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Shaw also missed expectations when it came to its wireless business, which it rebranded to Freedom Mobile from Wind Mobile this quarter in an attempt to get away from Wind’s baggage around customer service issues and network problems. It added 9,400 subscribers, missing consensus expectations of 31,000 additions.

But CEO Brad Shaw told reporters that Shaw intentionally backed off its marketing efforts as it rolled out its new LTE-advanced network so consumers didn’t sign up for the old network then needed to come back a month later to switch handsets and plans.

“We purposely slowed down,” Shaw said after the annual general meeting in Calgary. “We feel we’ve got good momentum and we’re excited about the new network.”

Shaw currently offers only two phones that operate on its LTE network, but expects to have eight to 10 choices in the next six months, Shaw said, adding he hopes to land Apple and Samsung devices this year. The company will further expand its wireless offering once it finished rolling out the LTE network, Shaw said in his speech at the AGM.

“We cannot overstate the importance of our wireless acquisition and the spectrum and expertise it contributes to our ability to deliver better connectivity to Canadians,” Shaw said.

In a call with analysts, Freedom CEO Alec Krstajic said subscriber additions picked up in December so investors should expect a good recovery.

Shaw’s revenue and operating income were in line with Bay Street’s predictions and its cable, Internet and telephone subscription numbers were slightly better than expected.