Industry Minister hopes to make a decision on 700 MHz spectrum auction “before the end of the year”

The 2008 wireless spectrum auction generated over $4 billion for the government, ushered in new competition from Wind Mobile, Mobilicity and Public Mobile. The goal at the time was to “achieve lower prices, better service and more choice for consumers and business”, you could say that all of the objectives were somewhat accomplished.

The focus for all carriers these days is on the upcoming 700-MHz auction, said to be the “beachfront” and “Cadillac” spectrum for its ability to penetrate through thick walls, and more cost effective to roll out. The new entrants want a similar structure as the previous auction, stating there should be a set-aside in place to ensure continued competition and that the incumbents don’t “hoard spectrum”. On the flip side, specifically Rogers, says that “Having an open auction will unleash the power of Canadian innovation; a closed auction will erect barriers to national growth”.

An exact time and details of how the auction will unfold are still being discussed. At a news conference yesterday Christian Paradis, Canada’s Industry Minister, said he’s been meeting with carriers and a decision should be made “sooner” rather than later, but hopes “it will be before the end of the year… This is a priority, but we have to do it properly… I don’t want to drag this thing out but we have to do it correctly”.

Source: TotalTelecom