Freedom debuts LTE in Calgary and Edmonton

Shaw Communications Inc.’s Freedom Mobile has expanded its LTE network into Calgary and Edmonton, the company announced Wednesday. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need. Take a free trial or subscribe to The Wire Report …

Lab to play ‘transformative’ role in wireless spectrum: Bains

OTTAWA — The future of wireless spectrum in Canada won’t be about who holds the largest amount of it, but rather who wields it in the most-efficient manner, Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains said Monday, alluding to potential for far-off changes in how spectrum is allocated, as he marked the opening of the country’s Big Data Analytics Centre in the capital city.

Bell touts good relationship with PMO: Barclays

BCE Inc. believes the company currently has a “good working relationship” with the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), according to a note from Barclays Capital analyst Phillip Huang, written following meetings last week between CEO George Cope and head of investor relations Thane Fotopoulos in New York.

David McGovern moves to ISED

The former deputy national security advisor to the prime minister has been appointed to a position in the department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), effective Monday.

David McGovern will become associate deputy minister of ISED, a move that is part of a shuffle in the public service by the prime minister's office, according to an April 28 press release.  

McGovern has held government positions since 1996, according to the site. He began his most recent position in the Privy Council Office in January 2015.

Canadian, int’l satellite providers at odds on NGSO licensing

Canadian satellite companies are asking Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) to ensure a level playing field with their international competition when it comes to the licensing of non-geostationary satellite orbit systems (NGSO), while foreign companies argue cumbersome licence requirements could rob Canadians of the benefits of the new services.

CCSA leads March lobbying pack

The Canadian Cable Systems Alliance (CCSA) led the telecom field for lobbying the federal government in March, logging 15 communication reports for the month, according to the federal lobbyists’ registry.

Those reports were split between organization president and CEO Jay Thomson and long-time consultant Harris Boyd, as they communicated with a variety of MPs, such as Opposition heritage critic Peter Van Loan, Liberal finance committee chair Wayne Easter and an Innovation Canada policy advisor.

Bell claims first launch of quad band LTE-A in North America

BCE Inc. said it is now the first carrier on the continent to have the capability of delivering quad band LTE-advanced service. 

“Also known as 4-carrier aggregation, Quad Band technology leverages multiple bands of wireless spectrum to boost top Tri Band LTE-A mobile data speeds” from 335 Mbps (with average download speeds expected to be between 12 to 100 Mbps) to 550 Mbps (expected speeds of 18 to 150 Mbps), the company said in a Thursday press release.

Scant evidence to oppose HPODs in 5GHz: telecoms

Canada’s largest telecoms said opponents of high-power and outdoor devices (HPODs) in the 5GHz frequency band have failed to provide adequate evidence against the move.

ISED releases timeline, allotments for 600 MHz transition

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) has released a schedule and details how it plans to shift the use of 600 MHz spectrum from over-the-air (OTA) television to wireless.

600MHz auction wraps in U.S.

A year after it began, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has completed its incentive auction of 600 MHz spectrum to be repurposed for wireless use.

The auction, which ran March 29, 2016 to March 30, 2017, grossed $19.8 billion for 70 MHz of spectrum, the United States regulator said in a press release Thursday, adding that it was “among the highest grossing auctions every conducted by the FCC.”

Open 5GHz to HPODs before 2019: telecoms

Canada should allow high-power and outdoor devices (HPODs) in the 5GHz band before the World Radiocommunications Conference in 2019 (WRC-19), Canada's major telecom companies said in comments to the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

They pointed to increasing data consumption and new developments like 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT) as reasons the devices need to be able to operate on a less congested band.

Rogers adds towers, deploys 700 MHz in Kelowna, B.C.

Rogers Communications Inc. said Tuesday it has improved its wireless service in the Kelowna, B.C. area.

It said in a press release two new towers will provide better wireless coverage, adding it has also deployed its 700 MHz spectrum in the area.

