Cordova was never meant to be permanent Wind CEO: source

When Pietro Cordova was introduced as Wind Mobile's new chief executive officer in October, it was not presented as an interim role, yet that was always the plan, according to a person with knowledge of the matter.

On Monday, Wind announced that Alek Krstajic, the former CEO of Public Mobile, was taking over the CEO position from Cordova. It also said Anthony Lacavera would become honorary chairman, with Rob MacLellan taking over the official chairmanship.

Broadcasters seeking compensation for 600 MHz changes

Broadcasters participating in a consultation on moving 600 MHz spectrum from its role of carrying television signals to mobile usage are intent on avoiding the kind of costs borne by the industry as a result of the 2011 conversion from analog to digital over-the-air TV.

Wind spectrum sale to SaskTel prevented: report

A proposed sale of spectrum in Saskatchewan from Wind Mobile to Saskatchewan Telecommunications Holding Corp. was cancelled because of a negative reaction by federal government officials, the Financial Post reported.

An article posted online Thursday, citing anonymous sources, said that the deal was worth about $20 million and involved two 10-year licences in Saskatoon and Regina. The spectrum was reportedly bought in the 2008 AWS auction but never used by Wind.

MTS lobbies senior federal officials

Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. CEO Jay Forbes met with three cabinet ministers and the head of Canada’s telecommunications regulatory body over the last five weeks, according the federal lobbying registry.

MTS chief executive Jay Forbes communicated with Finance Minister Joe Oliver on March 3, CRTC Chairman Jean-Pierre Blais on Feb. 18, Industry Minister James Moore on Feb. 17, as well as Winnipeg MP and Heritage Minister Shelly Glover on Feb. 6, according to the registry.

Mobilicity might have lost AWS-3 funding: report

Mobilicity might have been unable to raise the funds to bid in Tuesday’s AWS-3 spectrum auction because a $200-million financing deal fell through just minutes before the deadline, according to a report by the Financial Post.

AWS-3 auction format to yield quick results

The sealed-bid, single-round format of this week’s AWS-3 auction means the results will be known much quicker than in previous spectrum sales, while at least one analyst says it will also result in cheaper prices that will benefit smaller carriers.

PIAC says 600 MHz proposals could ‘hinder’ OTA

The Public Interest Advocacy Centre said some of the proposals made by Industry Canada regarding 600 MHz spectrum could “hinder the potential” of over-the-air broadcasting in Canada.

In a document submitted Feb. 26, PIAC said that 7.3 per cent of Canadians currently use OTA, which is “is an affordable, accessible alternative to costly distribution platforms which continue to increase in price for consumers.”

Bell extends LTE network in Ontario, Quebec

BCE Inc. announced Wednesday it has extended its LTE service to 120 rural and remote communities in Ontario and Quebec.

The company said in a release it aims to bring LTE connectivity to 98 per cent of Canada’s population by the end of the year, up from 86 per cent today.

Industry Canada accepts all bidders in AWS-3 and 2500 MHz auctions

Mobilicity hoping for post-auction sale approval: report

Mobilicity is hoping that spectrum ownership in Canada after two upcoming auctions becomes diluted enough that the government changes course on its previous refusal to allow the sale of the company and the spectrum it holds to an incumbent wireless company, the Financial Post reported Wednesday.

Wind, Mobilicity held recent acquisition talks: report

Wind Mobile had last-minute talks about a purchase of bankrupt carrier Mobilicity in advance of the Jan. 30 application deadline for bidding in the two upcoming spectrum auctions, according to a report from the Financial Post.

The two companies spent “the better part of the past few months” working on a deal, the Post quotes a source familiar with the discussion as saying.

Super WiFi ‘exciting new area’ for wireless: spectrum expert

Industry Canada’s announcement last week that it is opening up TV white space for the use of "super WiFi" technology could improve broadband availability in rural areas and has the potential be used for Internet of Things connectivity, experts say.

Government looks to TV white space to connect rural Canadians

Industry Canada said Thursday it was moving forward with initiatives it says will provide new opportunities for rural Canadians to access "WiFi-like services" through the use of TV white space.

It said in a press release that use of underused spectrum, traditionally used for TV broadcasting, can provide broadband Internet signals that are "similar to WiFi."

