OTTAWA, Feb. 15, 2017 /CNW/ - The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, today made the following statement on the acquisition of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. (MTS) by BCE Inc. (Bell):
"Today, the Competition Bureau, as an independent enforcement agency mandated to ensure that Canadian businesses and consumers prosper in a competitive and innovative marketplace, announced an agreement that will allow Bell to proceed with its acquisition of MTS.
"As part of this deal, my department has approved the transfer of MTS's spectrum licences to Bell and Xplornet Communications Inc. Bell has committed to spending $1 billion over the next five years to expand wired and wireless broadband networks in Manitoba.
"Xplornet, meanwhile, has announced it will expand into mobile wireless service for the first time.
"The Government of Canada supports more competition, which means more choices at affordable prices for consumers. Protecting middle-class Canadians against the rising cost of cellphone bills is a priority of this government. More competition in the market will play a key role.
"Competition drives higher-quality networks and gives consumers better value for the money they spend on telecommunications services.
"Bell's deal to acquire MTS and the expansion of Xplornet into the Manitoba market will result in more competition, which means more choice and competitive prices for all Manitobans.
"Manitobans can also expect to see more of the latest technologies and service offerings, which will mean better and faster networks across the province."
Follow Minister Bains on Twitter: @MinisterISED
SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
(media only) : Pauline Tam, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, 343-291-2500; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [email protected]
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