The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has approved the transfer of Manitoba Telecom Services’ broadcasting licence to BCE Inc.

CRTC approval marks the latest step in Bell’s quest to complete its expansion into the Manitoba market. However, the $3.9-billion deal still requires approval from both the Competition Bureau and Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED).

“We continue to make progress toward uniting Bell and MTS as we work with federal regulators to complete the remaining transaction approvals," BCE President and CEO George Cope said in a release. "Bell and MTS look forward to implementing our billion-dollar capital investment program to bring innovative broadband fibre and wireless services to Manitobans everywhere."

BCE said it expects the takeover will close in early 2017.