Follow Us:
Public Mobile seeks a “level-playing field” on foreign ownership, heads back to the Supreme Court of Canada
The Federal Court of Appeal declared that Globalive Wireless Management Corp., WIND Mobile’s parent company, is a “Canadian owned and controlled company”, compliant with Canadian foreign ownership laws and can continue to operate their business. This latest foreign ownership case recently went back to court because of Public Mobile and TELUS both requesting a deeper inquest into their structure, and also wanting “all wireless providers be treated equally and given the same access to capital”.
Public was not pleased with the decision yesterday and sent out a press release stating they are “heading to the Supreme Court of Canada. The company plans to continue its pursuit for a level-playing field on the issue of foreign ownership and control of wireless carriers in Canada”. The reason this time is because of what CEO Alek Krstajic states is the conflicting “flip-flopping” verdicts by various level of authorities.
“There have been five different decision makers in this process with a flip-flopping of the decision each time. Industry Canada, the CRTC, the Governor in Council (Federal Cabinet), the Federal Court and now the Federal Court of Appeal have reached conflicting verdicts. Today’s decision shows us just how clouded this issue has become and demonstrates more than ever the national importance for consistent rules that should be applied equally to all Canadian wireless carriers. If you’re going to change the rules, change them equally for everyone, not just for WIND.”
Public said they have “never been opposed to WIND’s presence in the marketplace”, but just wants the same rules. During the 2008 Spectrum auction Public invested $53 million which gave them the ability to reach 19 million customers in the Toronto and Montreal area. Public is financially backed with $50 million from OMERS, and has a $350 million financing deal with ZTE Corporation and the Export-Import Bank of China.
Source: MarketWire
Discussion
61 comments for “Public Mobile seeks a “level-playing field” on foreign ownership, heads back to the Supreme Court of Canada”
Post a comment
- CES 2012
- Mobile News
- Airtel Wireless
- Bell Mobility News
- Chatr
- Clearnet
- Eastlink
- Fido News
- Globalive News
- Koodo Mobile News
- Mobilicity
- MTS
- NorthernTel
- PC Mobile News
- Petro-Canada Mobility
- Primus Wireless News
- Public Mobile
- Rogers Wireless News
- SaskTel News
- Shaw
- Solo Mobile News
- Speak Out Wireless News
- tbaytel
- Telus Mobility News
- Vidéotron News
- Virgin Mobile News
- WIND Mobile
- Reviews – Carrier
- Reviews – Manufacturer
- Various News
So Public would like to laundry Chinese money too, eh!
Like or Dislike:
29 
5
Is it his previous employer, Bell, that has requested going back to court this time around?
Oh and where does public mobile get their money to pay for their legal fees? Bank of China?
Talk about hypocrisy.lol!
Like or Dislike:
36 
6
They are virtually financed by the Chinaman how is that different from Wind?
Wind is only more officially foreign owned but Public M is OWNed as well
Like or Dislike:
30 
7
What should be fair to one should be fair to all.
Like or Dislike:
20 
2
“If you’re going to change the rules, change them equally for everyone, not just for WIND”
And appealing to the supreme court will get the rules changed?
I smell ulterior motives.
At first I understood, because I thought PM wanted to get more foreign investment so they can grow, but now that they aren’t doing so (which they can now because they can just point at Wind and say “Well they are doing it and you let them.”) They are just trying to tie Wind up in the legal system.
And if they really wanted the rules changed they would be pressing the government, not the courts to change the actual telecom act with these restrictions, cause it sounds more like PM wants to keep the rules as is, which makes no sense from the actions they are taking opposed to what they say they want.
If only we could see who is paying for all the legal fees on PMs side.
Like or Dislike:
23 
3
From first-hand experience, can anyone comment on Public’s reception quality in Toronto? Both indoors and out. I don’t expect reception in an elevator, but otherwise… anyone? please?
Like or Dislike:
7 
6
Why are people thumbing me down? I am genuinely asking! The $15 province-wide talk plan would be perfect for my mother, and fits her limited budget. I asked on the forums but no one replied, so I figure asking within a story about Public Mobile would be the next best thing.
Like or Dislike:
4 
2
Looking at it strictly from the consumers perspective, I am not happy with public mobile trying to reduce the number of choices the consumer has. Instead of spending their money on legal fees, how about spending it on improving thier service, and be happy.
