Another of Canada’s newer and smaller carriers has confirmed its entry for the 2014 700MHz spectrum auction. Following Public Mobile’s confirmation back in June, WIND Mobile today announced that it will also take part in the upcoming auction. In an email statement, the carrier said:
“WIND Mobile would like to announce its intention to enter the 700 Mhz auction. We have long maintained that there is a dire need for additional wireless spectrum in Canada to ensure the long-term success of any independent wireless provider. WIND Mobile has grown into Canada’s fourth national carrier, with over 650,000 subscribers, and we have no intention of stopping now. We would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm our long-term commitment to Canada and we look forward to bringing true mobile freedom to more Canadians.”
One thing WIND Mobile did not explain is where the money for the deposit and auction itself should it end up winning new licenses will come from. Parent company Vimpelcom is reportedly looking for a buyer and as late as last month were still looking at ways of “disposing of the business.” It’s unlikely that it would be willing to invest further funds into the carrier if this remains the case today.
WIND Mobile has in the past threatened not to participate in the auction. While it may have been posturing in a bid to obtain more favourable rules for smaller players, it also softened its tone over time, likely knowing that it will need the spectrum in order to expand its offering to include LTE. “The regulatory framework has evolved from being very difficult to much more favourable for new entrants,” said WIND Mobile CEO Tony Lacavera today.
Parties interested in participating in the auction have until tomorrow to file their paperwork and put down their refundable 5 percent deposit. The full list of participants is expected next week. All three incumbents and regional players are expected to be on that list as well.
WIND Mobile’s statement also reveals that it now has 650,000 subscribers, up sharply from the 620,000 it had at the end of the second quarter.
Sources : The Globe and Mail // MobileSyrup