Jagmeet Singh Targets Telecoms: Are the Big 3 Still Safe to Own?

What investors need to know about the telecoms like Shaw Communications Inc. (TSX:SJR.B)(NYSE:SJR) after NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh set them in his cross-hairs.

| More on:

Earlier this week, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh announced his plan to go after Canada’s big telecoms with the hopes of getting them to provide more affordable cellphone and internet services to Canadians. As you may know, Canadians pay a pretty penny for their phone and internet services, and that’s not helping Canada’s ridiculously high of consumer debt levels, which desperately needs to normalize.

They’re “effectively being ripped off” exclaimed Singh in an interview conducted by CTV News.

It’s not a mystery that federal regulators have the desire to foster more competition in Canada’s telecom scene. Shaw Communications (TSX:SJR.B)(NYSE:SJR) and its foray into the wireless space is expected to apply negative pressure to wireless rates over time, but over the near term, Shaw’s mobile business Freedom Mobile is unlikely to move the needle until the next generation of wireless tech finally hits the mainstream.

The rise of 5G could very well provide a nice runway for Shaw to go in for the kill and grab an equal share of the Canadian wireless market (the long-term goal), which would allow Canadians to get more bang for their buck. But until such an ideal scenario happens, Shaw is going to be competing with its deep-pocketed bigger brothers in the 5G arms race that’s going to end up in a very hefty capex bill.

On the wireless front, any regulatory hurdles placed before the Big Three incumbents, like those outlined in the NDP’s plan, including the creation of unlimited data plans (Shaw is rumoured to be a frontrunner in this category when 5G lands) and lower rates that are comparable to other OECD countries, should accelerate Shaw’s wireless subscriber growth, which will drive down aggregate mobile costs for all carriers as cost undercutting becomes the major theme for the incumbents.

While the NDP’s plan also includes steps to lower internet prices, I’d say the boon to Shaw’s wireless business more than makes up for any reduced margins on the internet front, at least over the longer term. As for the Big Three, any implementation of the NDP’s plan (or anything similar from other parties) could cause a vicious correction in shares.

Furthermore, I don’t think the NDP will be the only party that will tout lowering telecom costs as a part of their campaigns. Should competing parties match or raise the NDP on this front, we could see a rocky road ahead for the Big Three.

As such, I’d tread carefully as we inch closer to election day because increased government involvement could eat into the margins and subscriber bases of the telecom heavyweights. And to retain their subscribers and margins, the incumbents are going to need to make Canadians an offer they can’t refuse. Stellar network quality, bundling, and driving up ARPUs are going to determine who will be the winners of the telecom war.

In any case, I wouldn’t make any rash decisions if you already own shares of any Big Three telecoms, as they’re still dividend heavyweights. If you’re thinking about adding though, I’d wait for a better entry point because I don’t think potential government risks are fully factored in just yet.

Although the odds of an NDP victory are slim at this juncture, I wouldn’t at all be surprised to see other party leaders comment on the matter when the time comes. If I had to guess, they’ll probably agree with Singh when he says Canadians are being “ripped off,” and that’s not going to bode well for shares of the Big Three.

Stay hungry. Stay Foolish.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Joey Frenette owns shares of SHAW COMMUNICATIONS INC., CL.B, NV.

More on Dividend Stocks

dividends can compound over time
Dividend Stocks

Want a 7% Yield? The 3 TSX Stocks to Buy Today

These TSX stocks are offering high yields of over 7%, making them attractive for investors seeking steady passive income.

Read more »

how to save money
Dividend Stocks

The Smartest Dividend Stocks to Buy With $200 Right Now

These smartest dividend stocks can consistently pay and increase their dividends in the coming years, irrespective of the macro uncertainty.

Read more »

Electricity transmission towers with orange glowing wires against night sky
Dividend Stocks

3 Utility Stocks That Are Smart Buys for Canadians in November

These utility stocks benefit from regulated businesses and generate predictable cash flows that support higher dividend payouts.

Read more »

Start line on the highway
Dividend Stocks

Invest $10,000 in This Dividend Stock for $600 in Passive Income

Do you want to generate passive income? Forget the rental unit! This option will save you the mortgage yet still…

Read more »

Senior uses a laptop computer
Dividend Stocks

1 Reliable Dividend Stock for the Ultimate Retirement Income Stream

TD Bank (TSX:TD) shares are way too cheap with way too swollen a yield for retirees to pass up right…

Read more »

A worker drinks out of a mug in an office.
Dividend Stocks

Is Brookfield Infrastructure Partners a Buy for its 4.75% Yield?

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (BIP) has a 4.75% dividend yield. Is it worth it?

Read more »

TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) on wooden blocks and Canadian one hundred dollar bills.
Dividend Stocks

Where to Invest Your $7,000 TFSA Contribution

The TFSA is attractive for investors who want to generate tax-free passive income.

Read more »

The TFSA is a powerful savings vehicle for Canadians who are saving for retirement.
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: 3 Dividend Stocks Worth Holding Forever

These TSX stocks have the potential to grow their dividends over the next decade, making them top investments for TFSA…

Read more »