Full Signal February 2015 Edition by Full Signal

GRADUATE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2015 EDITION

HOW BELL AND THE TELECOM INDUSTRY CONTINUE TO

CONTENT & CONTRIBUTORS JOSH GLADSTONE

IRIS WONG

ERICA EDWARDS

LEAD EDITOR

LEAD DESIGNER

THERE IS NO TIME LIKE THE FUTURE

WRITTEN BY: RAY ABRAMSON

FLIPP: APP OF THE ISSUE

WRITTEN BY: ERICA EDWARDS

RECRUITING 101

WRITTEN BY: MEGHAN BOURNE

HOW DOES BLACKBERRY PLAN TO SURVIVE

WRITTEN BY: IRIS WONG

BELL AND THE INTERNET OF THINGS

WRITTEN BY: JOSH GLADSTONE

CROSSWORD PUZZLE OF THE ISSUE

WOMEN IN THE BELL WOKRPLACE

WRITTEN BY: CATHERINE ARCHAMBAULT

CONSCIOUS UNCOUPLING WRITTEN BY: VERA QI-LIN

WHAT IS FULL SIGNAL?

FULL

SIGNAL

newsletter

published

by Grads in the Graduate Leadership Program. We feature articles on the telecom industry, interesting stories, as well as profiles of our managers,

directors,

and peers.

It’s sno’ joke—winter is in full

NOTE FROM THE EDITORS

force! So go ahead. Make yourself some hot chocolate and warm up while reading the great articles of Full Signal’s

newest

Winter

GRADUATE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM NEWSLETTER

issue.

WINTER 2015 EDITION

With the help of our inaugural members Ray Abramson, Catherine

Archambault,

and Meghan Bourne, we’ve brought you a timely edition that takes a comprehensive look into some gamechanging telecommunication trends! Keep reading for a unique perspective on the recent shift towards Over-TheTop service, Bell’s relationship with the Internet of Things, and career advice for aspiring women in Bell!

CONTRIBUTORS

Wishing you a warm winter,

Want to get involved? Give us a

Josh, Iris and Erica

shout

FullSignal@bell.ca.

look forward to hearing from you! 4

UPDATES FROM THE LDP TEAM

Our team is looking forward to an even better 2015! Here are just a few things to look forward to:

We hope everyone has had a wonderful holiday season with lots of rest, family time and great food! We wanted to thank you for an amazing

1.0s, 2.0s: More alumni events. 3.0s: Final rotations, land-

2014. With your support, we were able to:

ings and graduation! Welcome eleven 4.0s and twenty-one 4.1s on board.

4.0s:

Leadership

Sum-

mit, Offsites and being Have the very first Grad Summer Internship Program which was

involved with interviews

incredibly successful.

and recruitment for 6.0s. 5.0s: Onboarding and a

Welcome Patricia Melville and Tania Crump to the team full time.

start to a great career.

Visit 18 schools in Ontario and Quebec for info sessions.

We are constantly looking for ways to make the

Receive the highest ever number of applicants apply to the GLP

program better for you

intern and full-time programs (1,200+).

and the grads to come. If you have any recommen-

Hire 18 interns and 25 new 5.0 grads to join the program in

dations as to what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d

Montreal and Toronto.

like to see, please reach out to us! We hope you

Graduate

talented

individuals

from

the

GLP

program

continue to stay involved in the events hosted by

Had a record-breaking 90+ rotations and landing positions for 3.0/

the

3.1 cohort, including new opportunities such as within The Source.

member that we are al-

program

and

re-

ways available to support Continue to have fun and inspiring events including: Offer Party,

you in any way possible.

Virgin Day, Bell Media Day, Grad Leadership Summit, Blue

Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to an awesome

Mountain Ski Trip, Leadership Thoughts, Offsites and Coffee

New Year!

