Ottawa, February 27, 2014—Industry Minister James Moore today made the following statement:
"Last October, Industry Canada received a request to transfer 83 Wireless Communications Services spectrum licences from NextWave to Inukshuk, which is owned by Rogers Communications and Bell Canada.
"After considering this request under our Spectrum Licence Transfer Framework, Industry Canada has determined that this licence transfer would lead to unacceptable levels of concentration of spectrum in the hands of incumbent carriers that negatively affects competition in our wireless sector. Industry Canada will therefore not approve the proposed NextWave to Inukshuk spectrum transfer request.
"Canadians have been clear that they want their government to make decisions that result in more choice, lower prices and better service in our wireless sector. We will not approve any spectrum transfer request that results in excessive spectrum concentration for Canada's largest wireless companies, which negatively affects competition in the telecommunications sector. As we set out in the Speech from the Throne and Economic Action Plan 2014, our government is committed to improving high-speed Internet access for Canadians in rural and northern communities, and we will continue to stand up for consumers first in our wireless sector."
For more information, see the decision notice and the accompanying backgrounder.
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For further information (media only), please contact:
Jake Enwright
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable James Moore
Minister of Industry
613-995-9001
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
media-relations@ic.gc.ca
