Rogers asks federal government for a fair and level playing field in Canada's wireless sector
TORONTO, Aug. 1, 2013 /CNW/ – Rogers Communications is calling on the
federal government to engage in an informed and constructive dialogue
to ensure Canada’s wireless sector remains competitive and world
leading.
Today’s current rules give an unfair advantage to huge American players
over Canadian incumbents who have invested billions to build Canada’s
wireless industry. Current spectrum auction rules mean they can
purchase twice as much 700 MHz spectrum as the Canadian incumbents with
minimal network rollout requirements.
“We share the government’s goal of a competitive, world leading wireless
sector,” said Nadir Mohamed, President and Chief Executive Officer,
Rogers Communications. “Unfortunately the government’s current policies
have resulted in unintended consequences that allow massive foreign
companies like Verizon to take advantage of loopholes and get special
advantages over Canadian companies. We welcome competition, we’re just
asking for a fair and level playing field.”
Specifically we’re asking the federal government to:
-
Offer equal bidding rights in the 700 MHz auction – give Canadian
carriers the same rights as large foreign incumbents -
Create an open environment – if a Canadian wireless player seeks a
buyer, everyone should be able to bid -
Strengthen auction rollout requirements – ensure foreign carriers invest
and build a national network in rural areas
This is a critical issue for Canada and Canadians. Canada’s three
established wireless carriers employ more than 280,000 Canadians in
high value jobs and contribute more than $50 billion a year to our
nation’s economy. Additionally each year the three companies
collectively give more than $130 million, in cash and in-kind, to make
our communities stronger and more vibrant.
Rogers and its Board of Directors have taken the unprecedented action of
writing a joint letter to the Prime Minister of Canada expressing our
concerns and requesting a meeting to further discuss this important
issue. Rogers looks forward to meeting with the Prime Minister directly
on this matter.
“We’re at a critical time in our industry,” said Mohamed. “We believe
it’s essential to take a step back and make sure we have the right
regulatory policy that will meet the current and future needs of
Canadians while ensuring our sector is strong and vibrant for years to
come. We look forward to having a constructive and informed dialogue on
this issue.”
About Rogers
Rogers Communications is a diversified Canadian communications and media
company. We are Canada’s largest provider of wireless voice and data
communications services and one of Canada’s leading providers of cable
television, high-speed Internet and telephony. Through Rogers Media we
are engaged in radio and television broadcasting, televised shopping,
magazines and trade publications, sports entertainment, and digital
media. We are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A
and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI).
SOURCE Rogers Communications Inc.
