MONTRÉAL, April 22,
2024 /CNW/ - Quebecor is disappointed by today's CRTC
arbitration decision on the rates it must pay for access to TELUS'
wireless network under the MVNO* regime.
Statement by Pierre Karl Péladeau, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Quebecor, in response to the
announcement:
"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.
The MVNO rates set by the CRTC today and the regulated domestic
roaming rates, which are among the highest in the world, are far
from reflecting current industry realities.
The Government of Canada's
desire, as stated in its policy, is to enable Canadians to enjoy
better prices for their wireless services. Today's decision
frustrates that goal.
Since this decision will increase our costs considerably, making
our operations unprofitable, we will be forced to reconsider our
pricing and our expansion into some regions of Canada. For example, we have no choice but to
suspend the launch of data-rich plans in Manitoba, just as we were preparing to offer
our services there.
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."
Highlights
- The wireless component of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) fell
by 26.2% between March 2023 and
March 2024, thanks to the efforts of
Videotron, Fizz and Freedom Mobile.
- Average mobile data traffic in Canada increased by nearly 251% between 2019
and 2023, according to the latest CRTC report.
- Regulated domestic roaming rates are up to six times higher in
Canada than in Europe.
* Mobile Virtual
Network Operator
|
About Quebecor
Quebecor, a Canadian leader in telecommunications,
entertainment, news media and culture, is one of the
best–performing integrated communications companies in the
industry. Driven by their determination to deliver the best
possible customer experience, all of Quebecor's subsidiaries and
brands are differentiated by their high–quality, multiplatform,
convergent products and services.
Quebecor (TSX: QBR.A, QBR.B) is headquartered in Québec and
employs more than 10,000 people in Canada.
A family business founded in 1950, Quebecor is strongly
committed to the community. Every year, it actively supports more
than 400 organizations in the vital fields of culture, health,
education, the environment, and entrepreneurship.
SOURCE Québecor Média inc.