Canadian media group Quebecor Media and its telecom subsidiary Videotron have announced plans to launch an HSPA network in Quebec using spectrum acquired in this summer’s Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) auction. The project will see services deployed in the next 12 to 18 months and promises to create approximately 1,000 jobs at Videotron over the next two years. Using kit from Nokia Siemens Networks, total investment (including license cost) is forecast to be between C$800 million (US$631 million) and C$1 billion (US$789 million) over four years. Talking up the future offering, Robert Depatie, president and CEO of Videotron, said the service will be “economical, simple and transparent,” with “no hidden fees.” Touting speeds of up to 3Mb/s, Depatie claimed that “no other Canadian company is in a position to go as far as Videotron when it comes to integrating technology and content, for the benefit of local consumers and small businesses.” Reports suggest Quebecor and Videotron will channel material from their existing print, broadcast, Internet and music empires onto the mobile platform, making content a key differentiator in their offering. Like fellow new player, Globalive, the duo are also expected to explore an advertising-based business model.

Videotron already offers mobile services using the network of incumbent operator Rogers Wireless, but is expected to end this contract in favour of the new venture. Earlier this year, speculation mounted that Quebecor could join forces with other new Canadian market entrants to create a fourth national operator able to compete with Canada’s three large mobile operators; Rogers Wireless, Telus and Bell Mobility. Quebecor paid C$555 million (US$438 million) to acquire the Canadian AWS spectrum but is currently limited to deployment in Quebec only.