House (special thanks to Josh & Carli!). 5

NO TIME LIKE THE FUTURE WRITTEN BY: RAY ABRAMSON

As most know, Canada has three major players who dominate the telecommunications industry: Bell Canada, Telus, and Rogers. Each of the big three companies compete tooth and nail for Canadian telecommunications supremacy, both in the wireless arena and, alongside other historic monopolies like Shaw and Videotron, in the fight for the broadband home. They constantly create new strategies that combine innovative technologies with legacy products and a ever-evolving back end. From the installation of new Fiber networks across Canada, to the rapidly-evolving era of digital video consumption, the telecommunications industry is now in a state of flux with everything up for grabs. Not since the eruption of demand for wireless technology in the late 1990s have we seen a level of transformation similar to the one now underway. In many ways, the current transformation is the collision of that same wireless eruption with the new possibilities of a converged Internet. As the needs and wants of consumers continue to change with velocity, Canadian telecoms are undergoing a fundamental trend in upgrading their product offerings with increasing momentum. This article takes a look at some of these trends, and a projected outlook for Bell (TSE:BCE), Telus (TSE-T) and Rogers (TSE:RCI.B) going forward.

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW / COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE add up the telecom-related revenues of

gopolistic theme immediately comes to mind. For the

Shaw, Quebecor and Cogeco, they combine

last 20 years, Bell, Rogers and Telus have been the most

for over $11 billion -- implying that the ‘Big

dominant in the industry. However, there are many

Three’ are not alone. The market is both

other smaller companies competing for market share.

crowded and competitive.

Players as diverse as Shaw, TekSavvy, Cogeco, TBayTel

over $20 billion. To put that into perspective, Rogers came in at $12 billion and Telus at $11 billion. If you 6

SHAW, QUEBECOR, COGECO

$11 Billion

and nationally. In 2013, BCE had total revenue of just

$11 Billion

ate a densely populated telecom sector, both regionally

$12 Billion

THE ‘BIG THREE’

in Thunder Bay and Quebecor’s Videotron, help to cre-

$20 Billion

When observing the telecom industry in Canada, an oli-

OVER-THE-TOP CONTENT (OTT) While Netflix and Hulu

a very different content

established OTT services,

are the preeminent ser-

offering. The difference

Shomi and CraveTV must

vices that originally de-

between

and

be made available to the

fined the OTT industry,

Shomi is that the former

masses. If they are not, it

an increasing number of

is tethered to a television

will be extremely difficult

competitors have slowly

subscription

par-

to gain market share from

started penetrating the

ticipating providers (Bell,

new customers. To attract

lucrative

Telus,

while

‘Cord Nevers’ who have

panies like HBO and CBS,

the latter requires a cus-

never had conventional TV

who

re-

tomer to have any Rogers

service, traditional televi-

leased their own stand-

or Shaw line of business.

sion players need the buzz

market.

have

Com-

recently

CraveTV

with

Eastlink),

that accompanies a whole-

alone streaming service, prod-

market offering by mak-

concerns/is-

ing the service available

sues must be addressed:

to anyone. A second key

signaled a new trend in

With

these

the

ucts,

two

telecommunication

industry: partially-decou-

OTT

to success here is ensuring

pling specialty channels from cable and offering

it as an OTT product. To

vice

Can

OTT

ser-

a constantly-growing con-

with

tent database from which

combat this trend, Rogers

Netflix or Hulu while

to choose, as stale content

and Bell have both cre-

only

available

will lead to high churn

ated their own product to

to a telecom compa-

once consumption of the

compete in the OTT space,

ny’s

customers?

available media is finished.

rent services. Rogers, in

2. What will happen to

The second question is

collaboration with Shaw,

existing

more complex. While Bell

has

‘Shomi’—

they are no longer re-

and Rogers will be fight-

a $9 per month unlim-

quired to purchase con-

ing an uphill battle to gain

ited movie and television

ventional TV products

market share in the OTT

streaming service that is

in concert with the OTT

sector, there is still a sil-

available only to existing

service? Will cannibal-

ver lining. Even if Shomi

Rogers and Shaw custom-

ization begin to occur?

and CraveTV are opened

compete being own

but as an add-on to cur-

released

customers

non-exclusively

ers. As of December 11th,

the

Bell partnered with Telus

The answer to the first

public—and resulting can-

to release ‘CraveTV’, a $4

question

straightfor-

nibalization occurs—both

per month service simi-

ward: to effectively com-

companies will still see a

lar to Shomi, but with

pete

steady growth in what is

with

other

more 7

quickly becoming the most integral line of business:

Internet.