‘Sense of urgency’ for plan supporting 5G: Innovation Canada

Targeted funding, flexible spectrum regulations and national testing infrastructure are key elements to an effective rollout of 5G in Canada, Innovation Canada heard from stakeholders last fall.

Government consulting on non-geostationary satellite systems

Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) is consulting on licence requirements for non-geostationary satellite orbit systems (NGSO).

In a consultation document released Thursday, ISED said existing licensing rules were “not developed for the types of commercial ‘mega’ constellations” that are being proposed and developed, which include these NGSO systems. These systems have the potential to provide “ubiquitous Internet connectivity,” it said in the document. 

Less government interference not positive for Shaw: Barclays

Greater flexibility allowed by the federal government for market forces to shape the wireless industry would benefit most of the big players but negatively affect Shaw Communications Inc.'s Freedom Mobile, according to Barclays Capital analyst Phillip Huang.

Bell-MTS deal receives final approval, includes Xplornet in ‘surprise twist’

The introduction of Xplornet Communications Inc. into Manitoba’s wireless market was a “surprise twist” to the story of BCE Inc.’s $3.9-billion acquisition of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc., analysts said Wednesday in reaction to the proposal receiving final regulatory approval from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and the Competition Bureau.

Government help necessary for connected car rollout: ISED

OTTAWA — In order to roll out the infrastructure and technology necessary to make connected cars available across Canada, government funding will be needed, and it could be modeled after the Connected Canadians program that’s currently in place to target rural broadband, a Senate committee heard Tuesday.

Equipment, resources for 600MHz transition available: ISED

Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada (ISED), has responded to concerns about the availability of equipment and manpower that will be needed as Canada and the United States both transition 600 MHz spectrum to wireless use.

Lametti, Casey take on Heritage, ISED roles

The Ministers of Canadian Heritage and Innovation, Science and Economic Development have new understudies.

In a Thursday press release, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a makeover to his roster of parliamentary secretaries — who assist and support ministers in portfolio work and public duties — naming 34 people to new or renewed positions that will take effect on Jan. 30.

ISED consulting on expanding use of 5GHz spectrum

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) is seeking comments on a proposal to allow the use of additional devices on 5GHz spectrum.

In a consultation paper released Friday, ISED said the proliferation of WiFi devices, such as smartphones, tablets, game consoles and smart TVs, is putting heavy stress on radio local area network (RLAN) bands. In fact, increased stress on broadband networks has forced service providers to deploy WiFi hotspots to off-load traffic, and ISED said that’s expected to continue.

Freedom to at least quadruple handset offering by mid-2017: Shaw

As Shaw Communications Inc. released its first quarterly earnings report since rebranding its wireless segment to Freedom Mobile, CEO Brad Shaw said the company is looking to have a double-digit number of handsets available by mid-year, after some analysts pegged the company’s small handset roster as a potential limiting factor to its appeal.

“I think when you look at the new network, one of the key things is handsets and handset availability,” Shaw said on a conference call with media Thursday.

Bell asks gov’t for 600 MHz revenue fund for OTA

BCE Inc. is asking the federal government to use part of the proceeds from its upcoming 600 MHz spectrum auction for a revenue fund to support local television.

Compensate broadcasters for 600 MHz transition: RABC

The Radio Advisory Board of Canada (RABC) says broadcasters should be compensated for the cost of changing channels due to the repurposing of 600 MHz spectrum for wireless use.

‘Similar hurdles’ as U.S. possible in 600 MHz auction: Desjardins

The 600 MHz spectrum auction in the United States has again been delayed after bidders failed to meet minimum prices for spectrum, and Canada could see similar problems in its own upcoming auction, Desjardins Capital Markets analyst Maher Yaghi said in a note Friday.

“The [Federal Communications Commission] will thus have to go back to TV channels for a fourth time in order to set new prices for spectrum,” Yaghi wrote.

