Industry Minister James Moore announced today that the Canadian government is planning to hold a spectrum auction in 2015 for licenses in the 2500MHz range. The broad rules of the auction, aimed at putting “Canadian consumers first,” are very similar to those of the upcoming 700MHz auction and were outlined today. They include:
- spectrum caps to ensure that four or more providers have the opportunity to access 2500 MHz spectrum, thus fostering competition
- smaller geographic licence areas, providing more opportunity for rural Internet service providers to participate in this auction
- strict provisions on transfers of the 2500 MHz spectrum so that Canadian consumers continue to benefit from competitive market forces
According to Moore:
“Today’s announcement means Canadian consumers in urban and rural areas will soon benefit from the deployment of advanced mobile and broadband services across the country, which will lead to better, faster Internet services on the latest technologies. The rules for this auction, like those for the upcoming 700 MHz auction, were designed to support more choice in our wireless market while putting the interests of consumers first.”
Applications to participate in the 2500MHz spectrum auction are due by November 27, 2014. The auction itself is to begin on April 14, 2015.
The news comes even as the Canadian government kicks off its 700MHz spectrum auction next week. 11 companies are set to participate, including Bell, Rogers, TELUS and WIND Mobile.
Source : Industry Canada