OTT

services

require

will

FINAL THOUGHTS

Inin-

It is tough to know exactly how the fi-

creased revenue through new larger sized plans.

nancial markets will play out. But as-

ternet

data,

which

turn

lead

suming a normal and consistent atmo-

HARDWARE PRICING

sphere, Canadian telecoms should prosper. Current Price on 11/26/2014

YOY Growth

BCE Inc. (TSE: BCE)

$52.92

+13.73%

Rogers (TSE:RCI.B)

$45.35

-1.99%

Telus (TSE:T)

$42.73

+14.83%

Another large change currently occurring in the telecom space is a shift in the way providers charge customers for hardware. AT&T in the US is now offering Equipment Installation Plans (EIP) to customers. An EIP basically boils down to giving a customer a brand new hardware device, like an Apple iPhone 6, for zero dollars today, but requiring them to make payments over the duration of their plan for the total value of the device. For example, an

It would be difficult and na誰ve to present

Apple iPhone has a landed cost of $715, so over 24

a projected target price for these three

months, a monthly payment of $29.79 is required.

telecoms; however, overall opinion appears to be on the upside for continued

penetra-

growth. Despite fierce headwinds from

tion, as customers are able to get the top mobile de-

services such as OTT, domestic service pro-

vice they desire without having to shell out large

viders are well-placed to compete as they

sums of money.

In the EIP model, the effects on

offer their own standalone OTT services,

ARPU must be considered, as no longer will there be

helping to keep customers loyal while reap-

one total monthly payment required but, rather, two

ing the benefits from the large increases

separate line items: one for the EIP payment and the

in data consumption. It seems only fitting

other for the service. Currently the two are baked

that in this rapidly evolving world of tele-

into one final price. While this is a new strategy cur-

com, with an endless supply of innovation,

rently being introduced in the US, it will likely begin

both consumers and market dwellers alike

to enter Canada in the near- to medium-term future.

are left with a lingering positive sentiment:

This

strategy

directly

increases

Equipment Installation Plan Model

wireless

MONTHLY BILL = DEVICE PAYMENT (1/24 of the phone) + SERVICE PAYMENT

THERE REALLY IS NO TIME LIKE THE FUTURE.

APP OF THE ISSUE WRITTEN BY: ERICA EDWARDS

use

flyers where and when

while shopping comes sec-

you have the time to.

ond nature to consumers

Whether

- whether it’s snapping a

ning in advance or while

photo for a second opin-

you’re already at the store,

ion or referencing a web-

Flipp makes it easy to find

site for product reviews

deals and save on the go.

Today,

smartphone

you’re

plan-

and price comparisons. For all your shopping needs,

So, what retailers are in-

Flipp is your new go-to

cluded in Flipp? The list

tool. Flipp is an app that

goes on and on, but a

to filter through what items are marked down

will quite simply save you

few notable retailers are:

by the largest percentage. This is perfect if you

both time and money by

Best

Shop,

are flexible to shopping in multiple locations,

reducing your time spent

Walmart, Loblaws, Shop-

different days of the week, and don’t mind a

trying

per’s Drug Mart, Home

bit of bargain hunting. However, if you typi-

Depot, Hudson’s Bay, and

cally are a one-stop shopper and don’t want

How? Flipp allows you to

IKEA. With so many op-

to venture too far for a deal (i.e. not a ‘cou-

select the retailers you are

tions available it could be-

pon-clipper’) and think your time spent find-

most interested in and then

come a daunting task to

ing deals is more valuable than the savings

compiles their in-market

look at all of the flyers, but

you would receive, Flipp can still help you

flyers into a digital feed.

Flipp has made sure that

save money too. By using the app to search for

You can then ‘clip’ items

the app has several search

the specific item you’re interested in, you can

from each flyer to your

filters to keep it simple.

compare prices across all retailers for just the

save

money.

Buy,

Future

shopping list by tapping,

one item. This can help you either last-minute

for easy reference later

In addition to being able to

price match at the checkout counter or know

on. Bonus: You no longer

search by the flyer’s in mar-

where to buy the item from in the first place.

need to clog your mailbox

ket dates, brand and creat-

with physical flyers that

ing a list of your favourites,

Whatever your typical shopping trip may

to access the deals. Bonus:

there is also the Discount

look like and whatever the items are on

You no longer have to cut

Slider tool. If you are look-

your list may be, I guarantee Flipp will save

out coupons and remem-

ing to get the most overall

you money without the hassle of trying to

ber to take them with you.

value from your shopping

save money. Flipp is a free app, available for

Bonus: You can scan the

trip, the slider allows you

both Android and Apple operating systems.

