Globalive is set to enter the Canadian wireless market Fall of 2009 (national in 2010) in the following cities: Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary and Ottawa offering fixed monthly plans with no contract targeting the 16-60 year olds… this has TELUS a bit worried as they have requested the CRTC to “immediately initiate” another peek into Globalive’s $700 million foriegn ownership, possibly delaying plans to launch on time.
Back in April of last year Globalive got Egyptian-based Orascom Telecom to come on as a parter and take a 20% stake in the business. According to the Canadian Telecommunications Act this is the maximum amount allowed by the government for foreign investors.
Fast forward to March 16th, 2009. This is the date that Globalive issued a statement saying they have “officially been issued wireless spectrum licenses from Industry Canada”. Even Globalive CEO Anthony Lacavera said “We worked closely with Industry Canada throughout their detailed review and are pleased to be moving forward with this exciting project.”
Telus said they know that foriegn organizations can own 20%, but are unsure of how much particiaption Orascom will have on a daily basis. Michael Hennessy, VP of wireless, broadband and content policy for Telus said “In Telus’s view, a more fulsome and transparent review is required in order to ensure that all similarly situated carriers are being treated equally and fairly”.
In response to the inquiry, Lacavera said “We’re very comfortable that our submission is comprehensive and obviously we’ve passed the Industry Canada process because we got our licences.”
Via: Toronto Star
Thanks Nadim!
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