Spectrum auction applicants list holds few surprises

The list of aspiring bidders in the upcoming AWS-3 and 2500 MHz spectrum auctions released by Industry Canada on Thursday includes the dominant players in Canada’s wireless sector as well as the remaining new entrants from the 2008 AWS auction, yet does not herald the entry of any new competitors into the market.

Mobilicity, Wind backers battle in court: report

Catalyst Capital Group Inc., a secured creditor of wireless service provider Mobilicity, is asking for a court injunction that would prevent West Face Capital Inc., an investment firm that was part of the group that bought out Wind Mobile, from taking an active role in the management of the rival carrier, the Globe and Mail reported Monday.

U.S. AWS-3 auction raises more than $41B US

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission’s AWS-3 auction ended Thursday, and the regulator announced Friday that it had accepted $41.3 billion US in net bids from 31 bidders for 1,611 spectrum licences.

The FCC had previously said the auction had seen $44.9 billion US in gross bidding, and in Friday’s release the regulator said the difference was due to auction rules surrounding withdrawn bids and interim payments.

Wind confirms participation in spectrum auctions

Wind Mobile on Thursday confirmed its participation in the upcoming AWS-3 and 2500 MHz spectrum auctions.

The registration deadline for both is Friday. The AWS-3 auction is set to begin on March 3 and the 2500 MHz auction will start on April 14.

"Our participation in the upcoming AWS-3 and 2500 MHz auctions reaffirms our long-standing commitment to build a competitive wireless industry in Canada," Wind chairman Anthony Lacavera said in a press release.

Mobilicity, Wind in stare-down as AWS-3 deadline looms

Mobilicity's intent to access up to $65 million in debt to participate in the upcoming AWS-3 auction has important implications for Wind Mobile, which would otherwise face no competition for the majority of spectrum on offer in southern Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia.

Court documents filed by Mobilicity late Monday indicate it has reached an agreement with existing creditors to raise the money it needs to participate in the AWS-3 spectrum auction, which starts March 3 and has a deadline of this Friday for applicants to register.

Mobilicity will not participate in 2500 MHz auction

The latest report from the monitor appointed to oversee Mobilicity’s bankruptcy protection says the carrier will not participate in the upcoming 2500 MHz auction, although it is trying to raise funding to participate in the AWS-3 auction for which applications are due at the end of this week.

600 MHz consultation deadline extended

Industry Canada is extending the deadline for comments on its consultation on repurposing the 600 MHz spectrum band from Jan. 26 to Feb. 26.

The department said on its website Thursday that it made the decision “based on the merits of several requests for additional time.”

Reply comments will be due two weeks after the comments are published, it added.

Wind promotion seen as shot against Mobilicity

Wind Mobile's offer of free wireless service to customers of Mobilicity, with unlimited data, text and calls for six months, could be an offensive move to help clear away competition for set-aside spectrum in the upcoming AWS-3 auction, analysts say.

Unlicensed spectrum eyed for easing wireless capacity crunch

As data consumption by smartphone users increases exponentially every year, wireless technology companies are looking to harness the unlicensed spectrum normally used for WiFi connections to improve cellular performance.

AWS-3 auction set for March 3, consultation starts on 600 MHz

Industry Canada on Thursday announced March 3 as the date for the beginning of the AWS-3 auction and proposed policy changes to make 600 MHz, AWS-4 and 3500 MHz spectrum available for mobile use in the near future.

CRTC, spectrum auctions among major wireless issues for 2015: analysts

As the new year approaches, Canadian wireless carriers of all sizes await a CRTC decision on domestic roaming that could, in the words of one analyst, “disrupt” the industry with wide-ranging consequences for two upcoming spectrum auctions and beyond.

Moore to make announcement on wireless

Industry Minister James Moore will announce “new measures to deliver more choice, lower prices and better service in Canada's wireless industry” on Thursday, according to a press release.

Industry Canada said in the release Moore would make the announcement in Vancouver at 1 p.m. PT, or 4 p.m. ET.

Industry Canada poised to lower satellite spectrum fees

Industry Canada is seeking comment on a proposal to lower fees for the use of spectrum used for satellite communications by nearly two thirds.

Under the new rules, posted to Industry Canada’s website Friday, annual licence fees for spectrum that currently costs $333 per MHz per year would fall to $120 per MHz per year.

