Public Mobile Purchased by TELUS
VANCOUVER – Business – Change continues to come in the Wireless world.
TELUS has entered into an agreement with Public Mobile to obtain 100 per cent ownership of the company. Pending approval from the Competition Bureau following today’s approval by Industry Canada, the transaction will ensure continuity of service and enhanced functionality for Public Mobile’s 280,000 wireless customers.
“Following our review of strategic options for our organization, TELUS stood out as the company most committed to strong customer service and innovation. We are confident this is the right decision for our customers, our company, our employees and our investors,” said Alek Krstajic, Public Mobile CEO. “This transaction is the best option to guarantee continued quality service for our customers and to maximize the opportunity for our employees and investors.”
Terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. Proceeds will be used to satisfy Public Mobile’s debt and equity investors. Public Mobile employees will have the opportunity to review and secure roles with TELUS.
“We look forward to the successful completion of this transaction, and migrating Public Mobile’s customers onto TELUS’ world-class 4G LTE network while putting their spectrum to good use for millions of customers acrossCanada,” said Eros Spadotto, TELUS EVP of Technology Strategy and Operations. “Public Mobile’s PCS G block spectrum is part of a developing ecosystem that is being driven by the insatiable demand consumers have for access to wireless data applications. Major U.S. carriers are ensuring this spectrum is purposed for the deployment of LTE networks and notably, the iPhone 5s and 5c have this spectrum ecosystem incorporated within their chipset, consistent with the trend across smartphone manufacturers to produce products that can be sold globally with a lessened need for customization on a market-by-market basis. Additionally, Public Mobile’s G block spectrum aligns well with matching spectrum TELUS holds in western Canada. The spectrum was acquired by Public Mobile from the open part of the 2008 auction, not from that set aside for new entrants, so is not subject to a transfer restriction.”
Public Mobile has operations in Ontario and Quebec.
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