wind with its WiFi network, experts say the technology is unlikely to take centre stage in the Canadian wireless market.

Rogers extends $5, $10 roaming plans to Fido

Rogers Communications Inc. will begin offering some customers of its Fido flanker brand the ability to roam in the United States for $5 per day and in various international destinations for $10 per day.

The company said in a press release Friday that beginning in the middle of May, customers of its Fido Pulse plans will be able to use their regular talk, text and data allotment while roaming.

Canadians unaware of MVNO decision: survey

A new Angus-Reid Institute survey suggests two-thirds of Canadians were unaware of a recent CRTC decision that advocates said could affect wireless rates and competition.

Sugar Mobile model threatens facilities-based competition: Telus, Quebecor

Allowing Sugar Mobile to continue roaming on Rogers Communications Inc.’s network would be a “backdoor means” to mandated mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) access, and “a recipe to destroy any appetite for facilities-based competition,” Telus Corp. said.

Rogers disconnection would set harmful precedent: Sugar Mobile

Interventions filed opposing Ice Wireless' request for interim relief in its roaming dispute with Rogers Communications Inc. failed to properly address the relevant issues, instead focusing on "absurd" interpretations of statements Sugar Mobile CEO Samer Bishay made in media reports, the company said in a response to comments filed with the CRTC.

Wireless competition on federal agenda: Bains

Sugar Mobile subs have no ‘right’ to roaming: Rogers

Rogers Communications Inc. and BCE Inc. told the CRTC that Rogers has the right to disconnect Ice Wireless from its network because its affiliate Sugar Mobile is selling service outside of Ice Wireless' operating territory.

CRTC denies call to change MVNO mandated access rules

The CRTC is standing by its decision to not require national wireless service providers to provide wholesale access for "full" mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), denying an application filed last summer by the Canadian Network Operators Consortium (CNOC).

CRTC tells Rogers not to disconnect Sugar Mobile, for now

The CRTC said Thursday Rogers Communications Inc. has to “maintain its roaming agreement” with Iristel Inc.’s subsidiary Ice Wireless and its affiliate Sugar Mobile until the CRTC makes a decision on Ice Wireless’ Part 1 application.

Rogers extends Roam Like Home to China, Russia, India

Rogers Communications Inc. announced Wednesday that it has added more than a dozen countries to its Roam Like Home service including Russia, China, India, South Africa, Australia, Israel and Japan.

Rogers spokesman Andrew Garas said in an email the expansion also includes New Zealand, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Armenia and the islands of Jersey and Guernsey in the English Channel.

Shaw says timing, current market dynamics made Wind deal attractive

The economics of entering Canada’s wireless market through the acquisition of Wind Mobile today are better than past opportunities Shaw Communications Inc. has had to enter the mobile sector, officials said during a conference call Thursday morning.

“By acquiring a company that already has a solid foundation, including spectrum, management expertise and scale, we have significantly lowered our risk of entry, and have done so in a disciplined and prudent manner,” Brad Shaw, CEO of Shaw Communications, said during the call.

CRTC consults on off-tariff roaming agreements

The CRTC on Wednesday started a consultation that asks whether it should refrain from regulating some arrangements between incumbent wireless carriers and smaller operators regarding domestic roaming where the terms or conditions might differ from regulations that are in place.

Old domestic roaming charges still being worked out

The CRTC has asked Canadian wireless carriers that provided roaming access to other domestic carriers — when legislation was in effect that capped domestic roaming prices to retail rates — to file new information, based on a number of clarifications about the legislation, to ensure proper amounts of money were paid.

Roam Mobility offers SIM cards for vistors to Canada

Otono Networks Inc.’s Roam Mobility, a provider of SIM cards for out-of-Canada mobile usage, announced Friday it is launching a new SIM card for visitors to Canada.

The Vancouver-based company said in a press release that the Canada Travel SIM card can be inserted into any unlocked phone and customers can start using the plan as soon as they arrive into the country.

Final domestic-roaming tariffs approved, for now

The CRTC has accepted, for the time being, tariffs proposed by the wireless incumbents for what smaller carriers in Canada have to pay to have their customers roam on the bigger companies' networks.

Wind responsible for 72.5% of code breaches last year: CCTS

Wind Mobile had 422 confirmed breaches of the CRTC’s wireless code last year, or 72.5 per cent of the total compiled by the Commission for Complaints for Telecommunications Services (CCTS) in its annual report, and the carrier said it's mostly due to issues involving its unlimited U.S. roaming feature.

