An economics professor says the big winners of Rogers Communications Inc.’s $26-billion proposed takeover of Shaw Communications Inc. would be the telecoms’ families and that low–income Canadians would be hit the hardest.
Speaking before the Competition Tribunal Friday, Dalhousie University’s Lars Osberg said low–income Canadians, who are already facing inflationary pressures, will feel the most pain if telecom prices increase as a result of the merger.
Osberg said access to cell phones and connectivity is just as essential as food in today’s digital age.
Rogers pushed back against Osberg’s claims, pointing to the CRTC’s decision to approve the deal, noting that the regulator examined how the merger would impact consumer interests, including low–income households, seniors and people with disabilities, before doing so….