RuralCom becomes part of TNW with Investel acquisition

Canadians must be swayed first for gov’t to get on board 5G: panel

OTTAWA — Canadians need to see the value of, and get behind, 5G technologies before politicians can be persuaded to take action on helping launch the technology on a broad scale, a conference on the future of 5G in Canada heard on Tuesday. 

Ontario approves self-driving car pilot

Ontario is launching a pilot project to test self-driving cars, the provincial government said Monday.

It noted in a press release that the province was the first in Canada to launch a regulatory framework allowing it to “test automated vehicles on its roads” earlier this year.  

Robert Ghiz to lead CWTA

Robert Ghiz, the former premier of Prince Edward Island, has been named president and CEO of the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA), the organization announced Monday.

Ghiz will officially take the helm Jan. 1. He has nearly 20 years of experience in government affairs and public policy, including 12 years in elected office and four years as the province’s leader of the opposition, according to a Monday press release.

Limited handsets a concern as Wind rebrands: analyst

Shaw Communications Inc.’s Wind Mobile will be rebranded as Freedom Mobile and its LTE roll-out will come sooner than expected in two cities, the company’s CEO said Monday. The move comes despite some analyst concern about the availability of handsets compatible with its spectrum.  

Infrastructure, spectrum key to competition, lower prices: Bains

OTTAWA — The quality of Canada’s wireless and wireline networks is a “significant strength,” but the country can’t rest on its laurels while others catch up, Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains told attendees of the International Institute of Communications’ (IIC) Canadian conference Thursday morning.

Wireless service for eastern regions with no cellular coverage launching

Small Quebec telecom Télécommunications de l’Est says it is launching a first-of-its kind wireless service in remote regions of Quebec and New Brunswick that aren’t served by cellular networks.

It said in a French press release Tuesday its “Nomade” wireless network uses very high frequency (VHF) spectrum, which is spectrum in the 30 MHz to 300 MHz range, and tier 3 digital mobile radio protocol.

Wind won’t be as disruptive as T-Mobile, Krstajic says

Shaw Communications Inc. reported revenues of $1.31 billion for the three months ended Aug. 31, an increase from $1.13 billion from the same quarter a year earlier, due to the addition of wireless revenues following its acquisition of Wind Mobile.

Wind’s reduced Ont. focus message to government: Huang

Shaw Communications Inc. is putting less emphasis on growing subscribers for Wind in Ontario in favour of boosting its wireless network in Western Canada, according to Barclays analyst Phillip Huang.

Shaw best-positioned carrier, regardless of Liberal policy: Barclays

Shaw Communications Inc. is “the one player in the industry who is very well positioned” regardless of the direction the Liberal government takes on wireless policy, Barclays Capital analyst Phillip Huang said in a research note Monday.

Quebecor in ‘no rush’ to get rid of 700MHz spectrum: Pruneau

Quebecor Inc.’s chief financial officer Jean-François Pruneau said Thursday the company is content to wait to sell the 700 MHz spectrum it picked up in 2014 and never deployed, given its value continues to grow with time.

Videotron announces testing as 5G gains momentum in Canada

MONTREAL — Quebecor Inc.’s Videotron said Tuesday it will begin to test 5G technologies as part of a new project, in a move that appears to be part of an increasing push toward the next generation of wireless in recent months.  

All carriers will eventually get to 5G, Videotron CEO Manon Brouillette said in an interview following a lunchtime speech at the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal.

Shaw primed for Western success with Wind: RBC

Shaw Communications Inc.’s acquisition of Wind has potential for wireless success in Western Canada similar to that of Quebecor Inc.’s Videotron in Quebec, according to RBC Capital Markets’ Drew McReynolds.

In a research note published Friday, McReynolds used the Quebec-based company’s wireless efforts since 2010 as a benchmark against which Shaw might find room to thrive as a wireless carrier.

Ice Wireless boosting northern LTE network

Ice Wireless, a subsidiary of Iristel Inc., said it is rolling out a HSPA/LTE network in 14 northern Quebec communities.

A Tuesday press release from Tecore Networks, which supplies mobile network infrastructure, said the U.S.-based company’s Network-in-a-Box platform was picked by Iristel for the rollout.

