Overview of Vidéotron
Vidéotron is the largest integrated telecommunications operator in Quebec, Canada, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Quebecor Media Inc. Vidéotron provides bundled services including cable TV, internet, fixed-line telephone, and mobile communications in Quebec, making it a well-known telecom brand in the French-speaking region of Quebec. In April 2023, Vidéotron acquired Freedom Mobile for CAD 2.07 billion, expanding its business to Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. Its mobile users increased from approximately 2 million to over 4 million, becoming a significant national competitor in Canada.
Vidéotron is known for its "quad-play" (TV + Internet + Telephone + Mobile) bundled data plans and has strong channels and brand loyalty in Quebec. After acquiring Freedom, Vidéotron pledged to promote competitive pricing nationwide, providing Canadian consumers a fourth option besides Rogers, Bell, and Telus.
Vidéotron Basic Information
- Parent company: Quebecor Media Inc.
- Headquarters: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Mobile users: Approximately 4.14 million (2024)
- Cable TV users: Approximately 1.29 million
- Internet users: approximately 1.73 million
- Landline users: approximately 610,000
- Main markets: Quebec; expanded to Ontario, Alberta, and BC after acquiring Freedom
Development History and Milestones
Vidéotron was founded in 1964 by the father of Quebecor founder Pierre Karl Péladeau, initially engaged in cable television. Expanded across Quebec in the 1980s and launched Internet services in the 1990s. In the 2000s, Vidéotron obtained wireless spectrum and launched mobile services, becoming the first operator in Quebec to offer 'quad-play'.
In the 2010s, Vidéotron's mobile users steadily increased, from approximately 1.02 million in 2017 to about 2 million in 2022. In June 2022, Rogers, Shaw, and Quebecor announced an agreement in which Rogers would sell Freedom Mobile to Quebecor after acquiring Shaw. The deal was completed in April 2023, with Vidéotron paying CAD 2.07 billion to acquire all of Freedom's wireless and Internet customers, infrastructure, spectrum, and retail locations. After the acquisition, Vidéotron's mobile users doubled and continued to grow in 2024, with a net increase of over 300,000 wireless users, a growth rate of about 9%.
Core Technical Capabilities
Quad-play
TV + Internet + phone + mobile bundled data plan, leading in the Quebec market
Dual-region coverage
Vidéotron in Quebec and Freedom in the western provinces, sold as one national footprint
Nationwide roaming
Integration of Freedom and Vidéotron networks, supporting seamless national roaming
Advantage in French-speaking regions
A long-standing brand in French-speaking Quebec, with high awareness and loyalty
Network standards and coverage
| Technology/Service | Coverage | Use Cases | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4G LTE | Entire Quebec + Freedom coverage area | Mobile voice and data | Main Network |
| 5G NR | Expansion in major cities | High-speed broadband | Freedom area expansion |
| Cable TV | Province of Quebec | Home entertainment | Traditional core business |
| Fiber/Cable Internet | Province of Quebec | Home and business broadband | Approximately 1.73 million users |
IoT Application Scenarios
Smart Home
- Integrated data plan connection
- Smart Home Gateway
- Security monitoring
- Home automation
Small and medium-sized enterprises
- POS and retail connection
- Mobile office
- Backup Link
- Multi-site networking
Consumer Electronics
- Tablets and Wearables
- In-car hotspot
- Mobile Hotspots
- IoT Devices
Quebec Features
- Localized Business Services
- French Customer Support
- Regional Channel Coverage
- Government and public sector
Competitive Advantages
- Quebec lead: the province's largest operator, and the leader in quad-play bundles
- Nationwide Expansion: Became a truly national competitor after acquiring Freedom
- User Growth: Mobile users continue to increase steadily after the acquisition, with a growth rate of about 9% in 2024
- Competitive Pricing: Committed to promoting competitive rates nationwide
- Quebecor Ecosystem: Synergy with media, publishing, and other businesses
Financial and User Trends
In 2024, Vidéotron's mobile phone subscribers reached approximately 4.14 million, more than triple the 1.02 million in 2017, mainly driven by the Freedom acquisition. Cable TV subscribers show a declining trend (from 1.64 million in 2017 to 1.29 million in 2024), reflecting the industry's shift to streaming. Internet subscribers remain relatively stable (about 1.73 million). After acquiring Freedom, Vidéotron added over 300,000 users to its wireless services, showing strong growth momentum.