Statement by Minister Moore on Canada's Spectrum Transfer Framework

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Oct. 23, 2013) - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Industry, issued the following statement:

"Today, Industry Canada approved the proposed G-block spectrum licence transfer from Public Mobile to TELUS Communications Inc.

"G-block spectrum licences were acquired in the 2008 spectrum auction but were not part of the 2008 Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) set-aside. G-block spectrum is not used for the latest data plans and smart phones in Canada and is of a significantly lesser value than other types of spectrum. This transaction does not materially change the spectrum concentration of incumbents in this country and therefore will not diminish competition in our wireless sector.

"Canadians have been clear that they want more choice, better service and lower prices in our wireless sector. Our government will continue to enforce the moratorium on the transfer of set-aside AWS spectrum to incumbents. We will not approve any spectrum transfer request that decreases competition in our wireless sector to the detriment of consumers.

"This means Canadians will continue to benefit from quality spectrum being deployed across the country, resulting in dependable high-speed wireless services with the latest technologies at the best prices. As we stated in the Speech from the Throne, we will continue to keep consumer interests at the core of our government's decisions."

More information on G-block spectrum and Canada's spectrum licence transfer framework, released in June 2013, is available on the Industry Canada website.

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