In the business world, the end of fall coincides with the end of another season: recruiting season. After countless hours spent at university information sessions, weeks of candidate evaluation, and after many seemingly endless train rides, Bell is ready to welcome the 5.0 class into our GLP family. Recruiting as a fresh new Bell employee much resembles the process endured as a university student. Instead of selling your skills and attributes, you are selling a program, a process, and above all, a company. The search for the right “fit” is still front and center. You are employing the ‘airplane test’ the same way you would have years prior. As Grads involved look back and reflect on the past few months of candidate evaluation, this article will provide you with a few key tips

WRITTEN BY: MEGHAN BOURNE

TIPS AND TRICKS TO NAVIGATE THE OTHER SIDE OF THE TABLE

RECRUITING 101

and tricks to employ during recruiting, especially now that you are on the other side of the table.

1/5 WHAT TO DO: AT THE INFORMATION SESSION Preparation: Have 3 reasons why you chose Bell and the telecom industry at the ready – these topics ease the conversation onwards and help personalize the networking experience. Here are some examples: The Telecom Industry:

The Authenticity of Bell:

“Telecom is a fast paced,

“A

ever changing industry that

through and through –

keeps you on your toes!

unlike other US based com-

the

panies that recruit on cam-

morning news and you’ll

pus, Bell organically creates

realize you need a work

all of its products, services

around

and

quick

read

for

Canadian

company

the

new

that

has

specifically for Canadians

thrown a wrench in your

(you won’t see a reused

plans!

can’t

TV spot where the US

about

flag has been changed to

development

say

I the

cereal

bet

you

same

toothpaste...”

marketing

a Canadian one)”

material

2/5

THE BELL’S WILL RING AGAIN

WHAT TO DO: WHEN YOU’VE FOUND A GREAT CANDIDATE The Great Candidate:

Don’t Give Away the Answer:

Let’s face it. We’ve all

Absolutely offer the candidate advice and preparation sug-

ALTHOUGH IT MAY

had that moment of self-

gestions; however, be wary of giving away the ‘answers’.

SEEM DAUNTING,

reflection

Subtle tips help orient the students in the right direction.

RECRUITING SEA-

to a keen undergradu-

For example, you could say something along the lines of:

SON IS AN INTEGRAL

ate where the student’s

“Make sure to highlight both your leadership and

ONE, BOTH FOR

enthusiasm and ambition

team work examples—that way, recruiters know you

BELL’S CULTURE

reminds you exactly of...

can be both a leader and a collaborative team player.”

AND FOR OUR OWN

you. So what is the best way

What not to say:

INTROSPECTION. IT

to guide these candidates

“There will be a question about a time when you were

GIVES MEMBERS OF

towards a career at Bell?

persistent and reached a goal.” That specificity is both

THE GLP A CHANCE

unethical and could potentially mislead the candidate.

TO REFLECT ON

while

talking

THEIR DECISION

3/5

4/5

TO CHOOSE THE

5/5

TELECOMMUNICA-

WHAT TO DO: DURING BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEWS

WHAT TO DO: DURING CASE INTERVIEWS

WHAT TO DO: DURING THE OFFERS PHASE

TION INDUSTRY. IT ALLOWS US TO REMEMBER

Strike a Balance:

Seek the Well-Rounded:

Remain Impartial:

Be sure to be friendly,

Rotational programs re-

Don’t get your heart set

QUALITIES OF THE

professional and inquisi-

quire

with

on a candidate. Recruiting

GLP. BY HELPING

tive during the in-person

both analytical and inter-

is like dating –although

RECRUIT THE NEXT

interviews. As a young

personal skills, and case

you have already pictured

GENERATION OF

Bell representative, can-

interviews are the perfect

the two of you in a pho-

GRADS, WE ARE

didates will relate to you.

medium that sheds insight

to-strip from the Virgin

ENSURING THAT

Use that to your advan-

on both. Don’t be fooled

Mobile photo-booth, they

THE ENGAGING

tage to make them feel

by the candidate who has

may choose to go steady

AND STIMULATING

comfortable and at ease.

strong numeric ability but

with

candidates

another

company.

