Quebecor, regional carrier Videotron’s parent company, yesterday announced in Q2 FY2014 financial results. Overall revenues reached CA$1.07 billion. Its wireless operatings contributed CA$66.8 million, an increase of 25.8%.
Videotron added some 29,700 new customers to reach a total subscriber base of 551,300. The Apple iPhone was a key contributor with iPhone subscribers now accounting for 22% of the total base. The ARPU for iPhone users came in at CA$68, significantly higher than the company average.
During the analyst call that followed, Videotron CEO Manon Brouillette revealed LTE network “in the next few weeks.” No specific details were provided though.
Unsurprisingly, Videotron shed little light on plans if any to launch a national wireless network. Quebecor CEO Pierre Dion did say that the company had two options: Do it on its own (a costly endeavour) or partner with someone to split upfront costs. The latter could entail Videotron partnering with a U.S. carrier such as Verizon or buying out another small Canadian carrier such as Mobilicity or WIND Mobile. It also remains to be seen if Quebecor will participate in the upcoming AWS-3 spectrum auction. “Before investing more we will work to ensure all conditions are right to minimize our risk,” explained Dion during the earnings call.
If nothing else, Videotron has quickly established itself as a formidable force in the wireless market in Quebec.
Sources : Quebecor // MobileSyrup