Harper Government Releases Spectrum Licence Transfer Framework

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 28, 2013) - The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry, today announced the release of the spectrum licence transfer framework to further promote competition in Canada's wireless telecommunications market and to deliver cutting-edge technologies to Canadian families at affordable prices.

"The Harper Government is committed to promoting at least four wireless providers in every region of the country to support greater competition in the market," said Minister Paradis. "We are working to provide Canadian families with access to the latest technology at better prices."

As announced on June 4, 2013, all spectrum transfer requests will be reviewed, and those that would result in undue spectrum concentration-and therefore diminish competition-will not be permitted. Decisions on transfer requests will be made on a case-by-case basis and will be issued publicly to increase transparency.

The framework, which is based on consultations with Canadians, will provide greater clarity on how spectrum licence transfer requests will be reviewed. It will apply to commercial mobile spectrum licences and all licence transfers, including prospective transfers that could arise from option and other agreements. A licensee will be required to seek a review within 15 days of entering into any agreement that could lead to a prospective transfer. Industry Canada will review a prospective transfer as though the future licence transfer that could arise from the agreement has been made.

"Important progress has been made, and Canadians can count on our Government to continue to promote lower prices and increased choice for their families," added Minister Paradis. "The Harper Government will not hesitate to use any and every tool at its disposal to protect Canadian consumers and to promote competition."

Spectrum is a valuable resource, which the government manages for the benefit of all Canadians. Industry Canada has developed this framework to support the Harper Government's policy objective to maximize the economic and social benefits that Canadians derive from the use of spectrum.

For more detailed information, please refer to the spectrum licence transfer framework.