Government could ease up on spectrum transfers: Ghose

A Federal Court judge has affirmed the government's authority to block transfers of wireless spectrum whenever it sees fit, though at least one telecom analyst says the government's reluctance to let incumbents accumulate airwaves from rival companies could change over time.

Last week, Judge Roger Hughes threw out Telus Corp.'s challenge to the authority of the industry minister to rule on transfers of spectrum between companies as a result of acquisitions even after pre-set moratoriums on selling spectrum have expired.

Catalyst calls for urgency in Mobilicity restructuring

Recent documents submitted in Mobilicity’s court-monitored bankruptcy process indicate private-equity company Catalyst Capital Group Inc. is anxious to see a new arrangement for the wireless carrier soon.

Rogers says no decision yet on Shaw spectrum deal

Rogers Communications Inc. says the federal government has not yet informed it of a decision on whether it can buy wireless spectrum from Shaw Communications Inc.

A report on the news website Cartt Thursday cited anonymous sources as saying that Industry Canada officials have notified both Rogers and Shaw that the transfer of 20 MHz of AWS spectrum across British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba, plus another 10 MHz in select areas of B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and northern Ontario, was not likely to be approved.

Catalyst would fund spectrum purchase for Mobility: report

Catalyst Capital Group Inc. would help fund Mobilicity's purchase of new spectrum in the government's AWS-3 auction next year, its leader said in an interview with the Globe and Mail.

An article that appeared online Monday reported Newton Glassman, head of Catalyst, as saying that purchasing spectrum is the only way to retain value in Mobilicity, which has been in bankruptcy protection for more than a year.

‘Foolish’ not to oppose government spectrum policy earlier: Telus lawyers

OTTAWA — Lawyers for Telus Corp. said Thursday they regretted the "foolish" decision to not dispute Industry Canada’s power over so-called deemed spectrum transfers when the department was consulting on what became its 2013 spectrum-policy framework.

Arguing before the Federal Court in Ottawa, Telus lawyer Michael Ryan said the company should never have accepted that a change in ownership for companies that own a spectrum licence is equivalent to one company handing over the licence to another.

Telus lobbies PM Harper on health

Telus Corp. communicated with high-ranking members of the federal government in October, including Prime Minister Stephen Harper about the company’s health-care operations, according to the lobbying registry.

The Oct. 2 contact was one of only three that Harper had with lobbyists in the entire month, the Lobby Monitor reported Wednesday. Telus executive chairman Darren Entwistle is the company official registered in the lobbying activity, though it does not necessarily mean he communicated directly with Harper. 

FCC begins AWS-3 auction

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission’s AWS-3 auction began on Thursday.

The auction, which has a minimum price of a little more than $10 billion US and is scheduled for a single day, includes 1,614 licences in the 1695 to 1710 MHz, 1755 to 1780 MHz and 2155 to 2180 MHz bands. The 65 MHz of AWS-3, which can be used for wireless services such as LTE and LTE-Advanced, is available in a 5 MHz unpaired block as well as 5 and 10 MHz paired blocks.

Wind promises government it will invest in network

The government has approved the buyout of Wind Mobile from VimpelCom Ltd. by a consortium led by Anthony Lacavera's Globalive Capital with a number of attached conditions, including that the new ownership group "significantly invest capital with the aim of purchasing spectrum."

A statement from Industry Minister James Moore Tuesday said the transaction "will contribute to a more robust and competitive wireless industry in Canada."

LTE network top priority for new Wind CEO: Lacavera

As Wind Mobile’s chief operating officer, Pietro Cordova, steps into the CEO role vacated by Anthony Lacavera Monday, his top priority will be to put an LTE network in place, the outgoing CEO said in a phone interview.

“That’s obviously the No. 1 mandate for Pietro in the coming two, three, four years, is to roll out that LTE network so we’re offering 4G services to our customer base,” Lacavera said, noting that for that to happen, the company will need more spectrum.

Rogers becomes first Canadian carrier to aggregate LTE spectrum

Rogers Communications Inc. said Friday it has become the first Canadian wireless carrier to combine spectrum bands for enhanced LTE service, a move it said will improve the mobile-video experience of its customers, particularly those streaming hockey coverage.

FCC investigates spectrum capabilities for 5G

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced Friday that is going to examine the potential use of spectrum in frequencies once thought unusable for mobile services in anticipation of 5G wireless services.

