Distributel buys Primus in merger of Canadian telcos
Distributel Communications Ltd. says it has bought fellow independent Canadian telco Primus Telecommunications from U.S. based Fusion Connect for an undisclosed sum. Distributel says the combination is strategic and strengthens its hand in several markets ahead of an anticipated ruling by Canadian regulator CRTC on wholesale rates that could open further opportunities.
“Bringing Primus into the Distributel family will mean more options, increased innovation, and better value for Canadians and ultimately a better alternative for our country,” says Matt Stein, CEO of Distributel. “We are thrilled to bring Primus under Canadian ownership and accelerate the pace of growth for both companies.”
The acquisition extends Distributel’s network reach and product set. Primus brings what Distributel describes as a “substantial” cable footprint, an advanced cloud-based business phone system, access services, and the Telemarketing Guard call-screening technology. The new assets and capabilities will complement Distributel’s 1,000 competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) coverage areas, SIP trunking, integrated Microsoft Teams unified communications products, and IP-based TV service.
“Acquiring Primus from U.S. based Fusion Connect materially increases our size,” Stein added, “and enables us to provide all Canadians with fair prices and even more valuable services. This will be further supported by the CRTC’s final decision on wholesale rates, which we expect imminently, and where we expect the Commission to uphold its initial 2019 ruling – a fair, balanced pricing decision designed to increase competition, value and innovation for all Canadians.”
The upcoming ruling covers the potential extension of a stay granted to Bell Canada, Cogeco, Eastlink, RCCI, Shaw, and Videotron last September on the wholesale high-speed access rates set in Telecom Order 2019-288.
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Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave
Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.
Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.
He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.
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