MTS, Manitoba’s leading full-service telecommunications provider, has acquired 15 MHz of paired AWS-1 spectrum from WIND Mobile for $45 million. According to MTS, the spectrum acquisition coupled with its ealier acquisition in the Federal government auction earlier this year – will allow MTS to significantly increase the speed and customer experience on its wireless network to the benefit of many Manitobans.
At the same time, the deal will help WIND Mobile to focus its resources on the strong competition in Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta. The Operator said that it will use the proceeds of the sale to expand its network to improve the quality of its existing 3G services and also launch 4G LTE services.
WIND Mobile CEO Alek Krstajic.
These sale proceeds, including our recent spectrum acquisitions from Rogers as well as the AWS-3 spectrum auction, will be used towards network expansion and quality improvements including the LTE rollout.The increased range of services and choices being made available to Canadians through wireless providers like MTS and WIND Mobile are further evidence of the benefits of greater competition that has resulted from the federal government’s continued efforts to create a more level playing field, and we thank them for that.
MTS Allstream CEO Jay Forbes
We are appreciative of the concrete steps that the government has been taking to create more choice, lower prices and better wireless service for Canadians and their families. This deal is great news for our Manitoban customers as the use of mobile video increases. We are excited to be taking a big step to improve the wireless experience for our fellow Manitobans and to focus our resources right here at home.”
