Videotron sets out CAD1bn mobile rollout plan with Nokia Siemens

Quebec-based cableco Videotron announced at a press conference yesterday that it will invest a total of up to CAD1 billion (USD810 million) in building a mobile network across the province, including the CAD555 million it spent on wireless spectrum in a recent auction. Videotron has chosen Nokia Siemens Networks as its wireless equipment supplier for the next five years, and expects to have a 3.5G network up and running in twelve to 18 months. The quadruple-play provider, which had 995,000 cable broadband customers at the end of June, has an opt-out arrangement with Rogers Communications that will allow Videotron to migrate its existing 55,000 MVNO customers, who are currently offered mobile services over Rogers’ network, onto the newly built system. Montreal-based Videotron, owned by Quebecor Media, will provide nationwide services via roaming arrangements.