Like or Dislike:
31 
7
Don, there is another way of looking at it: if PM is allowed the same rules WIND followed, then they can seek more foreign capital to improve their service. I think a foreign injection of capital > court fees.
Yet when looking at PM, it’s hard to see anyone investing more money in them. CDMA seems to have limited growth.
Like or Dislike:
6 
1
This Chinese company Public Mobile with their 15 years old CDMA technology – leave Canadians a choice!!!!
Like or Dislike:
23 
4
What EXACTLY is Public Mobile’s problem here? How are people like these even allowed to do business in Canada? The Government should shut them down with immediate effect since they are a hurdle in making the Wireless market a fair place
Like or Dislike:
18 
10
Can you supply any logic to your argument?
Like or Dislike:
1 
0
This guy needs to either go get a loan from egypt or china or just die… he clearly has no interest in level playing and simply wants wind gone.
Like or Dislike:
15 
5
this company is desprite he should worry about his own buisness
Like or Dislike:
14 
6
They are the wireless equivalent to a paten troll. Business model doesn’t work so let’s sue.
Like or Dislike:
14 
3
Public and TELUS were already ordered to pay Wind & the Federal Government’s legal fees from the Federal Court of Appeal case. This is just throwing good money after bad. I think there is VERY little chance the Supreme Court will hear this case.
They gave it their shot, and the three judges unanimously sided against them. Time to move on and get on with business.
Like or Dislike:
16 
2
level playing field…..(this is slang for getting Wind gone)
Like or Dislike:
17 
3
seriously public mobile should stop wasting their time on taking wind mobile to court, the SHOULD foucs geting some better phones for themsself to be more successful.
Like or Dislike:
15 
2
they need to prove to Telus that they are valuable! so in 2 more years they can be bought
Like or Dislike:
11 
4
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
Like or Dislike:
11 
24
I don’t think anyone is saying that current SIM card technology phones are the “best technology”, at least for the long term, but it is the best of what is currently available. And while LTE is in the (very) early stages of rollout, it is going to be quite some time before LTE coverage is anywhere near as pervaisive as current SIM card based coverage. That said, if SIM card based phones are merely the current and not the future, then surely you have to agree that CDMA is the past and not even the current. I think that is the point that is being made with regard to Public Mobile.
And I agree with you, just because ZTE “partnered” (to use their terminology) with Public, does not mean they own them. It seems the Federal Appeals Court also agrees with you which kind of supports the majority of comments on here with regard to the folly of Public Mobile seeking leave to appeal to the Supreme Court.
And a final note, @RiteNtheJugular, You accuse the majority of posters on here with being unintelligent and immature. The next time you want to throw your, obviously passionate, support behind someone who exemplifies the virtues of intelligence and sophistication you’d like us to emulate, you might want to choose someone whose first sentence doesn’t include the word “reeetards”.
Like or Dislike:
5 
2
Also, does it look like PM trying to get WIND out of market? no, its purpose is to be treated fair so PM can finance more money into the market. All these people on this website talks crap about their phone, (Not talkin about their reception cuz wind is worse for sure). Their phones are crap. But no point of having a good phone anyway, until LTE hits. And if people think because ZTE has a financial deal with PM and PM is chinese owned: let me tell you, do you even know how a corporation works? making a financial deal does not mean that this company owns PM..rofl get yourself some more knowledge please instead of showing that you are a complete fck head right on this website. if ppl still don’t know what they are doing after reading these two paragraph, then you know your IQ is close to 0.
Like or Dislike:
14 
16
I don’t give a fl*ing f*ck about how you want to smokescreen the fact that without this “deal” they (PM) wouldn’t be in bizness
I am no biznessman (and happy about that)
but I know that PM is ZTE’s b*tch
that’s all sissydan
Like or Dislike:
6 
13
@ DAN> Your points are the most true about this situation since this whole blog has started. I’m glad to see that ONE person at least understands what’s going on with this. knowing that a Majority of people on the site are probably not out of high school (or the intelligence there of) cant even begin to comment due to their lack of actual knowledge in the situation. Nice to see that this site actually informs the knowledgeable consumer as well.
Thank you for your in put DAN
Like or Dislike:
10 
16
I’ve got to wonder why PM is bothering; to look big and tough perhaps? The ruling as it stands cannot be appealed, whether to the Supreme Court or not. Only if Public can mount a procedural challange to the ruling will it ever get heard but that’ll be almost impossible. And even if they think they can procede you’ve still got to get the Supreme Court to agree to hear it.
