Quebecor Inc.'s Fizz is expanding to Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and B.C. through a framework that allows regional cellphone providers to compete across Canada using networks built by its larger rivals.
The expansion outside Quebec follows a four-month trial.Fizz says new customers in the four provinces will be able to keep their plans and rates for as long as they like, as the company is promising "no end dates" and "no haggling" on its part.It's also planning toextend its reach to more towns and regions of those provinces within a few months, with the goal of eventually offering service to 90 per cent of the Canadian population.
In 2021, the CRTC announced a policy allowing regional providers to compete as MVNOs using networks built by large companies. Then in May of last year, the federal telecommunications regulator ordered major carriers to negotiate access agreements to their networks. Fizz says its beta testers will be able to maintain their deeply discounted rates for six months after the start of their subscription "as a token of appreciation."
Along with its expansion, Fizz says it is making its SIM cards available at 139 Circle K locations in B.C. and Alberta.A single act of courage is needed to fix Canada's tax system, but this government won't do itBANGKOK — China’s Finance Ministry denounced a report by Fitch Ratings that kept its sovereign debt rated at A+ but downgraded its outlook to negative, saying Wednesday that China’s deficit is at a moderate and reasonable level and risks are under control.