Bell would have too much control of English-language TV content and consumers would end up with higher prices if the telecom company is allowed to buy Astral Media, competitor Telus said on Tuesday.
Bell could have 49.5 per cent of the English-language television audience with its purchase of Montreal-based Astral, along with its ownership in the Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment TV assets, and its stake in joint venture assets, Telus said.
"More concentration equals fewer choices and prices go up," said Joe Natale, Telus's chief commercial officer.
However, Bell put its potential English language audience at 33.5 per cent.
A regulatory hearing on Bell's $3.4-billion purchase of Astral starts next month.