For a company that’s really struggling to find subs I would think there are better ways to waste their money.
Like or Dislike:
11 
8
hahahaha!!! All I can say to the ignorant ppl on here omg get your facts FIRST ppl..@jones hahaha you think PM is struggling for subs thats hilarious they are doing amazing actually and have approx 150,000-200,000 subs and rising fast…PM started off with 1 phone now thay have 6 and each headset has gotten progressivly better then the previous one..they are gradually improving there headsets and coverage and have only opened a fraction of there towers…Ie koodo mobile started off with 3 basic headsets all “crappy” as ppl say bc its not an iphone lol…and look at koodo now FYI koodo had the most successful wireless launch in CDN history and PM is doing it the exact same way…slow and steady wins the race….Wind put out $500 million just to start PM spent $50 million…whos smarter? lol
Like or Dislike:
12 
11
I’m sorry, where did this 150-200,000 subs number come from? In the last quarter of ’10, RBC had PM ranked with a respectable, for the time, 59,000 subs. At the lend of the first quarter of 2011 they were estimated to have 65,000.
So I’ll ask again, where did the 150-200,000 number come from? That would be more subs than Mobilicity and I highly doubt that’s going to happen any time soon.
Like or Dislike:
8 
1
Actually, There is no way for RBC to actually know the true number that PM has, Plus do you think Alex would give them a real number? Nope. But thanks for comin out Jonesy. Notice PM’s tower expansion since January alone. They Cover more than the other 3 Entrants (excluding Chat-r).
But I’m glad to see you wasting your effort bashing and not encouraging. Opinionated like it’s your own money.
Like or Dislike:
1 
2
I’m far more inclined to trust RBC’s estimates than PHONEGUY’s. RBC’s are generally trusted and used to established value for investment purposes.
So are you going to answer the question OBO PHONEGUY or is he going to have to stand by his statements himself?
Where did the sub number of 150-200,000 for Public Mobile come from?
Like or Dislike:
1 
0
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
Like or Dislike:
7 
17
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
Like or Dislike:
1 
15
Anyone notice how public mobile launched the appeal in court for wind a while back with telus and right after that they got a roaming agreement with them? Yeah well who are they gonna get one with now? bell? rogers? wind should sue these guys for defamation and legal fees. That would shut their mouths up.
Like or Dislike:
8 
3
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
Like or Dislike:
4 
15
at Robelussuckmysack: hey stop talkin crap with false info. please. again, proving yourself u got no brain. Public mobile if you go on their website, they started roaming in March. and guess what, they sued Wind on Dec. 2010?? and pm sued first then Telus joined in… how is that company together? but you did a good job that ZTE does not “OWN” pm (this is quite a stupid thing to even talk about) since u think these big 3 own them haha..what ironies u kids talk about.
Like or Dislike:
2 
9
@littlebabywawa – Seriously, what is wrong with you?
Here are your beliefs in a nutshell so you can maybe see how insane you sound:
-You claim that Globalive is corrupt.
-You claim that Orascom is corrupt.
-Vimplecom takes over and you say that they are corrupt.
-You claim the government is corrupt.
-You praise a single judge for ruling against Wind because he’s obviously the only person who isn’t.
-Globalive wins the appeal with a unanimous decision, and you claim that ALL THREE judges are corrupt.
What’s next? If this goes to the Supreme Court and they rule in Globalive’s favour or refuse to hear the case, are you going to claim that the Supreme Court of Canada is corrupt too?
Like or Dislike:
14 
0
Public just plain sucks, their phones are garbage and their reception is horrible. It’ll teach em a lesson when they have to pay the government’s and WIND’s legal fees and when the supreme court doesnt hear their case. LOL!
Like or Dislike:
9 
0
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
Like or Dislike:
2 
14
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
Like or Dislike:
1 
12
@littlebabygaga finally makes an appearance. Tell us about the connections this 3 judges have to the conservatives. Point out a link for us from a viable news source please. You come on here and make blatant lies but you still have not accepting the fact that you were 100% WRONG about WIND not being Canadian. Just admit you were wrong like a man or because you are little baby girl you don’t have the balls to do it. By the way, PM did get funding you r****d. All the start-ups did. PM got funding from a Chinese bank. Do you even know how to read?
gagagirl, WIND is here forever! Your job at Rogers is in jeopardy.
