Quote:
Originally Posted by wacko
I would agree that SaskTel is the reason why we have lower phone and data rates in Saskatchewan than just about anywhere else in Canada. That competition factor simply can't be underestimated.
|
I don't know Sasktel that well but let's talk how things are with MTS as they are likely similar.
The issue with the MTS sale boils down to
only the wireless side of the business as the sale doesn't change anything else in terms of competition.
On the wireless side BCE's proposed purchase of MTS will be precedent setting. The current federal policy is to intervene in the market to carve out wireless spectrum to facility a fourth national carrier. The BCE proposal would kill that policy.
The other side is the CRTC is undertaking a overall review of wireless in Canada before approval is given to the BCE deal. Public comments start next month but wholesale, which would be needed for MVNO operators, is out of scope..
Separately, Sasktel would likely be facing major infrastructure costs to support increasing broadband speeds and to support 4K TV.
Overall, if a Sasktel deal is tabled the federal government would likely be held until the MTS reviews are completed.