CRTC says incumbents can’t change terms in interim roaming rates

The CRTC has told Rogers Communications Inc., BCE Inc., and Telus Corp. that the terms and conditions in interim tariffs the incumbents filed following the CRTC’s move in May to regulate some roaming rates must be consistent with the agreements in place at the time the decision was made.

James Moore named UNBC chancellor

The University of Northern British Columbia said Thursday that former industry minister James Moore has been named its next chancellor.

Incumbents seek little change in domestic data roaming tariffs

The domestic roaming rates for voice and text services BCE Inc., Rogers Communications Inc. and Telus Corp. have asked the CRTC to implement are significantly lower than what they currently charge smaller carriers, while the prices the incumbents suggested for data roaming are largely in line with tariffs that are already in effect, and even slightly higher in the case of Bell and Rogers.

SaskTel reduces roaming rates

Saskatchewan Telecommunications Holding Corp. announced Tuesday it is introducing new roaming rates and five new roaming add-on plans for customers traveling outside of Canada.

It said in a press release that the new rates, part of the Roam and Relax Travel plan, will take effect Nov. 26 and will automatically be added to customers’ plans when they travel across the border.

Wind adds 3rd domestic roaming partner

Wind Mobile said Tuesday it has added "a third major roaming partner" in Canada.

It did not disclose which company is the new partner, though given that Wind's operating territory is Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia, having three "major" roaming partners indicates it is now working with all three national incumbents, BCE Inc., Telus Corp. and Roger Communications Inc.

Verizon launches $2 US daily roaming in Canada

Verizon Communications Inc. said Thursday it has introduced a new roaming service plan for U.S. subscribers that allows them to use their existing talk, messaging and data plans in Canada and Mexico for an extra $2 US a day.

It said in a press release that customers can sign up for the service, called TravelPass, and activate it either on their online account or via their Verizon app.

TPP ‘consistent’ with Canadian copyright law, government says

Details about provisions in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement that could affect Canada’s media and telecom industries remained scant Monday as the government announced the conclusion of the agreement, though officials said the agreement would not put new constraints on the cultural sector and is “fully consistent” with current Canadian copyright law.

Regulators will eventually embrace MVNOs: Audet

Cogeco Cable Inc. CEO Louis Audet said Tuesday he believes Canada's telecommunications regulators will come around to mandating access for mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), notwithstanding the CRTC's decision on the wholesale wireless market this year that featured few new provisions for this kind of operation.

Audet was addressing the company's ongoing expansion of WiFi hotspots at the Bank of Montreal's media and telecom conference in Toronto, when the idea of using these facilities to provide mobile service came up.

Sprint provides free roaming in Canada, Mexico

U.S. wireless carrier Sprint Corp. announced Monday free roaming in Canada, Mexico and other countries.

Sprint said in a press release that under its Free Open World program, which customers can access at no additional cost, calls and texts to Canada and Mexico come at no extra cost to customers, and calls and texts can be made from within these and more than a dozen Latin American countries with no roaming charges.

CNOC protests wholesale-wireless ruling

The Canadian Network Operators Consortium (CNOC) has filed an application that seeks to alter aspects of the CRTC's ruling this year on the wholesale-wireless market, specifically the lack of new regulations regarding mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) and tower sharing.

Big carriers defend interim tariff terms

Rogers Communications Inc., Telus Corp. and BCE Inc. took issue with a complaint by small wireless carriers that their interim tariffs include “onerous” terms and conditions, arguing the Telecommunications Act requires tariffs to include detailed terms.  

Telus launches $7-a-day U.S. roaming

Telus Corp. on Thursday announced a $7-a-day option for U.S. roaming.

It said in a press release that the service is called US Easy Roam, and that customers opting for this option will be able to enjoy their regular allotments for voice, text and data while in the United States. It added that customers using this service who exceed their limits will be charged at Canadian pay-per-use rates instead of U.S. rates.

T-Mobile to provide free roaming in Canada, Mexico

T-Mobile U.S. Inc. announced Thursday a "Mobile without Borders" upgrade that will remove roaming charges for U.S. customers when using wireless service from Canada or Mexico, and also for customers making calls to these countries.

