Shaw Sells Data Centres to Fund Buy of Quebecor Spectrum

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Shaw Sells Data Centres to Fund Buy of Quebecor Spectrum

Postby jon » Tue Jun 13, 2017 12:33 pm

Shaw to bolster Freedom Mobile with spectrum deal, sell ViaWest for $2.3 billion
Business
by The Canadian Press
Posted Jun 13, 2017 9:44 am EDT
Last Updated Jun 13, 2017 at 10:20 am EDT

CALGARY – Shaw Communications Inc. (TSX:SJR.B) is moving to strengthen its Freedom Mobile wireless business through a deal with Quebecor that will be largely funded by selling its U.S.-based ViaWest unit for C$2.3 billion.

The Calgary-based company says money from the ViaWest sale will help pay for C$430 million worth of spectrum licences in British Columbia, Alberta, and southern Ontario that it plans to buy from Quebecor (TSX:QBR.B) — subject to federal approvals.

Shaw became Canada’s fourth-largest wireless network operator with last year’s purchase of Wind Mobile.

In addition to the spectrum licences, Shaw plans $350 million in capital spending for the wireless business, now called Freedom Mobile.

Shaw acquired ViaWest, a Denver-based computer centre operator, for US$1.2 billion in 2014. The company expects to net about C$900 million on the sale after repayment of debt.

ViaWest is being sold to Peak 10 Holding Corp., a portfolio company managed by GI Partners.
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Re: Shaw Sells Data Centres to Fund Buy of Quebecor Spectrum

Postby jon » Tue Jun 13, 2017 12:40 pm

I made the switch from TELUS to Shaw (Freedom Mobile) about 10 days ago, to save over $40/month, with no contract. After checking out Shaw's just completed LTE network in Edmonton.

So far, the coverage is slightly better than TELUS, but this new Quebecor spectrum will allow them to provide service outside the metro areas, which the dealer warned me is currently problematic.

Only gotcahs were the $50 unlocking fee from TELUS, $10 to Shaw for a new SIM card, and the TELUS policy of not pro-rating monthly charges on a cancellation.
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Re: Shaw Sells Data Centres to Fund Buy of Quebecor Spectrum

Postby jon » Thu Jun 15, 2017 8:13 am

Looks like I jumped the gun on switching. This morning, the CRTC announced an upcoming ban on Locking of new phones and fees for Unlocking old phones:
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today announced that as of December 1, 2017, all individual and small business wireless service customers will have the right to have their cellphones and other mobile devices unlocked free of charge upon request. In addition, all newly purchased devices must be provided unlocked from that day forward.
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Re: Shaw Sells Data Centres to Fund Buy of Quebecor Spectrum

Postby kal » Thu Jun 15, 2017 7:21 pm

Too bad that the CRTC chairman, Jean-Pierre Blais, did not apply for an additional term. He's had quite a consumer focus to his CRTC actions.
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