Rogers' launched the deal to buy Shaw in March 2021, but the competition bureau blocked it saying it would lessen competition in a market which has among the highest wireless prices in the world. He said since the competition bureau sits under the minister, it is a signal to the bureau to settle. The competition bureau did not reply to an email seeking comment. Champagne's announcement comes as the companies start a two-day mediation process starting Thursday at the Competition Tribunal. Competition bureau has said the sale of Freedom Mobile to Quebecor is not sufficient to overcome its concerns about market concentration.

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