Canada Planning New Radio Spectrum Auction
Canada's Minister of Industry, Maxime Bernier has launched a public consultation on a framework to auction spectrum in the 2-GHz range, including spectrum for advanced wireless services. This consultation is the first step in a process leading to an auction of spectrum licences, anticipated to occur in early 2008. A total of 105 MHz of spectrum will be made available.
"Advanced wireless services are vital communication resources for building a strong networked economy in Canada," said Minister Bernier. "This consultation solicits input that will assist my department in developing a framework to foster a fair, efficient and competitive marketplace and ensure that the Canadian wireless industry remains in step with international developments."
This consultation paper addresses competition issues in the provision of high-mobility services such as whether to adopt measures to enable market entry by new players and whether existing operators should be mandated to offer roaming on their existing networks, and technical issues for the use of the spectrum, proposed conditions of licences, the size of spectrum blocks and geographic areas, licence terms, and conditions for licence renewal.
"Our role is to help foster a healthy and competitive telecommunications market that encourages and rewards innovation, and from which consumers will benefit the most. I invite all interested parties to make their views known," said Minister Bernier."
Posted to the site on 19th February 2007