A communications giant is shoring up the West Coast market.
Just two months after it’s purchase of Ukee Cable became official on Nov. 1, Telus has announced the purchase of another Internet provider.
Telus has acquired Mascon’s B.C. operations, which include: Tofino, Sun Peaks, Chase, Shuswap, White Lake, Sunnybrae and Sicamous, according to Telus spokesperson Richard Gilhooley.
“These operations will be transitioned into TELUS, and all Mascon employees have accepted offers to join TELUS,” Gilhooley told the Westerly News in an email.
Telus does not disclose acquisition costs, but Gilhooley said it was a solid investment for the company to make.
“We have always respected the high level of service Mascon has provided in these communities, and we recognized an opportunity to learn from them and draw on the combined strengths of our teams in order to deliver a great experience for all our customers,” he said.
The purchase of both Ukee Cable and Mascon gives Telus a dominant stake in the West Coast and Gilhooley pointed to Telus’ roughly $5 million investment to bring fibre optic cable to local communities as evidence of Telus’ commitment to West Coasters.
“It’s TELUS’ view that the acquisition of Mascon will increase innovation in these communities by expediting our $5 million investment in direct fibre optic connections to homes and businesses in western Vancouver Island,” he said.
He said customers moving from Mascon to Telus should not expect any immediate changes.
“There are no plans to increase prices, and it’s business as usual in terms of operations during the transition,” he said. “In the coming months we will develop a plan to combine and enhance our capabilities and integrate our teams.”
He added locals would be kept up to speed during the transition.
“For the foreseeable future, nothing will change for customers in terms of billing, and the same helpful Mascon staff will be available to support customers,” he said. “As changes occur to improve our offering, notifications will be made via mail, email, and websites.”