Synopsis

The Canadian wireless industry has witnessed relatively strong subscriber growth since the country began to emerge from economic recession in late 2009. Although wireless penetration remains low by OECD standards, the emergence of new entrants in recent years, as well as the proliferation of cheaper voice and data plans, is stimulating multiple-SIM card use. The continuing decline in voice revenues per subscriber is generally offset by data revenues which averaged about 45% growth in 2011 and an anticipated 35-40% for 2012.

Data revenues will become even more important for sector in coming years in light of their upgrades to HSPA+ networks and the rapid expansion of 4G LTE platforms: network operators plan to extend their LTE offers to at least half of the population by the end of 2012, while a number of smaller regional players are also active in the market. The Advanced Wireless Services auction of 2008 overhauled Canada’s wireless market providing a number of new entrants. With the exception of Shaw Communications, which recently opted to pursue a WiFi strategy, all have become players contributing to market competition.

This report provides an overview and analysis of the Canadian wireless market and the major operators, together with key statistics and select forecasts.

Key developments:

Bell enhances mobile TV service; TELUS’s LTE network to cover 25 million by end-2012; regulator’s mid-2011 market data update; company operating and financial data to Q1 2012; market developments into 2012.

Companies covered in this report include:

Rogers Wireless, Bell Mobility, Virgin Mobile Canada, TELUS Mobility, SaskTel Mobility, MTS Allstream, Globalive’s Wind Mobile, Mobilicity, Public Mobile, Vidéotron Wireless, and Shaw Communications.