MONTRÉAL, April 10, 2019 /CNW
Telbec/ - Upon completion of Innovation, Science and Economic
Development Canada's latest commercial mobile spectrum
auction, Quebecor announces the purchase of 10 low-frequency
blocks in the 600 MHz band.
The licences covering Eastern, Southern and Northern Québec, as
well as Eastern Ontario and
Outaouais were acquired by Quebecor for $256
million and will be used by its Videotron telecom
subsidiary.
"Acquisition of this spectrum will enable Videotron to continue
its expansion in mobile telephony markets in Québec and the
Ottawa area, and support genuine,
sustainable competition that benefits consumers," commented Pierre
Karl Péladeau, President and CEO of Quebecor. "Thanks to sensible
auction rules that allowed for a fair division of spectrum between
incumbents and regional carriers, we are now able to reaffirm our
determination to be a tech builder, one that is fully equipped to
break new ground in order to better serve its customers."
The 600 MHz band is the first of the three bands suitable for
fifth-generation (5G) networks to be put up for auction in
Canada. With the acquisition of
these licences, Videotron is strongly positioned for the next
technological revolution.
The licences purchased by Quebecor will increase its
low-frequency portfolio by 300% in most parts of Québec. Low
frequency bands have longer range in rural areas and better ability
to penetrate buildings in urban areas. Quebecor now has a total of
130 MHz of mobile spectrum in most regions of Quebec and 90 MHz in the Ottawa area, spread across the AWS-1, AWS-3,
600 MHz, 700 MHz and 2500 MHz bands.
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 working in the vital fields of culture,
health, education, the environment and entrepreneurship.
Visit our website: www.quebecor.com
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/Quebecor
SOURCE Quebecor