THE AMAZING

CULTURE THAT BELL

an unfavourable person-

HAS DEVELOPED

ality. And the same ap-

WILL CONTINUE TO

plies in the opposite—a

GROW AND THRIVE

flashy smile does not make

UNTIL NEXT YEAR!

break-even

analysis. 11

2015: HOW DOES BLACKBERRY PLAN TO SURVIVE? WRITTEN BY: IRIS WONG

After years of dwindling demand, BlackBerry hopes to make a comeback following a dramatic leadership change and launch of its newest model towards the tail-end of 2014. Will the combination of this ‘throwback’ device and bold new direction put them back on top of the competition?

Once

the

king

Smartphone

the

market,

competitions’ touchscreen

company’s newest device

interfaces. The original de-

that boasts a vintage look

sign and shape that Black-

complemented by impres-

BlackBerry has long been

“CHEN IS

struggling to maintain its

BRINGING

Berry once profited from

sive new features and an

presence with diminish-

BACK THE

had been abandoned in

updated OS. The device

the name of mobile evo-

comes fully loaded with

lution. That is...until now.

nostalgic accents such as

ing sales of its products. In a market with growing

AUTHENTIC

demand for mobile touch-

LOOK OF THE

screen technology, market

ORIGINAL

leaders have spent the past few years evolving all

DEVICES

of its products, boasting robust touch-screen interfaces and progressive soft-

its top row comprised of 4 Why? Because John Chen,

hot keys (nicknamed “the

BlackBerry’s

belt”),

CEO

mouse-like

track

2013, is bringing ‘text-y’

pad, and even its famous

FOR

back. That is, rather that

‘Brick

CONSUMERS

Chen is bringing back the

BlackBerry is targeting its

authentic look of the orig-

oldest and most loyal us-

inal devices for consum-

ers: customers who prefer

Breaker’

game.

ware designs. BlackBerry

WHO VALUE

was slow to follow suit,

A PHYSICAL

ers who value a physical

a handheld device stripped

pushing

KEYBOARD.”

keyboard. At the heart of

of all entertainment fea-

its mobile handset strat-

tures and can be used

egy is the ‘Classic’ - the

simply for work. This key

out

less-than-

popular models such as the Z30 that mimicked its

demographic – which in-

data of anything function-

cludes professionals such

ing off of the QNX soft-

as businesspeople and gov-

ware, which includes virtu-

ernment officials - might

ally everything from cell

just have the potential to

phones to vehicles to even

shift the company’s pres-

cows. But what does this

ence in the mobile market.

mean exactly? In a nutshell,

If it can hit its conservative

Project Ion gives BlackBerry

target of 10 million de-

the opportunity to track

vices a year, the company

any item imaginable, scale

will breakeven. However,

and store all tracked data

if BlackBerry fails to meet

into a global cloud-based

Only time will tell at this point. In

its objective even after

bank, and then utilize it to

any case, after years of fiscal tur-

its drastic re-branding ef-

identify significant trends

moil and uncertainty, Chen has man-

fort to recapture its most

between things. Ergo, the

aged to sufficiently hedge BlackBerry

faithful users, it will need

“things” in IoT. Though a

with its strong investments in a de-

to reconsider its corporate

newer and riskier invest-

vice of the past and a software of the

strategy in years to come.

ment, many would argue

future. And that just might be enough

that its strategy with IoT

for its survival in 2015.

But BlackBerry has some-

will be the future of data

thing else up its sleeve.

gathering. And that’s how

Reinvigorating its mobile

BlackBerry

sees

So the question is:

WILL BLACKBERRY EMERGE AS THE MOBILE INDUSTRY’S CHAMPION, PULLING IN NEW AND NOSTALGIC USERS ALIKE? OR WILL ITS INVESTMENT IN PROJECT ION BE THE TURNING POINT IN ITS FUTURE ?

too.

game plan is not its only focus for the year. As the rise of “Internet of Things” (IoT) comes to surface in months to come, BlackBerry hopes to profit from this booming technological phenomenon. As unveiled

THE TRADITIONAL AND THE FUTURE.

at the beginning of 2014, Chen hopes to leverage its cloud-based company QNX Software Systems into a fully functioning IoT business, dubbed Project Ion. The project is designed to harvest and interpret the 13

BELL AND THE LET’S START OFF BY ADDRESSING THE TWO QUESTIONS ON YOUR MIND: 1. WHAT IS THE INTERNET OF ‘THINGS’? 2. HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM THE INTERNET THAT YOU AND I USE DAILY? To answer the first ques-

