The bureau's biggest concern was the deal would lessen competition in a country where wireless bills are already among the highest in the world.

In March, Canada approved Rogers' buyout of Shaw Communications after securing binding commitments to pay financial penalties if it failed to create new jobs and invest to expand its network.

"We're concerned this blatant monopolization is going to cost Canadians more money on their basic services."

"Yeah, but if they throw a couple management positions in and hide their profits in 'network investments' (which may or may not include gobbling up even more service providers), then it's all good, right?"