ISED denies request to transfer Telus Xplore Mobile’s spectrum

Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) Canada has refused a request that would have seen Telus acquire spectrum licenses held by Xplore Mobile.

The licenses were for radio, wireless, and mobile broadband services and originated in Manitoba.

Xplore Mobile shut down its mobile division in August. It launched in 2018 after the company acquired spectrum from Bell MTS.

The ISED cites future competition concerns in its reasoning for denial.

“The proposed transfer raised substantial concerns that the resulting concentration of spectrum would impede the ability of future mobile competitors to provide wireless services and effectively compete in Manitoba.”

Updated 21/11/2022 11:12am: The article has been updated to remove reference that Xplore Inc. and Xplore mobile were part of the same company.

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Source: ISED Canada