Pierre Karl Péladeau, the billionaire CEO of Quebecor Inc., is pushing for greater competition in Canada's telecom sector, arguing that providers must become more competitive to address high cellphone bills. Speaking at a Calgary Chamber of Commerce luncheon on April 22, 2026, Péladeau highlighted the success of Freedom Mobile, which Quebecor acquired from Shaw Communications in 2023, as a key driver of lower prices.
Freedom Mobile's Growth and Market Impact
Quebecor, along with its subsidiaries Freedom Mobile Inc. and Videotron Ltd., forms Canada's fourth-largest telecom company. The combined entity added approximately 300,000 wireless customers last year, reaching a total of 4.4 million subscribers across Alberta, Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Quebec. Analysts from ATB Cormark Capital Markets noted that Quebecor's wireless business has been the "best performing" telecom over the past two years, with Freedom offering an attractive product that continues to capture market share.
Price Reductions and Competition
According to Statistics Canada, cellular plan prices in Canada have dropped by over 30% since 2023, though they have remained relatively flat since early 2024. Péladeau emphasized that Freedom's lower prices, despite relying on other carriers' networks, have pressured giants like Rogers, Telus, and Bell Canada to become more competitive. "We've been delivering what the market expected," he said, noting that competition is essential for driving down costs for consumers.
Péladeau's Business Ventures
Péladeau, a prominent figure in Quebec's business and political scenes, has a history of ambitious ventures. He briefly led the separatist Parti Québécois and recently attempted to gain control of Air Transat's board, though shareholders rejected his plan. However, the acquisition of Freedom Mobile has proven successful, giving Quebecor a strong foothold in Western Canada. During his Calgary visit, Péladeau discussed the telecom landscape with Deborah Yedlin, CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.