The FCC said in a news release it is looking to "broaden the commission's understanding of the state of the art in technological development," and determine whether it is possible to use spectrum at 24 GHz (24,000 MHz) or above for "next-generation mobile wireless services."

Spectrum transfer to Telus from NextWave approved

Industry Canada said Friday it has approved the transfer of two wireless spectrum licences in Quebec to Telus Corp. from NextWave Wireless Inc.

AWS-3 auction prompts debate around urban-rural issues

A proposal from one incumbent carrier to restrict set-asides in the upcoming AWS-3 auction to urban centres has elicited debate in the latest round of submissions to Industry Canada from carriers providing input on rules for the auction.

Videotron says national wireless expansion depends on CRTC

GATINEAU, Que. — The CEO of Quebecor Inc.'s Videotron told the CRTC Friday that her company needs the regulator to lower the legislated rate for domestic roaming if it is to build a national alternative to the incumbent wireless carriers.

Manon Brouillette asked the commission to place its own cap on domestic roaming charges below the retail-based cap the government brought into force in June.

Quebecor ‘still interested’ in Wind

Quebecor Inc. is “still interested” in Wind Mobile and is “certainly interested in talking with them” following the announced buyout of the carrier on Tuesday, Quebecor’s senior vice-president and chief financial officer Jean-Francois Pruneau said Wednesday.

Speaking during a CIBC investor conference in Montreal, Pruneau said that “we have, I think, very valuable spectrum ownership, which if they want, we can contribute ... in the venture and be a partner with them as well.”

Incumbents say AWS-3 set-aside unnecessary, bad for taxpayers

In newly released documents Rogers Communications Inc., Telus Corp. and BCE Inc. all criticize the set-aside for new entrants in the upcoming AWS-3 auction, with Bell is asking the government to delay part of the auction for at least a year.

Rogers boss defends big spending on spectrum

Rogers Communications Inc.’s CEO on Tuesday said his competitors underestimate the value of wireless spectrum — something Rogers spent multiple times more money on than any other company in this year’s 700 MHz auction — though he added his company has some “dreadful” customer service that needs to be improved upon.

Mobilicity backers’ lawsuit describes government courting of new entrants

New details about the government’s push for new-entrant carriers in the 2008 AWS auction were revealed in a lawsuit filed this week against Industry Canada by two of the original investors in Mobilicity, alleging the government department is blocking the sale of the struggling carrier to Telus Corp. out of spite.

New technology promises to do more with less spectrum

A new technology that is part of the next generation of LTE could help wireless carriers more than double the speed of their networks and make the most out of their limited spectrum holdings.

Each spectrum band, be it PCS, AWS or 700 MHz, is subdivided into smaller chunks of paired and unpaired spectrum that are used by carriers to deliver wireless services.

Bell increases LTE network speeds

BCE Inc. said Tuesday that is has increased speeds on its LTE wireless network up to 45 per cent.

It said in a press release that average download speeds have gone from between 12 and 25 Mbps to between 14 and 36 Mbps, adding that in some areas average speeds will increase to between 18 and 40 Mbps.

Small ISPs positive, Xplornet critical of new 3500 MHz policy

The government’s proposed changes to the licensing of 3500 MHz spectrum are receiving praise from small wireless Internet service providers (ISPs), while satellite Internet provider Xplornet Communications Inc. said it is “deeply concerned.”

Devicescape helps carriers tap into public WiFi resources

Devicescape Software Inc. is a California-based company that is trying to sell wireless carriers on the potential of using the multitude of free WiFi hotspots in existence to their benefit.

The company's product causes smartphones to automatically link to freely offered WiFi networks, without the user having to perform the manual tasks that are typically required to connect to hotspots.

Experts disagree on stringency of AWS-3 build-out rules

While some observers are saying the deployment requirements for the upcoming AWS-3 spectrum auction are the strictest the industry’s ever seen, others say they’re pretty much in line with those of previous auctions.

Telus’ Entwistle says Quebecor doesn’t need ‘advantages’

Telus Corp. executive chair Darren Entwistle criticised the rules for the upcoming AWS-3 auction, calling it “disconcerting” that Quebecor Inc. can bid on set-aside spectrum but his company cannot, the Financial Post reported on Friday.

