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Quebecor calls on regulator to address network access issues as it pushes expansion

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Quebecor Inc. says it’s pushing Canada’s telecom regulator to help resolve network access issues that are holding back the Quebec-based company’s expansion plans.

The company has been making use of the mobile virtual network operator system, which allows telecom companies to offer cellphone service through rival carriers’ networks, but chief executive Pierre Karl Péladeau said on an earnings call Thursday that other companies aren’t following the rules.

“I must call out Bell’s continued and systematic obstruction to finalize our (mobile virtual network operator) contractual agreements with them against the clear guidelines,” said Péladeau.

“Our main competitor is unduly delaying a situation that should have been resolved a long time ago, still forcing us to pay outdated and unfair rates.”

The company has maintained it needs the access regime to level the playing field as it works to build out its 5G network across Canada.

Péladeau called on regulators to push for a quick resolution of the impasse.

“We are calling on the CRTC to resolve this situation quickly so we can all go about our business of providing healthy competition as mandated by the Canadian government and authorities.”

BCE Inc. did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The need for access to other carriers’ networks comes as Quebecor works to expand its Freedom Mobile brand in Canada, in part through a recent announcement that all Freedom monthly plans will include access to the 5G network, along with roaming services in the U.S. and Mexico.

The standardization of the features comes as competition remains fierce in Canada’s telecom industry following the big shakeup that saw Quebecor acquire Freedom in April last year, while Rogers Communications Inc. took over Shaw Communications.

Quebecor reported a 0.8 per cent dip in revenue in its second quarter to $1.39 billion.

The tick lower came as telecommunications revenue fell 1.2 per cent, while sports and entertainment revenue dropped seven per cent.

The drop in revenue came despite the company’s net increase of 66,200 subscribers in the second quarter, including 93,500 mobile subscribers.

The added subscribers came in a quarter where the company announced it was expanding its geographic reach, bringing both its Freedom and Fizz brands to several regions including Manitoba. The company is relying on access agreements to the networks of other carriers to make the expansion, which is why it’s pushing on resolving outstanding issues with the regime.

Second-quarter net income worked out to $206.6 million, up from $171.3 million a year ago.

The company says its profit amounted to 90 cents per diluted share for the quarter ended June 30 compared with a profit of 73 cents per share a year earlier.

Quebecor says its adjusted income from operating activities amounted to 89 cents per share in its latest quarter, up from 79 cents per share a year earlier.

Results came in slightly ahead of expectations, said RBC analyst Drew McReynolds, as wireless loading saw a “nice uptick”, offset by pressure on its television and telephone subscribers.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 8, 2024.

Companies in this story: (TSX:QBR.B)

The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

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End of Manitoba legislature session includes replacement-worker ban, machete rules

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WINNIPEG – Manitoba politicians are expected to pass several bills into law before the likely end of legislature session this evening.

The NDP government, with a solid majority of seats, is getting its omnibus budget bill through.

It enacts tax changes outlined in the spring budget, but also includes unrelated items, such as a ban on replacement workers during labour disputes.

The bill would also make it easier for workers to unionize, and would boost rebates for political campaign expenses.

Another bill expected to pass this evening would place new restrictions on the sale of machetes, in an attempt to crack down on crime.

Among the bills that are not expected to pass this session is one making it harder for landlords to raise rents above the inflation rate.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 7, 2024

The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.



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Father charged with second-degree murder in infant’s death: police

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A Richmond Hill, Ont., man has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of his seven-week-old infant earlier this year.

York Regional Police say they were contacted by the York Children’s Aid Society about a child who had been taken to a hospital in Toronto on Jan. 15.

They say the baby had “significant injuries” that could not be explained by the parents.

The infant died three days later.

Police say the baby’s father, 30, was charged with second-degree murder on Oct. 23.

Anyone with more information on the case is urged to contact investigators.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 7, 2024.

The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.



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Ontario fast-tracking several bills with little or no debate

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TORONTO – Ontario is pushing through several bills with little or no debate, which the government house leader says is due to a short legislative sitting.

The government has significantly reduced debate and committee time on the proposed law that would force municipalities to seek permission to install bike lanes when they would remove a car lane.

It also passed the fall economic statement that contains legislation to send out $200 cheques to taxpayers with reduced debating time.

The province tabled a bill Wednesday afternoon that would extend the per-vote subsidy program, which funnels money to political parties, until 2027.

That bill passed third reading Thursday morning with no debate and is awaiting royal assent.

Government House Leader Steve Clark did not answer a question about whether the province is speeding up passage of the bills in order to have an election in the spring, which Premier Doug Ford has not ruled out.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 7, 2024.

The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.



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