Insights from the Telecom Giants at the Desjardins Conference
Recently, executives from Bell and Telus took to the stage at the Desjardins Toronto conference to discuss their perspectives on the current state of the telecom industry and its future. both companies sent their chief financial officers (CFOs) to share insights about various aspects of telecommunications, with a particular emphasis on growth opportunities. The atmosphere resembled that of an earnings call, though specific financial figures were notably absent.
Shifts in Wireless Service Offers
To kick things off, Telus CFO Doug French noted a noticeable slowdown in promotions for wireless services. However, he pointed out that home internet deals remain robust. He highlighted a significant drop in mobile plan rates across Canada—reportedly as much as 70% over recent years.
This figure can be misleading since it often reflects average costs per gigabyte rather than what consumers actually pay monthly. A recent report from Statistics Canada indicated that wireless prices saw an increase in October 2025. This change followed adjustments made last year to how wireless pricing is tracked, aiming for a more accurate representation of consumer expenses.
The Quest for Higher Average Revenue Per User (ARPU)
The conversation then shifted towards Telus’ average revenue per user (ARPU). French explained that while ARPU has been experiencing slight declines recently within its mobile sector, it remains strong overall—hovering around $58 over the past three years.
The following data illustrates Telus' ARPU alongside total revenue generated from its mobile division throughout 2023:
- Q3 2025 – $57.21 – Mobile revenue: $1.755 billion.
- Q2 2025 – $56.58 – Mobile revenue: $1.723 billion.
- Q1 2025 – $57.13 – Mobile revenue: $1.732 billion.
- Q4 2024 – $58.05 – Mobile revenue: $1.758 billion.
- Q3 2024 – $58.85 – Mobile revenue: $1.766 billion.
- Q2 2024 – $58.49 – Mobile revenue: $1.734 billion.
- Q1 2024 – $59.31 - Mobile revenue: $1.746 billion.
- Q4 2023 – $58 .50 – Mobile revenue: $1 .759 billion .
- Q3 20
23 – $59 .19 -Mobile rev enue :$
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French humorously remarked about potential price hikes following Black Friday sales events as a strategy to boost ARPU further.
In BellS presentation, there was also mention of efforts aimed at increasing ARPU among customers.
Both companies appear poised to raise prices on wireless plans as they strive for an average ARPU exceeding
60 dollars by late
26.
Bell expressed intentions to elevate its average ARPU by then too.
This trend is especially intriguing given increased competition stemming from Freedom's push toward becoming Canada's fourth national carrier.
The CFOs acknowledged returning stability within telecom operations—a return characterized by elevated prices and fewer promotional offers.
However,
the CRTC has mandated Freedom maintain pricing at least
20 percent lower than established carriers in Ontario,
British Columbia,
and Alberta for ten years—a ruling enacted early last year.
With two years already passed under this regulation,
Freedom will likely continue competing effectively unless it opts to raise rates itself.
Thus,
Bell and Telus may be premature in assuming competition is settling down.
A Shift Towards Home Internet Services
French indicated that Telus would adopt a quieter approach next year regarding mobile plans and device promotions but anticipates numerous offers related specifically to home internet services.
This aligns with Bell’s focus on expanding fiber-optic networks directly into homes while attracting new subscribers through these initiatives.
Telus aims not only for expansion but also intends significant outreach into eastern provinces like Ontario and Quebec were recent CRTC rulings have allowed infrastructure sharing with other major telecom players.
Initially targeting densely populated areas promising high returns,
French emphasized his belief that “everyone deserves fiber connectivity” ultimately guiding their long-term goals.
Meanwhile,
Bell’s CFO Curtis Millen echoed sentiments about returning growth prospects while emphasizing fiber strategies moving forward.
Interestingly enough,
despite previous claims regarding halting fiber rollout due largely due regulatory changes affecting both companies’ operations,
we’ve seen evidence suggesting Bell has resumed deploying fiber networks utilizing shared resources provided by Telus out west recently.
Millen reiterated plans centered around building additional fibers while onboarding new subscribers onto existing networks without specifying locations or timelines involved.It’s worth noting I received assurances last summer regarding upcoming installations near my residence which have yet materialized—casting doubt upon ongoing commitments made concerning rollout strategies.
Source:
Desjardins conference Bell,
Telus,
Telus earnings report ,
Bell earnings report
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