Government repeals wireless roaming caps

The federal government has complied with a CRTC request by repealing caps imposed last year on how much wireless carriers can charge each other for domestic roaming.

A notice in the Canada Gazette said that subsections 239(2) and 240(2) of Economic Action Plan 2014 Act came into force Wednesday, the objective of which was to “repeal the legislated cap on domestic wholesale roaming rates in the Telecommunications Act, following the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) decision on wholesale roaming rates.”

Smaller wireless carriers cry foul on interim-tariff filings

Wind Mobile, Quebecor Inc. and Eastlink are asking the CRTC to require incumbent wireless carriers to re-file documents relating to interim tariffs and conditions for domestic roaming access.

TekSavvy’s Abramson takes on incumbents at Telecom Summit

TORONTO — With a key decision from the CRTC on smaller service providers’ access to wireline telecommunications networks expected soon, three incumbents’ regulatory bosses took on their counterpart at TekSavvy Solutions Inc. over the issue at the Canadian Telecom Summit on Tuesday.

CRTC consulting on roaming caps it wants repealed

The CRTC has issued a notice of consultation on domestic wireless roaming caps, despite its recommendation to the federal government that they be scrapped.

The regulator on Tuesday asked for “comments to assist it in administering the wholesale roaming caps regime set out in section 27.1 of the Telecommunications Act.” The deadline for intervention is June 9.

Wholesale decision positive for Bell, Rogers, Telus: analysts

Financial market analysts say Canada's incumbent wireless operators were generally left undamaged in this week's decision by the CRTC to regulate the rates they charge smaller domestic competitors for roaming access.

Scotia Capital analyst Jeff Fan said in a research note issued Wednesday that the CRTC ruling was "favourable to the Big 3," in reference to BCE Inc., Rogers Communications Inc. and Telus Corp.

Incumbents could have fared worse in wholesale wireless decision: analyst

GATINEAU, Que. — Wireless incumbents are going to have to play by a different set of rules than smaller carriers when it comes to providing network access to competitors, though one industry analyst said it could have been worse for the major carriers.

The CRTC said Tuesday it will regulate the wholesale wireless rates BCE Inc., Rogers Communications Inc. and Telus Corp. charge smaller carriers, but the roaming rates of smaller carriers and rates the big three charge each other will be left to “market forces."

Quebecor roaming plan could point to national ambition: analyst

Quebecor Inc.’s Tuesday announcement of nationwide roaming at no charge for its Videotron wireless customers could allow the company to test the waters for a national mobile service, according to SeaBoard Group analyst Iain Grant.

Rogers extends Roam Like Home to Europe

Rogers Communications Inc. on Friday said it will launch a Roam Like Home service for customers travelling to Europe that is similar to what's been available for travellers to the United States since November.

MTS reports lower Q4 revenue as wholesale wireless declines

Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. on Wednesday reported lower revenue for the fourth quarter of last year, though unlike the year-earlier period, it was profitable.

The company said in a press release that revenue was down less than one per cent from the year before to $404.8 million in the three months ended Dec. 31. It reported net earnings of $24.2 million for the quarter, compared to a loss of $87.9 million a year before.

Bell provides more data in roaming plans

BCE Inc. said Friday it is now providing up to double the data for international roaming plans.

In a press release, it said an example of its new offerings include boosting the quantity of data for data passes for Group 1 areas to 100 MB from 50 MB, while maintaining the $30 price. Group 1 includes most western European countries and countries such as Mexico, Australia, China and Israel. The Group 1 package for $75 now provides 300 MB.

CRTC, spectrum auctions among major wireless issues for 2015: analysts

As the new year approaches, Canadian wireless carriers of all sizes await a CRTC decision on domestic roaming that could, in the words of one analyst, “disrupt” the industry with wide-ranging consequences for two upcoming spectrum auctions and beyond.

Wind Mobile expands out-of-network coverage

Wind Mobile said Tuesday it has struck a deal with another network operator to provide its customers with greater coverage when traveling outside Wind's core network in Canada.

Wind did not name the company in the press release, or specify how much roaming in the new coverage area would cost consumers.

The company said the move would expand its coverage area "by 14 per cent nationwide, 40 per cent in British Columbia and 16 per cent in Alberta, adding 177,000 square kilometers of coverage within Canada."

Roam Mobility extends coverage to Mexico

Roam Mobility Inc., a provider of SIM cards for out-of-Canada mobile usage, said Tuesday it has extended its service to Mexico.