Like or Dislike:
6 
0
@nuclearbroccoli. there is no point in arguing with this clown (littlebabygaga). The whole world is corrupt unless they side with him. His doctor needs to get him and put him on better meds. He is becoming more delusional everyday.
Like or Dislike:
6 
1
Hey wawa, Vimpelcom can’t sell Wind. They can sell their investment in Wind to someone else, but Globalive will still control Wind.
You obviously have no real understanding of business and investment.
Like or Dislike:
6 
1
@ Randy-1> When explaining and stating inteligence, I was pertaining to the understanding the situation with PM and Wind as a whole. Not the judgment of someones interpretation to an elongated enphasis of a typed word in a blog. But again, For the topic of CDMA and GSM (HSPA+) Look to the US. To see exactly that the CDMA network is much more potent as a usable network for talking and txt.
The issue of the court case again is to make the playing field fair to all DISPITE THE COMPANIES INVESTORS. This is what i believe PM is doing. They are not trying to take Wind down nor inpeed on clientel, they are trying to make a stand in how investing into a mobile network will be for the long run in the Canadian mark. SIMPLE
Like or Dislike:
1 
5
@ritenthejugular Not trying to be clever here, but I have no clue what you’re trying to say in your first few sentences. They aren’t clear at all. “interpretation to an elongated enphasis of a typed word in a blog”????? To paraphrase The Princess Bride, I don’t think that word means what you think it means.
Verizon in the US is a legacy carrier. Like TELUS & Bell, their network was built on CDMA when there was no, or at least no decisively clear other option. Verizon is also in the midst of LTE build out, eventually abandoning CDMA, or like TELUS and Bell, gently forcing people off it.
Public, on the other hand, is constructing a brand new network based on CDMA technology. They are building out now, fully knowing that most of the few carriers in the world who still use it, are abandoning it for better, more robust options. Given time, they may find themselves virtually alone in the world in that technology and I shudder to think what handsets they’ll have available in that scenario.
Like or Dislike:
2 
0
@RiteNTheJugular – I have to disagree with you on the level playing field…
If public just wanted a level playing field, they would lobby the government for clear rules, not appeal and involve Wind.
To be fair, maybe they think that appealing is the way to do it, but the optics on it are terrible.
Like or Dislike:
5 
0
@Little Testicle Bob:
Sorry,I can’t be here 24 hours like you and if I’m late deal with it…you are too funny.Instead of asking for my help do your own research MORON and the only ones who are wrong is Wind Fanboys telling new Subs how great the service is.I’m not even close to wrong and like I said this will take years to finish.
At look at the new Wind site…the first thing they want you to do is PRAISE THEM and kiss their a*s.A cult or what and you LOSERS do it willingly with no thoughts of your own.Thank GOD millions of Canadians are not that easily manipulated and used turning you into mindless ROBOTS.
@nb:
Who said anything like that,if VC leaves just like Orascom by selling their assets do you think the new Investors will put up with Tony’s BS and how long will it be until they control everything also…what is down on paper is meaningless and you’re a fool to believe any different.I know a BIG business man like you stacking apples at Loblaws knows more about the corporate world,however reality is that VC/Orascom make their fortunes being predators and it’s only a matter of time until things break down…the 3 stooges passed a verdict that is a joke and still Wind will fall apart through their own greed and ignorance.There is no bloody level playing field and no one has proved me wrong yet.
And did you see that picture of Justin Credible….WHAT A REAL WIND TROLL.Too damn funny and what I expected.Funny as SHIT!
Like or Dislike:
1 
10
No need to prove you wrong, we all know you are already..
Like or Dislike:
6 
0
@littlebabygaga, it seems you are fascinated with my testicles. I guess Daddy tea-bagged you a lot when you are a kid..I am sure he still does. You are the one that is putting out all the lies. Why should I do any research. You seem to have all the knowledge. Point us to where the evidence exists. You can’t because there is none. The evidence exists in your delusional mind. Give up. You fought against WIND and lost.
By the way, one of the judges was appointed to the Federal Appeals court by the liberals in 1998. Really sounds like he is a conservative backer. I guess you don’t have a high opinion of our court system. Oh that is right, you are a communist. Why don’t you just move to Cuba and then you won’t have to worry about a federal court making decisions like these.
Like or Dislike:
4 
0
Just remember ONE thing everyone is controlled by CHINA . All the BIG carriers all by their chargers and all there accessories from Main Land China. Name me any accessory and I can tell you their exact factory in China. So to all those people who don’t understand about business ” Ignorance is no excuse, but patience is a virtue”.