Appeal may follow dismissal of suit over Wind confidentiality breach: Catalyst

The Ontario Superior Court last week threw out a lawsuit involving allegations that an analyst tipped off a competing fund manager about the strategy behind its Wind Mobile acquisition.

On Thursday, Justice Frank Newbould dismissed “in its entirety” Catalyst Capital Group Inc.’s breach of confidential information suit against West Face Capital Inc. and its former junior analyst Brandon Moyse.

Federal gov’t facing second legal battle over wireless wipeout

The Canadian government could end up fighting a war on two fronts over the previous government’s drive to have four national wireless carriers.

According to a notice on the Global Affairs Canada website, on June 6 the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes registered an arbitration request from Egyptian telecom company Global Telecom Holdings S.A.E. (GTH) that “concerns GTH’s investment in Wind Mobile, over the period of 2008-2014.”

First Canadian 5G trial wraps up

BCE Inc. and Nokia Corp. have completed a trial of 5G technology, which they say is the first such initiative in Canada.

“Conducted at Bell's Wireless Innovation Centre in Mississauga, the trial leveraged spectrum in the 73 GHz range to achieve sustained data speeds more than [six] times faster than top 4G mobile speeds now available in Canada,” Bell said in a press release Friday.

Wind hits 1M subscribers in first quarterly report since 2014

On Friday, Shaw Communications Inc. released Wind Mobile’s first quarterly results since it acquired the wireless company earlier this year, which showed revenues of $132 million for the quarter, as the company assured analysts and shareholders on a conference call that its wireless strategy will take off as it launches an LTE network and obtains low-band spectrum in the future.

FCC opens up spectrum for 5G

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has opened up 10.85 GHz of spectrum for the next generation of wireless networks, or 5G, the United States regulator said Thursday.

That includes 3.85 GHz of licenced spectrum and 7 GHz of unlicenced spectrum, according to a statement on its website.

Infrastructure, spectrum among obstacles for connected cars

Traffic on the Internet of Things (IoT) is forecast to skyrocket over the coming years, and though vehicles will be part of that network, there are still a number of challenges, including infrastructure, security and spectrum, that have to be addressed before true “connected” cars can take to Canadian roads.

SaskTel phasing out CDMA network next summer

Saskatchewan Telecommunications Holding Corp. announced Tuesday that its Code division multiple access (CDMA) network is entering its last year.

In a press release, SaskTel said CDMA-reliant devices would no longer function after July 5, 2017, and that it would be transitioning existing customers to its 4G and 4G LTE network.

First round of 600 MHz auction wraps up in U.S.

The first round of an auction in the United States to convert spectrum in the 600 MHz band from TV to wireless use has wrapped up, setting a price of $86.4 billion for 126 MHz of the frequency, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced Wednesday.

But, according to Reuters, the high cost might lead to an additional round of bidding if wireless companies are unwilling to pay the sum.

‘Separate silo’ approach to regulation wrong-footed in Internet age: report

Adjusting the existing legislation governing the telecommunications and broadcasting industries and putting more power in the hands of the CRTC could help address issues in Canada’s concentrated TV industry, according to a new Canadian Media Concentration Research Project report.

Bell-MTS deal could pose regulatory risk for SaskTel: report

The biggest risk to Saskatchewan Telecommunications Holding Corp. in the wake of BCE Inc.’s proposed $3.9-billion takeover of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. is the potential changing of the regulatory landscape, according to a provincially-commissioned analysis.

ISED puts hold on licensing non-geostationary satellite spectrum

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada has put a moratorium on the licensing of satellite spectrum used by commercial non-geostationary satellites.

It said in a notice on its website Tuesday that the moratorium is effective immediately, and will last for at least six months, pending a review of current licensing procedures.

Those procedures, it noted, “were developed prior to the increased global interest in large, complex [non-geostationary satellite orbit] systems.”

