People head for shuttle buses after subway service was closed during the morning commute in Toronto, Wednesday, April 5, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graeme Roy
Two of Rogers Communications Inc.’s competitors say the company’s proposed framework for reaching a deal to provide wireless service on Toronto’s subway system lacks necessary information.
Rogers said Monday it sent federal Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne a proposal last month outlining a plan to reach agreements with all carriers to join the network under “commercially reasonable terms” in a timely manner.
But Bell Canada and Telus Communications Inc. say they have not received key details, such as those related to capacity upgrades and commercial terms.
Champagne’s office says he is monitoring negotiations and is prepared to take further action, noting talks between the carriers have not been successful more than a month after he called on the companies to reach a deal following Rogers’ purchase of the TTC’s existing wireless operations.
Rogers says it’s confident it will be able to reach deals with the other carriers but has also proposed a dispute resolution process in case it is unable to.
Bell says the proposed framework does not ensure all customers are served regardless of their mobile carrier and is based on a failed model that will lead to further delays for TTC riders.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 7, 2023.
Companies in this story: (TSX:RCI.B, TSX:BCE, TSX:T)
