Changes in Canadian foreign ownership regulation opens up “strategic alternatives” for its operating subsidiary MTS Allstream, the CEO of Manitoba Telecom Services (MTS) said in a conference call.
The regulatory change, which could be approved…
Changes in Canadian foreign ownership regulation opens up “strategic alternatives” for its operating subsidiary MTS Allstream, the CEO of Manitoba Telecom Services (MTS) said in a conference call.
The regulatory change, which could be approved next month, would see limitations on foreign investment in smaller telecom companies lifted, if those companies have a market share of 10% or less.
Pierre Blouin, CEO of the Canadian telco and ISP, described Allstream’s fibre network as a “unique asset”.
“There is no doubt that there is a lot of interest outside of the country in what’s happening in Canada in terms of relaxing foreign investment restrictions,” he said.
The CEO refused to be drawn further on what might happen if the regulatory change is approved, but said he was in regular dialogue with US carriers which are customers or partners of MTS and that they had shown interest in the lifting of the ownership restriction.
Local media reports quoted analyst estimates that MTS Allstream could fetch up to US$800m.