SCC decision backs Rogers, federal jurisdiction in telecom

A nearly nine-year spat between Rogers Communications Inc. and a Quebec municipality over the location of a wireless tower came to an end Thursday, with the Supreme Court of Canada handing the company a victory and bolstering the federal government’s authority over telecommunications matters.

Videotron’s Brouillette asks Liberals to keep 4th player policy for 600 MHz

TORONTO — The Liberal government should continue the previous Conservative government’s push for more competition in the wireless market in the upcoming 600 MHz auction, Manon Brouillette, president and CEO of Quebecor Inc.’s Videotron, said at an industry conference Wednesday.

Regulatory approval clause at centre of Catalyst lawsuit

The consortium of investors that bought VimpelCom Ltd.’s stake in Wind Mobile didn’t make the deal contingent on regulatory approval, a clause it was able to include because of a breach in the confidentiality agreement between VimpelCom and The Catalyst Capital Group Inc., according to allegations levelled Tuesday against the consortium in a filing to the Ontario Superior Court.

Innovation OKs Hunstsville, Ont. spectrum licence transfer

Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada has approved the transfer of an AWS licence in Huntsville, Ont., to BCE Inc.

Wind upgrades Calgary network

Wind Mobile has completed a Calgary-area network infrastructure upgrade, the Shaw Communications Inc.-owned company said in a Wednesday press release.

ISED approves spectrum transfers

Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) Canada has approved the transfer of 83 WCS spectrum licences from Xplornet Communications Inc. to Telus Corp.

Opposition names new ISED critics

The Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development has a new Opposition critic after interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose shuffled her shadow cabinet Friday.

According to a press release, Diane Finley, formerly the deputy Innovation critic, was promoted to replace Maxime Bernier, who filed papers to run in the Conservative leadership race on Thursday.

ISED releases more fixed wireless spectrum

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada is currently accepting applications for fixed wireless access (FWA) spectrum in 23 Tier 4 service areas across the country.

Ministry was shooting for telecom spending status quo: report

The new government's first financial plan is set to be revealed March 22, but a Treasury Board report tabled this week in the House of Commons gives a glimpse at where the government department handing telecommunications policy was planning to go.

Satellite spectrum fees changing

Lower fees for spectrum used for satellite communication will go into effect on April 1.

According to a notice from the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development published in last week's Canada Gazette and posted on the department website Friday, existing radio licence fees of $333 per MHz per year for fixed-satellite service and broadcasting-satellite service spectrum will fall to $120 per MHz per year.

Shaw to keep Wind’s current strategy in place: exec

As it takes ownership of Wind Mobile, Shaw Communications Inc. will continue positioning Wind as a cheaper option compared to the big three national wireless carriers, according to the company’s chief operating officer.

In a wide-ranging phone interview with The Wire Report, Jay Mehr said Shaw plans to keep the same “strategy that Wind has been executing over the course of last year.”

Shaw-Wind deal cleared by Competition Bureau

The Competition Bureau said it wouldn’t stand in the way of Shaw Communication Inc.'s purchase of Wind Mobile.

Wind completes Vancouver expansion, begins Calgary work

Wind Mobile announced Thursday it has completed its network infrastructure upgrades in Vancouver and has begun a similar expansion in Calgary.

The company said in a press release that Vancouver customers will now have “better network coverage, faster data speeds and improved call quality.” 

Shaw-Wind deal means no Rogers merger on horizon: analysts

Financial analysts said Thursday that the surprising move by Shaw Communications Inc. to buy Wind Mobile means any potential merger between Shaw and Rogers Communications Inc. won’t happen any time soon, though some maintained it’s possible in the longer term if the government is on board.

Shaw says timing, current market dynamics made Wind deal attractive

The economics of entering Canada’s wireless market through the acquisition of Wind Mobile today are better than past opportunities Shaw Communications Inc. has had to enter the mobile sector, officials said during a conference call Thursday morning.