According to the newspaper the former Telus CEO said in an interview that Quebecor is “a well-established player within the Canadian telecoms industry and clearly does not need to be gifted any advantages,” and that Telus was the “original new entrant.”

Analysts, carrier question policy on AWS-3 set-asides

Analysts are split on the wisdom of Industry Canada’s rules for the upcoming AWS-3 auction, which appear to put valuable spectrum in two provinces out of reach for any carrier.

One year later, could the wireless wars re-ignite?

Last summer, a conflict between the federal government and Canada’s three biggest wireless carriers, centering over rules around the 700 MHz spectrum auction and the prospect of a large U.S. carrier entering the Canadian market, reached a fever pitch.

American private equity firm reportedly interested in Wind Mobile

Providence Equity Partners Inc., an American private equity firm, is interested in a stake in Wind Mobile, according to a Tuesday report from Bloomberg based on unnamed sources.

Rogers posts double-digit drop in earnings

Rogers Communications Inc. on Thursday posted a double-digit decline its second-quarter earnings compared to the same period last year in its first quarterly report since announcing its corporate overhaul in May.

The company posted net earnings of $405 million, down from $532 million in 2013's second quarter. When adjusted to not include non-recurring items, earnings were down to $432 million from $497 million.

Savings, simplification cited in BCE takeover of Bell Aliant

Saving money, simplifying operations and creating a stronger telecom competitor in Atlantic Canada were among the reasons cited for why BCE Inc. is seeking ownership of all parts of Bell Aliant Inc. it does not already own.

Wind looking to offer 3G roaming thanks to price cap

Now that the federal government’s domestic roaming caps are in place, Wind Mobile is looking to upgrade to 3G for its roaming network by the end of the summer, chief regulatory officer Simon Lockie said on Tuesday.

His company currently offers only 2G data connections outside its own network, Lockie said, because of the high prices it was forced to pay to send data over other carriers’ networks before the passage of the government’s budget bill, which included a usage-based cap on these wholesale roaming rates, on June 19.

Rogers, Videotron spectrum sharing approved

Industry Canada said Thursday that it has approved an application from Rogers Communications Inc. and Quebecor Inc.'s Videotron to share spectrum in Quebec and eastern Ontario.

The application was in relation to 10 AWS licences held by Rogers and four AWS licences held by Videotron, all of which are slated to expire near the end of 2018.

Mobilicity less attractive than Wind for Quebecor: analyst

New-entrant wireless carrier Mobilicity is in a holding pattern after the collapse of a buyout deal with Telus Corp. that could harm its chances of being rescued from bankruptcy protection, according to Macquarie Capital Markets analyst Greg MacDonald.

MacDonald said in a phone interview Wednesday that Videotron owner Quebecor Inc. now appears to be the only serious bidder for the company and that Mobilicity’s continuing losses and a slide in subscriber numbers leave it in a poor negotiating position. 

Carriers finally have ‘will’ for VoLTE: analyst

After years of dragging their feet, carriers finally have “the will” to adopt the latest in wireless technology that will allow them to ditch their old networks once and for all, according to Nordicity analyst Stephan Meyer.

Canadian carriers only use the latest wireless technology, LTE, to carry text messages and data, while routing phone calls through their older CDMA or HSPA networks.

Quebecor says it needs regulated roaming to become fourth carrier

Quebecor Inc. said explicitly Wednesday that it intends to become Canada's "fourth wireless competitor," though it needs "a fair and competitive federally regulated roaming policy."

The company made the assertion in a press release that was issued at about the same time as its CEO Pierre Dion was making the closing keynote address to the Canadian Telecom Summit in Toronto.

Telecoms square off on government intervention

TORONTO — Canada’s biggest telecom companies faced off with one of their smaller rivals over the government’s approach to regulating the wireless industry at the Canadian Telecom Summit on Tuesday.

Ted Woodhead, senior vice-president of government and regulatory affairs at Telus Corp., told the audience about the perils of government intervention seen in the European wireless market, a common theme mentioned by the other members of the panel from Rogers Communications Inc. and BCE Inc.

Wind seeks LTE spectrum from Shaw, Quebecor

TORONTO — Wind Mobile CEO Anthony Lacavera said Tuesday that his company needs access to LTE spectrum, perhaps from unused space held by Quebecor Inc. or Shaw Communications Inc., if his company is to continue to be a viable alternative to the incumbent wireless carriers.