The Vancouver-based company said in a press release that, starting Dec. 10, it will offer seven-day plans for Mexico that range from $25 for 50 minutes of talk, 50 sent texts and 50 MB of data, to $125 for 200 minutes of talk, 200 sent texts and 200 MB of data. Roam said such rates are up to 95 per cent less than roaming charges from major carriers.

Roam Mobility launches new U.S. plan

Roam Mobility Inc. announced Wednesday a new roaming plan for Canadians visiting the U.S. that gives customers unlimited voice minutes, international texting and calls to Canada for $19.95 a month.

Videotron says national wireless expansion depends on CRTC

GATINEAU, Que. — The CEO of Quebecor Inc.'s Videotron told the CRTC Friday that her company needs the regulator to lower the legislated rate for domestic roaming if it is to build a national alternative to the incumbent wireless carriers.

Manon Brouillette asked the commission to place its own cap on domestic roaming charges below the retail-based cap the government brought into force in June.

Carriers ask CRTC to take powers from government

GATINEAU, Que. — Two of Canada's largest wireless carriers called on the CRTC to take some regulatory power from Industry Canada at the commission's week-long hearing into the wholesale wireless market.

Both Rogers Communications Inc. and BCE Inc. want to change the balance of regulation in the wireless business, asking the CRTC to take over the arbitrator role currently filled by Industry Canada in disputes between companies. 

Rogers takes aim at Telus, Bell network sharing

GATINEAU, Que. — It's not always a case of the wireless incumbents battling newer entrants; Wednesday's session of the CRTC hearing into the wholesale wireless market featured one of the big three throwing its two closest competitors under the bus.

Telus, Eastlink provide opposing perspectives on wholesale regulation

GATINEAU, Que. — The CRTC on Tuesday got opposing opinions on the need for wholesale wireless market regulation from two wireless carriers with very different perspectives.

Incumbent carrier Telus Corp. argued that too much regulation will deter a healthy climate for investment in Canada's wireless market, while regional carrier Eastlink said the current lack of regulation is stifling competition.

Internet regulation may be template for future of wholesale wireless

As the CRTC prepares for a week of hearings beginning Monday on the future of wholesale wireless in Canada, the rules regarding wholesale Internet access may be a predictor of how the regulator will shape the future of the wireless market.

Cogeco calls for regulated access to wireless networks

Cogeco Cable Inc. wants the CRTC to set up regulated access to established wireless carriers’ networks, president and CEO Louis Audet said during a conference call with media Thursday.

Carriers mostly complying with wireless code: CRTC

The CRTC issued an "implementation report card" Thursday that showed mobile carriers are complying with the wireless code on most rules.

Out of 28 aspects of the code evaluated, the CRTC found infractions on three parts.

The regulator said Rogers Communications Inc. is still not allowing customers to opt out of notifications for when their device is roaming in another country. The CRTC said Rogers has indicated it is working to have the issue rectified before the end of the year.

Regulators want investment-focused wireless industry: Natale

Telus Corp. CEO Joe Natale said Thursday he cannot predict what decisions will result from the upcoming CRTC hearings on the wireless wholesale market, though he feels Canadian regulators are likely to maintain a system that encourages investment in mobile networks.

"I really don't believe that our government and our regulator wants to step away from an investment-oriented ... approach to the wireless business," he said during a CIBC investor conference in Montreal.

Quebecor ‘still interested’ in Wind

Quebecor Inc. is “still interested” in Wind Mobile and is “certainly interested in talking with them” following the announced buyout of the carrier on Tuesday, Quebecor’s senior vice-president and chief financial officer Jean-Francois Pruneau said Wednesday.

Speaking during a CIBC investor conference in Montreal, Pruneau said that “we have, I think, very valuable spectrum ownership, which if they want, we can contribute ... in the venture and be a partner with them as well.”

Buyout puts Wind on solid ground, says Lacavera

Wind Mobile CEO Anthony Lacavera says his $285-million buyout of majority shareholder VimpelCom Ltd., announced Tuesday, brings stability to his company after years of ownership uncertainty.

Lacavera will buy out the majority stake Amsterdam-based VimpelCom had in Wind for $135 million and assume about $150 million in debt thanks to support from a group of investors including Toronto-based investment firm West Face Capital, as well as U.S. investors Tennenbaum Capital Partners and LG Capital Investors.