Federal government to hold auction for wireless spectrum in November
OTTAWA - The federal government will hold its long-awaited wireless spectrum auction in November.
Industry Minister Christian Paradis announced today the 700 MHz spectrum auction will start on Nov. 19.
The auction aims to have at least four wireless-service providers in every region of the country, which the government hopes will help lower consumer prices by increasing competition.
The announcement follows earlier steps to help smaller wireless providers enter the market by getting rid of foreign-investment restrictions.
Ottawa has also previously announced measures for cell tower sharing and requiring companies to provide wireless roaming to their competitors.
The government will also review its policy on transfer requests for spectrum licenses ahead of November's auction.
(The Canadian Press)