Ottawa, February 5, 2015—The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Industry, today made the following statement:
"Today, our government published the list of applicants for the upcoming AWS-3 and 2500 MHz wireless spectrum auctions. In total, 13 Canadian companies submitted applications to compete for this high-quality spectrum.
"Spectrum is a vital public resource and the invisible infrastructure on which wireless information travels. For new wireless companies to be able to compete and provide choice to Canadians, spectrum is essential. Less than one year ago, nearly 90 percent of spectrum was held by Canada's largest wireless companies. Due to these auctions, by May 2015 we expect new wireless companies to hold over 25 percent of the total wireless spectrum available.
"As a result of our actions, new players have entered the wireless market and prices have fallen on average by 22 percent. We look forward to these upcoming spectrum auctions creating even more choice, lower prices and better service for Canadian consumers."
For more information, please see the complete list of applicants for the AWS-3 auction and the 2500 MHz auction.
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For further information (media only), please contact:
Jake Enwright
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Industry
343-291-2500
Media Relations
Industry Canada
343-291-1777
media-relations@ic.gc.ca