Regulatory uncertainty could hurt innovation: experts

TORONTO — Ongoing interventions by Industry Canada, the Competition Bureau and the CRTC into Canada’s wireless industry are likely to harm future investments by telecom companies, Brookings Institute economist Robert Crandall told an audience at the Canadian Telecom Summit on Monday.

Crandall was one of four presenters at a panel on competition in telecom, in which few kind words were spoken about the government’s attempts to encourage wireless competition.

WiFi could help wireless industry, consultant says

WiFi is not necessarily a friend of mobile carriers, though it could be, according to a Denmark-based industry consultant who’s hosting an international summit on WiFi in mid-June.

Wholesale roaming caps won’t solve problem: Wind

OTTAWA — Proposed federal legislation that caps wholesale wireless prices is a good start but “doesn’t solve the issue,” Wind Mobile co-founder and chief regulatory officer Simon Lockie told a Senate hearing on Tuesday.

Lockie said the domestic roaming agreement his upstart carrier signed with Rogers Communications Inc. in 2009 in order to provide Wind’s customers with service outside a few major cities was "absolutely terrible.”

Industry Canada approves two spectrum transfers

Industry Canada has approved two spectrum transfers, from 7140282 Canada Inc. and ALO Mobile Inc. to Telehop Communications Inc., and from Silo Wireless Inc. to Xplornet Broadband Inc., the department said in two press releases Friday.

Both acquisitions are “deemed” spectrum licence transfers, which are those involving spectrum assets acquired through the purchase of a company.

Industry Canada approves joint Rogers/MTS network

Industry Canada said Friday it approved a spectrum-sharing agreement between MTS Inc. and Rogers Communications Inc.

Spotlight on Quebecor after Telus reportedly ends Mobilicity bid

Analysts speculated Wednesday about the possibility of Quebecor Inc. stepping up to purchase Mobilicity following a report that Telus Corp. has withdrawn its offer.

Industry Canada to consult on AWS-4 spectrum

Industry Canada said Wednesday it will hold consultations on AWS-4 spectrum, the use of which it said “will improve mobile services network coverage in virtually all rural and remote areas of Canada.”

This spectrum is earmarked for mobile satellite services in combination with land-based mobile services. It is separate from the AWS spectrum that was auctioned to wireless carriers in 2008.

CRTC should have more authority in telecom, PIAC lawyers say

A recent paper from the lawyers representing the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) calls for changes in government structure that would give the CRTC more uncontested authority in governing the telecommunications sector.

Wind claims Q1 ‘best quarter ever’

Wind Mobile said the first quarter of 2014 was its “best quarter ever” as it gained more than 25,000 subscribers and saw its average revenue per user jump to 12 per cent more than it was a year earlier.

The company issued a statement by email on Wednesday that said: “It’s been a tremendous start to the year for Wind Mobile, and we’re very pleased to report that we’ve experienced our best quarter ever.”

Wind added that it will “continue our growth as Canada’s fourth national carrier.” 

Most don’t recall government’s wireless ads: survey

Polling done for Industry Canada suggests most Canadians have not noticed the government's advertising campaign about the wireless industry.

AT&T division registers to lobby Canadian government

Federal government’s approach to wireless has failed: study

The federal government’s meddling in the wireless market over the past seven years and its focus on bringing a fourth carrier into every region has failed to bring about meaningful competition, according to a new study from the Montreal Economic Institute.

The report’s authors, Martin Masse and Paul Beaudry, wrote that, in trying to promote competition, Industry Canada and the CRTC have ignored market realities and “lost sight of the ultimate goal of promoting the development of a dynamic, efficient industry.”

Government wireless policy blasted at telecom conference

OTTAWA — Participants at a conference discussion about the wireless industry on Thursday blasted the federal government for its approach in trying to bring more competition to the sector, and a consensus emerged that there is too much overlap between Industry Canada, the CRTC and the Competition Bureau in regulating the mobile-services industry.

Mobilicity debt holders could sue government: Ghose

A financial market analyst covering the telecommunications sector says the federal government could cause harm to those with a stake in Mobilicity, and possibly even face a lawsuit, if it continues to thwart attempts by Telus Corp. to purchase the startup wireless carrier.

