Canada’s third largest mobile operator Telus has failed in its attempt to challenge the rules of the country’s 700 MHz spectrum auction scheduled for later this month.
Telus disputed Industry Canada’s decision to limit it – and fellow incumbents…
Canada’s third largest mobile operator Telus has failed in its attempt to challenge the rules of the country’s 700 MHz spectrum auction scheduled for later this month.
Telus disputed Industry Canada’s decision to limit it – and fellow incumbents Bell Canada and Rogers Wireless – from acquiring more than one of the four nationwide spectrum blocks on offer, while allowing new entrants and smaller rivals to buy two.
The Federal Court dismissed the case last week and ordered Telus to pay the government’s legal costs.
The judgement leaves open the possibility that a new investor or a smaller operator could enter and acquire two spectrum blocks. In that scenario, only two of the main operators would be able to get 700 MHz nationwide licences, leaving one without the desirable low-band frequencies.
However, no significant new player has registered to take part in the auction so far.
The tender is set to start on 14 January, with 11 bidders participating in the 700 MHz auction – down from an initial 15 as some smaller bidders have pulled out.
