The upcoming 700Mhz spectrum auction just might have become a bit more interesting. The Financial Post is reporting that if the Government decides to set aside a certain amount a spectrum for the new entrants (WIND, Mobilicity, Videotron and Public Mobile), then specifically WIND Mobile will come forward with upwards of half a billion dollars. The funding will come from parent-company VimpelCom and WIND CEO Tony Lacavera stated that “Provided the conditions are right, [Wind] is prepared to participate and participate substantially”.
It’s known that the Big 3 incumbent players, Rogers, Bell and TELUS, all want the auction to be open and fair, stating the new players are not new anymore. Rogers has been the most outspoken carrier, boldly promoting that “an open auction will unleash the power of Canadian innovation; a closed auction will erect barriers to national growth“. Other carriers such as Mobilicity have called the Big 3 “Spectrum Hoarders” that have “more spectrum than they need”.
The auction is taking place late 2012, but Industry Canada expects to lay out the official structure late October or early November.
Also, another important stat shows WIND Mobile has close to 400,000 subscribers.
Source: FP
