The goverment of Canada has announced major spectrum plans in its effort to further improve mobile services in the country. Industry Minister James Moore tabled new measures that will make more spectrum available to mobile operators in Canada. According to James, by May 2015, the amount of spectrum available to mobile operators has grown by almost 60 percent compared to early 2014. As part of this initiave, the government of Canada will be auctioning the AWS-3 spectrum, while exploring the feasibility of using the 600Mhz spectrum for mobile services.
The AWS-3 spectrum which will be auctioned beginning March 3, 2015 is expected to enable the delivery of fast, reliable service on the latest smartphones, tablets and mobile devices while encouraging sustained competition as 60 per cent of the spectrum allocation will be set aside to new entrants to the wireless market. The government of Canada will also be seeking public consultation on making a new band of spectrum, 600 MHz available for mobile use which is currently used for over-the-air television service.
James Moore, Minister of Industry
Spectrum is essential to power our wireless devices, and our government is making it more available than ever before. The end result is that Canadians will benefit from more competition, lower prices and better service in our wireless sector. The Harper Government is committed to delivering competitively priced wireless services on the latest technologies.
Allison Lenehan, President, Xplornet Communications Inc
Xplornet is pleased that the Minister has today affirmed his continued commitment to consumers by acknowledging that the 3500 MHz spectrum plays a fundamental role in connecting rural Canadians to all the advantages of the digital world. This decision ensures that the 3500 MHz spectrum continues to be available to provide fast and affordable Internet service to Canadians.