So, what is the Internet of

tion, we should begin with

Things? One way to look

analysis

second.

at it is like the “Internet

The Internet that we use

of People’s” little brother;

today is a connector of

it doesn’t connect people,

people.

paradigm-

but rather—you guessed

shifting websites such as

it—it connects things. And

Facebook,

and

just like a little brother, it

Netflix, this “Internet of

can be annoying, frustrat-

People”

connected

ing, and it most definitely

humans to one another,

requires a watchful eye.

or-

Because soon, it might just

grow up to surpass the

meta way, to themselves.

legacy of its older brother.

the

With

Amazon, has

companies

ganizations,

and

WHAT ARE “THINGS”? For nearly two hundred years, our society has evolved by building more and more things. Things like planes, trains, or automobiles. Things like water pipes and electrical transmission lines. Things like fibre-optic networks. Everywhere we look, we see things. In the world of IoT, these are exactly the objects that we are seeking to connect. 14

INTERNET OF THINGS HOW DOES THE IOT CONNECT THINGS?

WRITTEN BY: JOSH GLADSTONE

AT ITS CORE, THE INTERNET OF THINGS IS MADE UP OF THREE COMPONENTS:

Sensors – with the advent

Connection – wireless or

Smart Response – as one

of micro-eletromechanical

wired,

that

object receives data from

systems (MEMS), tiny sen-

collect data need a low cost

another object, it needs

sors can be placed on ob-

medium to transfer data to

a way to analyze the in-

jects and products. These

other objects.

coming data and make

the

sensors

sensors can deliver key

sense of it. Then, it must

information on the things

make

they

based on what it finds.

are

attached

to.

good

decision

Here is an example to illustrate the Internet of Things. Imagine a cow in a large farm, named Nelly, falls ill. Based on a micro-sensor attached to Nelly, data is transmitted wirelessly to the mechanical herding system, informing it of Nelly’s increased temperature. The herding system interprets this data to understand that Nelly is sick, and effectively removes Nelly from the herd before she can infect other cows. Machines talking to machines to deliver a swift, effective response.

IMPLICATIONS OF A WORLD WITH IoT Now that we’ve gotten an accurate sense of what the Internet of Things is, lets shift focus to the implications of its use. How will IoT impact our lives as both regular citizens and as consumers? For citizens, the Internet of Things will drive simplicity by bridging the gap between our desire to have, and actually having it. Let’s assume you are wearing a smart, connected watch that senses how tense you are after a tiring day at work. On your way home, your watch sends this data to your audio system, which interprets it accordingly. Understanding that the best music for aggravated moods is a soft, calming melody, your audio system starts playing Smooth Jazz as you trudge into your apartment. 15

For consumers, the Internet of Things will connect our demands with a companies’ ability to supply. Imagine sensors in a Supermarket track your footpath, honing in on the aisles you frequent the most. During your subsequent visits, those sensors will send unique offers directly to your Smartphone. It could even provide suggestions of what you might like given your past purchasing history.

WHAT DOES IoT MEAN FOR BELL?

The second effect that the IoT could have on Bell comes in the form of

We now know what the IoT is. We also know how it

new product innovation.

could manifest itself in our not-too-distant future. So

The

how might this rapidly approaching idea affect Bell, and

use today transfers huge

more broadly, the telecommunication environment?

amounts of data at increas-

Internet

that

ingly faster speeds. That’s First, the Internet of Things relies on two technologies

exactly what you need

that Bell specializes in: the Internet and Wireless com-

for streaming movies on

munications. For products to interact with one another

Netflix;

in your home, a customer will require both. This pres-

things

ents an opportunity for Bell to pursue partnerships

with one another require

with companies competing in the IoT space. If Bell can

a much simpler mode of

bundle its Internet package with IoT products, it could

data

open new opportunities for acquisitions and growth.

type

and

power

tion

network

however,

small

communicating

transmission.

LPWA

reduced

–

This speed

communicais

“Low

called Power,

Wide Area”. With such a network, things can send tiny bits of data to each other cheaply, and without consuming much power. If Bell can create a new line of products that offer such services to retailers, the company could experience the kind of fast-paced growth matched only by the speed with which technology 16

advances

today.