“By acquiring a company that already has a solid foundation, including spectrum, management expertise and scale, we have significantly lowered our risk of entry, and have done so in a disciplined and prudent manner,” Brad Shaw, CEO of Shaw Communications, said during the call.

Shaw looks to enter wireless market with $1.6B deal for Wind

The Big Three may have just become the Big Four, as Shaw Communications Inc. announced Wednesday it is attempting to become a wireless provider by acquiring Wind Mobile.

Shaw said in a press release the deal means Shaw will acquire Canada's largest non-incumbent wireless provider, which currently has 940,000 subscribers in Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, along with 50 MHz of spectrum in each province.

Wind Mobile upgrades Vancouver area coverage

Wind Mobile announced Tuesday that it is adding antennas and deploying new spectrum in the Vancouver area as an initial step in a cross-Canada network upgrade.

"Wind customers in the greater Vancouver area are already noticing better performance as we upgrade every aspect of our network components," Dean Price, Wind's general manager for the West, said in a press release. "We expect to have our greater Vancouver coverage area completed by the end of January 2016."

Wind to launch LTE by end of 2016 with new financing

Wind Mobile is looking to make LTE service available to at least some of its customers by the end of next year, after announcing it has borrowed $425 million to help it do so.

On Thursday, Wind issued a press release that indicated it has secured a new financing package worth $425 million that involves backing from Toronto-Dominion Bank, Bank of Montreal and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. Also involved is Finnverva, the export credit agency of Finland, where the technology provider for Wind's network upgrade, Nokia Corp., is based.

James Moore named UNBC chancellor

The University of Northern British Columbia said Thursday that former industry minister James Moore has been named its next chancellor.

Trudeau tells Bains to boost broadband coverage

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has directed Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains to increase “high-speed broadband coverage and work to support competition, choice and availability of services,” according to a mandate letter released Friday.

He also said Bains should “foster a strong investment environment for telecommunications services to keep Canada at the leading edge of the digital economy.”

Industry Canada changes name

Industry Canada will be known as Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada under the new Liberal government, a notice on the Privy Council Office website indicates.

No more industry minister, Bains becomes innovation minister

Navdeep Bains, MP for the Ontario riding of Mississauga-Malton, was named minister of innovation, science and economic development on Wednesday, a post intended to replace what was previously the position of industry minister.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his cabinet were sworn in Wednesday, following the election of a Liberal government on Oct. 19.

SaskTel deploys AWS-1 spectrum, increases LTE capacity

Saskatchewan Telecommunications Holding Corp. announced Monday that it has successfully deployed a block of AWS-1 spectrum, increasing the capacity and speed of its 4G LTE network in nine locations in Saskatchewan.

It said in a press release that Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, Yorkton, Swift Current, North Battleford, Estevan and Weyburn will receive an increase in 4G LTE speeds from 110 Mbps to 150 Mbps, with a bandwidth increase from 15 MHz to 20 MHz.

Bell, Telus only winners in residual spectrum auction

BCE Inc. and Telus Corp. were the only companies that successfully bid for wireless spectrum in an auction that finished Thursday for licences that went unsold in previous competitions.

Bell and Telus split the available AWS-3 licences, while the residual 700 MHz spectrum that was up for grabs went unsold — again.

Telus spent $58.3 million on six licences covering Manitoba and Saskatchewan, while Bell is on the hook for $206,063 for nine licences in the Northwest Territories, the Yukon and Nunavut.

As OTA leaves 600 MHz, stations set for ‘difficult transition’: expert

Industry Canada will repurpose the 600 MHz spectrum band for mobile use and collaborate with the United States on the move, which means at least some over-the-air (OTA) television stations will have to find new frequencies if they want to continue broadcasting.

One question is how many of those stations will actually make the switch, Gregory Taylor, an assistant professor of mass communications at the University of Calgary, said in a phone interview.

Government approves all spectrum-auction applicants

Industry Canada has approved all six companies applying to take part in this month's residual spectrum auction, which deals with licences that went unsold in last year's 700 MHz sale and this year's AWS-3 auction.

