Canada’s industry minister has set the date for the auction of the country’s 700MHz spectrum auction alongside pledging to increase tower sharing in the market.
The tender process will begin on 19 November and will be structured so at least four…
Canada’s industry minister has set the date for the auction of the country’s 700MHz spectrum auction alongside pledging to increase tower sharing in the market.
The tender process will begin on 19 November and will be structured so at least four providers in every region can acquire spectrum.
Canada’s wireless market has long been dominated by Bell, Rogers and Telus. The government wants a fourth player to emerge and stripped away the country’s rules on foreign investment limits for small telcos to try and attract outside investment.
Christian Paradis, industry minister, said he would strengthen tower sharing rules to reduce proliferation and deliver better coverage. He also plans to force operators to provide roaming to their competitors, and says the government will review the policy on transferring spectrum licences with a view to increasing competition.
In a statement Paradis said: “Through better use of existing cell phone towers and by taking action to promote at least four wireless providers in every region of the country, our government is making it possible for all Canadians to have access to world-class wireless service they can afford, no matter where they live.”
