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Telecom news roundup: Cogeco buys Oxio [Feb. 18-24]

14Here’s a recap of everything that happened in Canada’s telecom sector this week.

Business

Cogeco has acquired the once-independent internet service provider Oxio. The company did not disclose the purchase price.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has launched a new consultation on telecom outages. Interested parties have until March 24th to provide comments.

Harsh weather conditions caused service problems for some Bell and Virgin Plus customers in Southern Ontario.

A recent report from Opensignal shows Bell, Rogers, and Telus offer similar 5G reach and availability.

The CRTC has directed wireless providers to launch consultations discussing plan needs with Canadians with various disabilities.

Québecor says it’s ready to expand its services outside of its home province of Quebec.

Government

Nova Scotia has invested $10.6 million in a high-speed internet project for Pictou County. The funds will benefit 4,700 homes and businesses.

Xplore and Bell have secured funding from the Government of Canada and the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador for high-speed internet projects.

Deals

Virgin Plus and Koodo revealed new double data deals on select plans when customers use their own devices.

Some Rogers customers might be able to access 10GB of additional data for 24 months at no extra cost. Customers should check their MyRogers account to see if the deal is available.

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Mobile Syrup

Cogeco acquires ISP Oxio

Oxio is no longer an independent service provider (ISP).

The company will now run under telecom company Cogeco. The company announced the transaction in a press release on February 21st, stating that Oxio will continue to operate independently.

It’s unclear how much Cogeco paid to acquire Oxio.

“With the acquisition of oxio, Cogeco Connexion will now have a second brand to serve the telecommunications needs of Canadians,” Cogeco’s president, Frédéric Perron, said.

Oxio stood out from the rest, promising customer no “teleco bullshit” under its brand. While Cogeco promises that the company will “operate independently and serve its customers using its brand,” only time will tell if that will actually be the case.

Oxio isn’t the only ISP to be acquired by a major player. Telus added Altima and Start.ca to its banner, and Bell added Distributel and EBOX.

Source: Cogeco