CROSS WORD DOWN

Blackberry’s newest mobile

The idea that connects

device model

things over the Internet

ACROSS

Bell Media’s newly

AT&T now offers this type of plan to customers

Bell’s total revenue in 2014

The name of Blackberry’s

to help them with hardware payments (Hint:

Nickname for Canada’s top telecommunication

Rogers and Shaw’s Canada-only streaming service

Elaine

was just over

initiative looking at the Internet of Things

companies - Bell, Rogers and Telus

10 12

Name of the game included in the newest Blackberry device

The title of the Facebook COO’s best-selling book

,Brand Director at Bell’s

Montreal office

15 16

Systems - used for sensors in the Internet of Things

launched streaming service

also known as an Equipment Installation Plan)

Microelectromechanical

tion method, as provided by companies such as Net-

Cost of CraveTv’s service per month Is $

flix

What to do during behavioural interviews: Strike a

Emerging content distribu-

. 17

Blackberry’s current CEO

read

Facebook’s

COO,

Sheryl

“Lean

In”.

career

Having both

incredible

book

Sandberg,

had

Google

called

impressive

and

Facebook,

Sandberg paints a comprehensive picture of the challenges women face in the business world,

and

provides

valuable

advice

on how women can find their place and assert

their

outlines

leadership. distinct

In tips;

total,

Sandberg

however,

this

article will focus on two of those themes that I feel are the most pertinent. To see how these nuggets of advice can be applied to the great culture at Bell, I had the chance to interview Elaine Bissonnette, a Brand Director

the

Montreal

office—someone

who exemplifies being a strong woman in the corporate world.

1/2 LEAN IN’S ADVICE #1: SIT AT THE TABLE In December 2010, Sandberg presented a TED TALK called, “Why We Have Too Few Women Leaders”. The video perfectly describes the argument for taking your place at the table—‘table’ being an all inclusive term for meetings. In her story, Sandberg depicts a situation where she attended a meeting that did not have enough chairs for all participants. Surprisingly, all the men in the room presumed their seats, while the women in the room stood during the entirety of the conversation. When this happens, it often leads to those standing in the background stifled and unable to express their ideas or concerns. I told this story to Elaine, who had some valuable insight:

WRITTEN BY: CATHERINE ARCHAMBAULT

recently

WOMEN IN THE BELL WORKPLACE

Catherine: Has there been a moment in your career where you

thought:

‘I

should

2/2

are

very

fortunate

LEAN IN’S ADVICE #2: DON’T LEAVE BEFORE YOU LEAVE

work at a company with such

In her book, Sandberg sheds some valuable insight

progressive at-

a leader amongst my male

on maternity leave. With the ambition of starting

titudes towards

colleagues?’

a family, women often begin planning their ‘exit’ a

gender

equal-

few years in advance. Occasionally, they will not ac-

ity.

Elaine

Elaine:

cept a promotion or avoid changing roles for fear

Bissonnette so

To be honest, not real-

of not being in position long enough to develop the

clearly express-

ly. We are lucky at Bell,

necessary skills to excel. Sandberg’s stance on this is

es, Bell facili-

we have great leaders

that women should not be so complacent; instead,

tates a culture

who make sure to offer

they should prove to the employers that they are

of comfort and

equal opportunities for

dedicated to the organization and ready to take on

opportunity

all – regardless of gen-

new challenges, despite their maternity aspirations.

for both men

really

assert

myself

der. Nevertheless, in my

and

women

field, in advertising, I

Catherine:

an entire year for mater-

alike. “Lean In”

have noticed that men

What do you think about

nity leave. It is sometimes

was an inspir-

tend to boldly express

Sheryl’s point of view of

hard to let our employees

ing book that

their

while

not ‘leaving’ before you

go because they are so

would

women seem to be more

‘leave’? How do women

competent, but you always

serve

reserved. I think it is

work

find a solution. Women

power women

imperative

and

obligations?

should not be afraid to

further in an al-

take on all the challenges

ready empow-

opinions,

for

women

Bell

balance

family

to have the confidence

only to

em-

to speak up and trust

Elaine:

that are presented to them

ering work en-

their gut instincts. I be-

I think Sheryl Sandberg

and maternity is a chal-

vironment. My

lieve that there are areas

comes from a very par-

lenge. My best advice for

advice to the

where women are missed

ticular environment at the

young women who want

women at Bell

in equal representation,

heart of some very unique

to have kids is to simply do

such as the Board of Di-

companies. In that kind

what makes you happy. If

lots, work hard,

rectors.

