The Trudeau government is tightening the screws on the takeover of Shaw by Rogers, warning that an agreement reached between the Toronto telecommunications giant and Quebecor should ensure continued competition in the wireless sector in addition to lowering prices for consumers.
Posted at 6:11 p.m.
Updated at 6:52 p.m.
The fate of this transaction rests in some way in the hands of the Quebec conglomerate. In an attempt to allay Ottawa’s fears, Rogers struck a deal to sell it the assets of Shaw-owned Freedom Mobile for about $2.9 billion.
To give the green light to the transaction, the federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, François-Philippe Champagne, set two conditions on Tuesday: to see Quebecor hold for at least 10 years the spectrum licenses owned by Freedom Mobile and wireless service prices are falling in Ontario and Western Canada.
“For those who are involved in this transaction, I tell them what I will analyze, said Mr. Champagne, at a press briefing in Ottawa. We want someone who is committed to the long term and sustainable prices. »
Quebecor had not indicated, Tuesday evening, if it agreed to comply with these requests.
Rogers and Shaw are due to begin a mediation process with the Competition Bureau this week. The federal body, which must give its opinion on the proposed merger, has expressed concerns.