Vidotron ready to step up as 4th wireless carrier

Quebecor President and CEO Pierre Dion said his company is prepared to become Canadas fourth carrier, rolling out new low-cost wireless service across the country.

Our vision is to provide Canadians with a new high quality, low-cost wireless choice and real wireless competition, Dion said in a keynote speech toThe 2014 Canadian Telecom Summit.

We aim to deliver real low-cost wireless plans for consumers, real wireless competition, and a real new offering in the Canadian marketplace. Under the right conditions, we are ready, willing and able to become Canadas fourth wireless competitor.

• Vidotron wins wireless licences outside Quebec in 700MHz auction

Quebecor outlined plans for expansion to its annual shareholders meeting in Montreal on Thursday, where former prime ministerBrian Mulroney is to take up his post as chairman.

Quebecors Vidotron wireless unit scored wireless licences in the 700 megahertz spectrum in Ontario, B.C. and Alberta in a spectrum auction earlier this year.

Already experienced in the Quebec market, where it has 500,000 customers, it now plans major investments in an expanded network and consolidation with willing partners.

Dion's statement about "willing partners" raises the idea of partnerships with other struggling wireless entrants, such as Mobilicityand Wind. Dion said he would consider combining forces with the small carriers.

Dion said he plans to build the business by offering Canadians outside Quebec the countrys best low-cost subscriber plans. He called for federal action on roaming rates to get costs down, saying that is the key to Vidotron's expansion outside Quebec..

With a fair, competitive and level playing field on roaming, the stage will be set for a new era of consumer choice in Canada. It will benefit consumers, small businesses, and the economy at large, he said. It will be the dawn of a new sustainable and viable low-cost wireless service.

Quebecor, based in Quebec, owns TVA, Sun Media, Canoe.ca and Nurun Inc. as well as Vidotron.