Ottawa, April 14, 2015—To mark the start of bidding today in Canada's 2500 MHz spectrum auction, the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Industry, made the following statement:
"Canadians have been clear: they want their government to make decisions that will lead to more choice, lower prices and better service in the wireless sector.
"Today, bidding begins in the 2500 MHz wireless spectrum auction. Eleven Canadian companies will compete for spectrum—a valuable public resource on which wireless information travels. Through this auction, new competitors will have the opportunity to acquire even more spectrum to deliver better service.
"Less than one year ago, nearly 90 percent of spectrum was held by Canada's largest wireless companies. As a result of this 2500 MHz spectrum auction and last month's highly successful AWS-3 spectrum auction, new wireless companies are expected to hold approximately 25 percent of the total wireless spectrum available. This spectrum will be made available to providers to offer services to Canadians using the latest technologies.
"Our government is working to protect the interests of consumers in the wireless sector. Promoting a healthy wireless industry through competition is the best way to drive results for consumers."
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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
