The sale of Shaw Communications to Rogers Communications Inc. is one of the most closely watched deals in Canadian telecom history — but it won’t go to trial until 2020.
That means the $3.75 billion sale can’t be decided on the grounds of its influence on the telecom market until that’s done — and the much-anticipated hearings will take place only after that does.
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission had originally scheduled the hearing to begin last Thursday. But after Rogers asked to extend the date, the hearing was pushed back to Monday.
The CRTC’s regulatory bureau, which is currently investigating the sale, is expected to hear submissions on Monday afternoon. Commissioners are due to speak at 1:30 p.m. ET and to hear public comment until 4:30 p.m. ET.
In a statement sent Wednesday, CRTC chief commissioner Julie Di Mambro reiterated the hearing would not be the last opportunity for the commission to consider the sale.
“That said, the Commission seeks to obtain input from Canadians as soon as possible on this matter and it will continue its consultation effort until it has completed its review of the Sale,” she said.
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