Sponsored By

Loblaw’s recent cellphone move deemed ‘anti-competitive’

Retailer will only sell one service in its stores, and Quebecor wants the government to stop it

Bill Wilson, Senior editor at Supermarket News

May 24, 2024

1 Min Read
quebecor.png
Quebecor founder Pierre Karl Peladeau sent a letter to Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne calling for government intervention after Loblaw ended Quebecor’s wireless devices and services contract.Quebecor

Loblaw’s recent move to only sell Glentel cellphone products and services in its stores is being called “anti-competitive” by telecom and media firm Quebecor, reports CBC.

Quebecor founder Pierre Karl Peladeau sent a letter to Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne calling for government intervention after Loblaw ended Quebecor’s wireless devices and services contract.

Loblaw plans to sell only Glentel products, owned by Bell and Rogers, at The Mobile Shop, which are kiosks located at all 180 Loblaws locations. Currently, cellphone plans from seven providers are offered at the kiosks. Bell and Rogers are Canada’s two largest telecommunications companies.

Peladeau is calling on Champagne for action, but the Industry Minister said it needs to be addressed by the Competition Bureau, an independent law enforcement agency. Recent changes to the Competition Act by the government gave the bureau more legal powers.

In April, Loblaw launched its No Name Mobile network which will be offered at the company’s No Frills stores.

The discount cellphone plans include prepaid mobile sim cards for purchase.

About the Author

Bill Wilson

Senior editor at Supermarket News

Bill Wilson is the senior editor at Supermarket News, covering all things grocery and retail. He has been a journalist in the B2B industry for 25 years. He has received two Robert F. Boger awards for his work as a journalist in the infrastructure industry and has over 25 editorial awards total in his career. He graduated cum laude from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale with a major in broadcast communications.

Stay up-to-date on the latest food retail news and trends
Subscribe to free eNewsletters from Supermarket News

You May Also Like