Canadian telecom operators, Videotron and Rogers have announced to build out and operate a shared LTE wireless network in the province of Québec and the Ottawa region. Rogers already have LTE footprint across Canada, including Montreal, Ottawa and Québec City. 

Canadian telecom operators, Videotron and Rogers have announced to build out and operate a shared LTE wireless network in the province of Québec and the Ottawa region. Rogers already have LTE footprint across Canada, including Montreal, Ottawa and Québec City. 

Under the 20-year agreement, the two companies will pool their efforts to quickly roll out LTE wireless network to meet the steadily growing needs of consumers and businesses. Videotron and Rogers will share the cost of deploying and operating a shared LTE network. Both companies will maintain their business independence, including their product and service portfolios, billing systems and customer data.

In addition to the network sharing agreement, Videotron and Rogers have also come to an agreement regarding Videotron’s unused AWS spectrum in the Greater Toronto Area. Videotron will have the option to transfer its Toronto spectrum license to Rogers, subject to regulatory approvals, beginning January 1, 2014 for a price of $180 million.

As part of the overall agreement, Rogers and Videotron will each provide each other with services for which Rogers will receive $200 million and Videotron $93 million, payable over a period of 10 years.