Telus-Mobilicity deal to test government powers: expert

The $350-million bid by Telus Corp. for Mobilicity could set up a test of Industry Canada’s regulatory power over the sale of wireless spectrum and competition within the wireless industry, according to one expert.

Telus closes financing to repay auction debt

Telus Corp. said Friday it has closed a $1-billion offering of senior unsecured notes, which it said in a press release “will be used to repay bank indebtedness incurred to pay for the 700 MHz spectrum licences and for general corporate purposes.”

Wednesday was the deadline for payment for spectrum licences bought in the 700 MHz wireless spectrum auction, which began Jan. 14 and for which results were announced Feb. 19.

NHL contract was factor in Rogers’ 700 MHz auction bidding

Rogers Communications Inc. made it clear Thursday that there was a connection between the several billions of dollars it spent separately on National Hockey League content and wireless spectrum in recent months.

Public Mobile name not going anywhere: Telus

The Public Mobile brand will remain active for the foreseeable future despite a move to abandon the network its customers are using, a Telus Corp. spokesman said Friday.

“The brand continues and the name continues,” said Telus’ Shawn Hall in a phone interview. “The rate plans, largely, continue as they have been. What really is changing is the network. And customers will, once they make the transition, immediately start enjoying a national network with much faster data speeds.”

Use spectrum auction proceeds to improve Net access: OpenMedia

A group that promotes open access to the Internet said the federal government should use funds from the 700 MHz spectrum auction to improve accessibility to high-speed Internet in Canada.

In a press release issued Wednesday, OpenMedia.ca called on Industry Minister James Moore to use the $5.27 billion raised in that auction to counter what it called Canada’s “growing digital divide.”

Rogers closes $2.1B in financing for spectrum purchases

Rogers Communications Inc. said Monday that it closed about $2.1 billion in financing transactions, which it will use to fund its recent purchases of 700 MHz spectrum licences.

The company said in a release that the proceeds of the financing will be used to help “fund the 'beachfront property' — 20 year licenses for two contiguous, paired blocks of lower band spectrum — acquired in the recent 700 MHz spectrum auction."

‘Undesirable’ spectrum now key to Rogers mobile-video plans

Rogers Communications Inc. shelled out billions in this year’s 700 MHz spectrum auction for what was once “second-class” spectrum and what could now be the most coveted wireless real estate in the country, according to Nordicity analyst Stephan Meyer.

Rogers spent $3.2 billion in the auction, the majority of which went to snapping up 20-year licences for contiguous A and B paired blocks of 700 MHz spectrum in every major wireless market in the country.

NextWave spectrum could revert to government after blocked sale

Industry Minister James Moore blocked a spectrum-transfer request on Thursday between NextWave Wireless Inc. and a joint venture between two of Canada’s incumbent carriers, a decision that could see ownership of the spectrum revert back to the government.

Companies bid for more than $7B in 700 MHz auction: report

Bids in Industry Canada’s 700 MHz spectrum auction topped $7 billion, according a report in the Globe and Mail.

700 MHz auction ‘biased against regional carriers’: SaskTel

Ron Styles, president of Saskatchewan telecom services provider SaskTel, said Thursday that the 700 MHz wireless spectrum auction’s format was “clearly biased against regional carriers.”

A release from SaskTel noted that the company walked away from the auction that wrapped up Wednesday with one licence in the C1 band in Saskatchewan, for which it paid $7.6 million.  It said this will not allow it to expand LTE services to rural parts of its home province until devices for this band of spectrum become available in Canada.

Rogers spends billions on spectrum, focuses on A, B pairings

OTTAWA — More than half the money raised in the government’s 700 MHz auction of wireless spectrum came from Rogers Communications Inc., which invested heavily in two key blocks in regions across the country.

The company, which spent nearly $3.3 billion in the auction, avoided most of the prime C, C1, and C2 blocks of the 700 MHz spectrum to spend heavily on 18 licences for A and B blocks paired together regionally.

All told, the company walked away with 22 licences for spectrum blocks across the country.

Mobilicity to ask for creditor-protection extension

Mobilicity will be asking for an extension of its creditor protection.

An official involved in its court-monitored bankruptcy protection process told The Wire Report by phone on background that an affidavit was likely to be filed Wednesday or Thursday, in which Mobilicity will indicate it intends to appear in court on Feb. 26 — the day the previous extension was to expire — to ask for another one.

The official was unclear on the length of the requested extension.