Shaw Communications (NYSE: SJR) reported Q3 EPS of ($0.18), $0.40 worse than the analyst estimate of $0.22. Revenue for the quarter came in at $1.3 billion versus the consensus estimate of $1.01 billion.

“We are pleased with another strong quarter of Wireless performance as evidenced by over 54,000 postpaid net additions and ARPU growth of almost 8% compared to a year ago. Customers continue to reward us by choosing Freedom Mobile as their wireless provider due to our differentiated value proposition led by data-centric service plans,” said Brad Shaw, Chief Executive Officer. “Momentum is building and we will continue to be focused and execute on our strategic initiatives to drive greater market share by giving our customers the connectivity they want, on the devices they want.”

“We’re excited to announce our continued expansion of our Wireless retail distribution network, ensuring that more Canadians will have access to the value provided by Freedom Mobile. We’ve recently completed our successful fifteen store operational trial with Loblaws’ ‘The Mobile Shop’ and are working closely with Loblaws’ leadership on our broader launch that will reach nearly 100 stores in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia,” said Mr. Shaw. “In addition, we’re very pleased to announce that we’ve recently signed a comprehensive distribution agreement with Walmart, which will provide for our Wireless products to be distributed in approximately 140 Walmart locations. These retail growth initiatives, both of which we expect to begin this summer, will substantially improve the accessibility of our Wireless products and help close our historical retail distribution gap. When combined with our existing corporate and dealer store network, Freedom Mobile expects to have approximately 600 retail locations operational in early 2019.”

The Company is currently focused on building out its 700 MHz spectrum, which will continue throughout fiscal 2019 and once fully deployed will enable Wireless customers with compatible devices to receive an improved service experience.

Mr. Shaw continued, “While the distribution and network improvements that we have made, and continue to make, provide significant benefits to customers today, we are also making decisions that reflect our long-term view regarding new technology that is on the horizon. The government recently announced consultations to release certain spectrum bands that will support 5G wireless network deployment. This exciting step provides further visibility into the deployment of 5G where our Wireline and Wireless networks are very well positioned. We are pleased that our initial trials have been a success and, through our partnerships with best-in-class industry leaders, we will work to better understand 5G’s strengths and capabilities while continuing to invest in our network to offer Canadians a new era of strong and sustainable competition for the next generation of wireless technologies.”

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Shaw Communications (SJR) click here.