The CRTC has launched a period of public consultation regarding the transfer of ownership of MTS’ broadcasting distribution undertaking license to Bell Canada.
Submissions are open until October 4th, 2016, and can be submitted by mail, fax or through an online form. The intervention comment form requests that entrants categorize their submission as either a comment, a statement in opposition, or a statement in support. Entrants can also submit their own proposals, as long as they detail the facts and grounds the plan is based upon.
Whether proposal or statement, those who comment must also choose whether they’d like to be called upon to make a presentation at an Appearing Hearing, if one is held.
As it stands, Bell’s parent company BCE plans to purchase all issued and outstanding shares of Manitoba Telecom Services for approximately $3.9 billion, along with the responsibilities of MTS’ telecommunications services. Notably, however, the application does not include the change of ownership of telecommunications services, as those do not require approval from the Commission.
The CRTC’s online notice of consultation goes on to detail the complex transaction process through which MTS will eventually operate under Bell as Bell MTS, a brand kept by the corporation “in recognition of the powerful brand presence the MTS team has built across in the province.”
Even as feedback process occurs, Bell and MTS are confidently making plans for infrastructure improvement in Manitoba, most recently announcing the intention to bring Fibe Internet and TV to Churchill, and to expand LTE coverage in Glenboro.
Related: Manitoba court approves the BCE $3.9 billion acquisition of MTS
[source]CRTC[/source]
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