Like or Dislike:
3 
0
@Little Testicle Bob:
From what I heard from the Fanboys the size of your testicle is not that impressive…not even Justin Credible wants it!
Furthermore,where is Fanboys evidence that the Incumbents are corrupt with all their massive lies/bashing on the Wind propaganda site for LOSERS everyday and all the ongoing BS we hear just like in this thread…show me the actual proof that Bell/Telus are footing the bill for PM and if they are they are only supporting a Canadian small company that actually played fair.You’re a joke without the ability to even think or do your own research.
And we know who you are Cuba Cabana Boy…go play with the other Fruit Pies!!!
Like or Dislike:
1 
4
Cheap labor has nothing to do with the Conservatives being unfair to both PM/Mobi,I mean there’s no correlation to the issue in anyway and that’s like saying we get all our oranges from California…what the hell does that have to do with the case and the way this situation was poorly handled by every department.
Like or Dislike:
1 
4
Shouldn’t Wind sue Public? Maybe they’re hiding something.
Like or Dislike:
0 
1
“If you’re going to change the rules, change them equally for everyone” This statement is so BS, I want to see a dramatic change from the Evil Big Three Robelus!
Like or Dislike:
2 
2
littlebabygaga, maybe English is not your first language but I NEVER said Bell/Telus is footing the bills for PM. Are you some kind of moron you can’t figure who says want?
You never responded to my comment about the liberal judge that was on the appeal. I guess he is not communist enough for you. Just so you understand what the difference between a communist (yourself) and a capitalist (myself) is, I want foreign competition in this country. I want to have the best prices for consumers. I don’t want a regulated system. I want the CRTC to be abolished and the borders to be open. You on the other hand would be happy with just the big 3 and the consumers paying the highest cell phone rate in the world.
Stop with your stupid insults because they get you nowhere. Your mom though my balls looked fine last night when I tea-bagged her and your sister did a great job licking them. Why don’t you get back on your knees for Rocco and stfu.
Like or Dislike:
2 
1
I guess English is definitely not your first language…”you can’t figure who says want?”Ok…Cuban Cabana Boy!
You’re not a Capitalist…you’re a poor OPPORTUNIST just like Wind against your own country.I am not happy not happy with the Big Three,however removing the CRTC and allowing i****s like Clement to remain is a joke unless you like special deals only for some…you’re closer to a Cuban than me Ragu Sauce.
And if you touch your sister I guess that’s acceptable in your group of misfits,not in mine and how can you teabag anyone with a testicle the size of a pea…bragging again just like when you do about the lousy Wind network.
Like or Dislike:
1 
4
Eventually Public Mobile will be renamed “China Mobile” or “China Unicorn Mobile”! And Mr. CEO will be replaced with someone from China.
Like or Dislike:
3 
1
@Dan: grow up and learn to face the reality of things. Also don’t call me stupid if ur so idiotic to not understand the point of my rant. Next time read and understand before commenting like a dufus, kiddo.
Like or Dislike:
2 
1
Hey Public Loser’s, even your company is the only carier
left in Canada, I would rather live without a cell phone
don’t you GET IT! PUBLIC CHINA?
Like or Dislike:
1 
2
f**k pm they suck
Like or Dislike:
0 
1
So what happens when Wind reaches more than 10% of market share in Canada? Should they also be restricted like the others to not be allowed to source more foreign investments for more than 50% of the company, and let newer entrants unrestricted access to foreign investments?
Because that’s what is being proposed right now by Wind.
And if the SC of Canada rules against Wind, then you fanboys are will probably claim SC of Canada are corrupt and in the pockets of Big3..
If the government is going to open up the industry to foreign investments openly and allow more than 50% ownership of a Canadian company by foreign nationals, then let everyone be allowed the same opportunity, not just Wind.
Like or Dislike:
4 
0
@kad
“I am no biznessman (and happy about that)
but I know that PM is ZTE’s b*tch
that’s all sissydan”
ofcourse your not a “biznessman” or else you would have failed before you even started..PLUS you type like a person whos sucking on WINDs d*** right now. as you typed that either go back to school and learn how to spell before typing stupid s**t again…
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
@kad
Hahahahaha im qouting here ” I am no biznessman (and happy about that)” Hahahahahha Thank god your not or else canada will be EXACLY where your from …. the ghetto..
Like or Dislike:
0 
0