Canada's Rogers Communications and Shaw Communications issued a joint statement yesterday disclosing that the mediation held on 4-5 July between the two telcos and the Commissioner of Competition did not result in a resolution of the Commissioner's objections to the pair's proposed merger. The statement added: 'The review process will continue as previously disclosed. Rogers and Shaw are not precluded from continuing discussions with the Commissioner at any time. Rogers and Shaw intend to continue to work constructively with the Commissioner to highlight the many benefits of the merger to all Canadians, including maintaining a strong and sustainable fourth wireless carrier across Canada through the proposed divestiture of [Shaw's subsidiary] Freedom Wireless to Quebecor Inc [parent of Videotron].'

It was previously reported that mediation could pave the way for a settlement avoiding a protracted legal battle in the Competition Tribunal. If the parties fail to reach a solution via mediation, however, the matter will go to a trial not expected to start until November, with an outcome expected by year-end.

Thanks to TeleGeography for this industry update.