mentioned

of workplace, I can un-

your family is your priority,

and

in many managing stud-

derstand that women in

take action accordingly. If

all,

ies, women bring a dif-

leadership positions have

it’s your job: no problem—

strong woman

ferent

view

trouble leaving the job.

we’ll find you the perfect

that you are!

in such a setting, and

At Bell, our environment

challenges. However, don’t

their presence should be

is much more structured

forget that happiness of-

greater in proportion to

and women have less fear

ten comes from finding

what we see nowadays.

when it comes to taking

your own perfect balance.

point

this:

laugh above

the

CONSCIOUS UNCOUPLING HBO’S NEW SERVICE SIGNALS A CHANGE IN HOW PREMIUM TV IS DELIVERED TO THE HOME WRITTEN BY: VERA QI-LIN

Since its inception in the

online service to its Amer-

1970s, HBO has grown its

ican base in 2015. Effec-

value into the billions,

tively, this would provide

solidifying its position as

internet subscribers with-

a best-in-class premium

out cable service access

cable network. Its busi-

to HBO’s previously inac-

ness model has long been

cessible shows and mov-

built on primarily earning

ies. Despite the poten-

revenue

subscrip-

tial rift that such a move

tions, while also licensing

could cause with its cable

out its programs to other

partners, the opportunity

networks. The caveat, up

for

until recently, was that

delivery was too entic-

the network would only

ing to pass up. With ap-

those

proximately ten million

already subscribed to a

US households receiving

television service.

broadband-only

from

available

broadband

content

service

and another eighty milIn

October,

an-

lion individuals not cur-

nounced that it will begin

rently subscribed to HBO,

offering

they chose now as the

HBO

standalone

time to make their foray

“HBO’s CHOICE TO OFFER THEIR SERVICE OVERTHE-TOP (OTT) HIGHLIGHTS A GROWING INDUSTRY TREND AND PLACES INCREASED PRESSURE ON SERVICE PROVIDERS TO CONSIDER HOW THEY PRICE, VALUE AND DISTRIBUE THEIR RANGE OF PRODUCTS.”

into the internet landscape. HBO’s

choice

offer

their service Over-The-Top (OTT) highlights a growing industry trend and places increased pressure on service providers to consider how they price, value and distribute their range of products. However, the true implications of this decision, especially within the Canadian market, may still be too early to conclude. For instance, how to

HBO

will

distribute

choose

their

on-

line content is yet to be

determined. The company could work with existing cable partners to market the OTT service, they could engage third parties such as Apple TV or Google’s Chromecast, or they could even sell di-

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been

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made in the Canadian

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market to keep up with the growing movement towards OTT substitution. In November, Rogers and Shaw launched their joint

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venture, Shomi, a Canada-only streaming service available

their own customers. Featuring over 12,000 hours of content from various networks, Shomi is priced competitively against Netflix at $8.99 per month.

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exclusively

the right-holders to HBO in Canada, this means that the service will include the plethora of HBO shows that have made the network iconic. Ten percent of CraveTV’s total library will be allocated to leveraging Bell’s exclusive partnership with HBO in Canada, streaming all of its off-air scripted shows, including: ‘The Sopranos,’ ‘Entourage,’ ‘Sex And the City,’ ‘Six Feet Under,’ and ‘The Wire.’ In the words of Bell Media President Kevin Crull, “CraveTV addresses a significant gap in the Canadian TV system and allows TV providers to greatly enhance the value they provide their clients.” The subscription service—which is intended to complement existing cable services—will be made available to all Bell, TELUS, and EastLink TV customers, through smartphone apps, desktop computers and other digital platforms. As the landscape for television programming provision continues to shift away from traditional mechanisms, it will

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American announcement, also

provides Canadians with access to online content. As

be interesting to see how this impacts players in the

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In the wake of HBO’s have

also launched a new streaming service, CraveTV, that

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moves

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among other options.

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rectly to consumers (similar to what Netflix does),

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Quick on the heels of their competitors, Bell Media has

OTT services in Canada remains to be seen, consumers’

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Canadian market, and within that, Bell’s own business model. Though whether or not HBO chooses to offer its appetite and preference for content delivery is both growing and changing. Ultimately, this predicates only one key focus in mind for the major service providers: how to deliver the best possible experience for the customers in question.

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