Competition Bureau Seeks Feedback from Canadians on Rogers-Shaw Deal

The Competition Bureau announced this week it has “issued a request for information (RFI) to help gather facts about Rogers’ proposed acquisition of Shaw.”

The RFI means the Bureau is now seeking public input from Canadians and market participants to help the regulator’s investigation into whether the Rogers-Shaw deal would likely lessen or prevent competition in the wireless, internet and broadcasting market.

The Competition Bureau says it is looking to gain the following information related to:

  • Mobile wireless services to consumers
  • Consumer and small business internet services
  • Fibre transport services
  • The supply of programming to television providers (or Broadcasting Distribution Undertakings [BDUs])
  • The provision of relay distribution services to BDUs

Information can be confidentially shared with the Bureau by October 29, 2021.

Recently, the Bureau acquired court orders to gain information from Xplornet, Bell, TELUS and Vidéotron related to wireless services to assist its investigation.

The Bureau says its review is “ongoing and no conclusions have been made at this time.”

Rogers announced back in March a $26 billion deal to acquire Shaw. The deal is currently being reviewed by the Competition Bureau, ISED and the CRTC. Naturally, Rogers’ rivals have opposed the deal, while so have the federal NDP and also consumer groups, citing the merger would result in less competition.

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