All incumbents sign up for next spectrum auction

Canada's three national wireless carriers and regional players have applied to be part of the next spectrum auction, one intended to deal with licences that went unsold in this year's AWS-3 auction and last year's sale of 700 MHz spectrum.

FCC expands unlicensed use of spectrum

The FCC announced Thursday it is adopting new rules to accommodate unlicensed use of devices in the 600 MHz spectrum bandwidth and TV broadcast bands, while protecting interruptions or interference it may cause with licensed TV services.

The U.S. regulator said in a press release that unlicensed uses, including the use of garage door openers, cordless phones, products related to the Internet of Things (IoT), and others operating on WiFi or Bluetooth signals, were added to rules regarding these spectrum categories.

Wind sells Manitoba, Sask. AWS spectrum

Wind Mobile has sold its AWS spectrum in Manitoba and Saskatchewan to Saskatchewan Telecommunications Holding Corp. and Manitoba Telecom Services Inc., stating the company plans to focus on the Ontario, B.C. and Alberta markets.

MTS revenue, profits down

Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. announced in its quarterly results a decrease in revenues, which totalled $398.3 million, compared to $403.3 the previous year.

Net income was $10.4 million for the three months ending June 30, down from $28.8 million for the same period a year earlier. The company said in the release that was due "largely to increased restructuring costs and increased depreciation and amortization expense which was accelerated in Q2 to reflect the change in government policy on three-year wireless contracts."

Rogers deploys spectrum it bought from Shaw

Rogers Communications Inc. said Tuesday that it is now using the AWS spectrum it purchased from Shaw Communications Inc. a month ago.

The company said in a press release that the deployment is allowing Rogers to double the speed of its AWS LTE network in B.C. and Alberta.

It added that the “full spectrum is first being activated in Calgary, Edmonton, Medicine Hat, Kelowna, Prince George, Vancouver and other select communities, with the remainder of the spectrum being activated by mid-2016.”

Government plans Spectrum Analytics Centre

The federal government is planning to create a Spectrum Analytics Centre by 2017, according to a new document on Industry Canada's website.

Rules set for next spectrum auction, applications due Aug. 6

Industry Canada's finalized rules for the next wireless spectrum auction have been published, as four unclaimed licences left over from last year's 700 MHz auction and this year's AWS-3 auction have been divvied up to create 18 licences up for grabs.

Rogers buyout of Mobilicity closes

Rogers Communications Inc. said in a press release late Thursday afternoon that its acquisitions of Mobilicity and wireless spectrum from Shaw Communications Inc. have received all necessary approvals and are now closed.

Rogers-Mobilicity deal sign of ‘benign’ regulatory environment: analyst

Industry Canada’s approval of Rogers Communications Inc.’s bid to buy Mobilicity, as well a deal for Rogers to acquire spectrum from Shaw Communications Inc., signals an improvement in the regulatory environment for large wireless providers, analysts said Wednesday.

Is government easing off on spectrum-transfer policy?

Speculation that the federal government is poised to approve the acquisition of Mobilicity and its spectrum by Telus Corp. or Rogers Communications Inc. has some observers disagreeing whether this would represent a major departure for the federal government in its spectrum-transfer policy.

Set-asides, caps at issue in upcoming auction of unsold spectrum

Large wireless carriers are arguing for the elimination of set-asides and spectrum caps in the upcoming auction of unsold AWS-3 and 700 MHz spectrum, while smaller competitors say those measures should be kept in place.

Industry Minister James Moore leaving Ottawa

Industry Minister James Moore said Friday that he will not run in this fall's federal election.

Moore said in a statement posted to his personal website that he will finish his term as MP before "going home to British Columbia to pursue new opportunities and be closer to my young family."

He is expected to stay on as industry minister until the next election.

Who to lobby on spectrum: Policy Map

With demand for wireless spectrum on the rise, policy around the finite natural resource in Canada has emerged as a major government file over the last decade.