Cogeco Launches Wireless Plans in Canada, Starting in Quebec & Ontario
In a bold move to expand its telecom footprint, Cogeco has officially launched its wireless service in Canada, starting with select regions across Ontario and Quebec. The Montreal-based telecom giant aims to attract internet customers by offering exclusive mobile plans, marking a strategic shift to reduce subscriber churn and strengthen loyalty.
Where the Rollout Begins
Cogeco’s wireless debut covers 12 cities across Ontario and Quebec. The first wave includes customers in:
Quebec: Alma, Magog, Rimouski, Saint-Georges, Saint-Hyacinthe, Saint-Sauveur, and Trois-Rivières
Ontario: Brockville, Chatham, Cobourg, Cornwall, and Welland
The service is currently limited to existing internet subscribers, who can now bundle mobile and broadband services for a more integrated experience.
Who Gets Access First – And Why
Only customers who subscribe to Cogeco’s internet package can access the new phone plans. According to CEO Frédéric Perron, this strategy focuses on low to mid-data users, offering them early perks and a time-limited launch bonus to sign up.
This bundled approach mirrors Cogeco’s U.S. playbook, where its brand Breezeline introduced a similar mobile service for internet users. Customers must bring their own device, and data plans in the U.S. start at US$12.50 for 1GB.
Not Going National – Yet
During a call with analysts, CFO Patrice Ouimet clarified that Cogeco isn’t looking to compete on a national level.
“It’s not a strategy to go national or anything like that. We’re a rational player,” said Ouimet.
Instead, Cogeco’s focus is to retain and grow its regional wireline customer base in North America by using wireless as an added value.
Financial Snapshot: A Mixed Quarter
In its latest quarterly report (ending May 31), Cogeco reported:
Revenue: $758.5 million (down from $777.2 million YoY)
Earnings per diluted share: $2.13 (up from $1.97 YoY)
Shares: Dropped 8.49% on the TSX
Cogeco also noted a 7% drop in revenue-generating units over the last year, particularly in the U.S. market.
Facing Competitive Pressure
Cogeco’s recent challenges stem largely from rising competition in the U.S., where cheaper fixed wireless access and aggressive fiber rollouts by major telecoms are reshaping the landscape.
Scotiabank analyst Maher Yaghi noted that Cogeco has adjusted its financial guidance to reflect these revenue pressures.
Still, CEO Perron remains confident, attributing much of the U.S. customer churn to temporary factors and expressing optimism for improvement in future quarters.
“Wireless will become a powerful tool to retain and grow our North American wireline customer base over time,” he said.
Stay tuned to Maple Wire for more updates on Canada’s evolving telecom landscape.
