As growth starts to slow for Videotron's cable TV, phone and Internet services, the Canadian MSO is naturally looking towards wireless as a supplement. But it's doing so with shaded, not rosy, glasses.
"Lessons taught us recently, from the new entrants--don't be too pressured to go to the market. Make sure that your network is well built (and has) good coverage," said Robert Depatie, president and CEO of parent company Quebecor.
Videotron has announced plans to build its wireless services before it pitches them to subscribers. The new push to get moving is based more on the perceived need to add a new business element. Videotron's cable subscriber increases slowed from 78,000 in 2008 to 61,000 in 2009; high-speed data adds grew only 107,000 compared to 131,000 a year ago; and only 35,000 new customers lined up for cable telephone compared to 54,000 in 2008.
For more:
- see this story from the Globe and Mail
- and this story
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