To foster ‘real’ wireless competition in Canada, WIND and Public Mobile want to build a new network to support newer smartphones, such as the iPhone. These companies are threatening to once again sit out the next wave of wireless auction bidding, as they feel there’s no point in even trying when they are put up against Canada’s ‘Big 3’:
“We’re not suicidal…We’re not going to go out and try to bid on something we have zero chance of winning.”
Mr. Lacavera said that smaller cellphone companies like his own simply will be outbid by established players like Rogers and Telus, which won’t help competition in the wireless industry.
Wind Mobile needs the new radio frequencies to build a faster, more advanced wireless network that uses long-term evolution (LTE) technology and handles the latest smartphones, he said from Toronto.
The coveted 700MHz band is highly desired for its extensive reach compared to other bands. It will allow for calls to enter previously troubled areas such as elevators, basements, and require less capital to maintain and build–therefore allowing entrants to easily expand to rural communities.
Not only that, a 700MHz LTE spectrum for newer entrants also enables support for newer smartphones and possibly a rumoured LTE iPhone 5. Should the networks of the new entrants remain the same, we would still be limited to the ‘Big 3’ for iPhone service, unless the next iteration supports AWS as previously rumours have mentioned.
Rogers has previously spoken out against reserving chunks of the new 700MHz spectrum for the new entrants. Movements such as OpenMedia.ca’s ‘Stop the Squeeze’ campaign have continued to urge Canadians to speak up about out current wireless environment. We’ve already heard some strong words from WIND Mobile’s Egyptian backer, Naguib Sawiris.
The auction is set to take place either this year or in 2013.
[via Globe and Mail]
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hopefully smaller companys can get in on the better tech. if not the big 3 will take over with the prices 100.00 a month prolly
Finger crossed they get it. Competition is good for everyone.
Public & WIND has amazing plans at the affordable rates to ice it up they offer no 3 yrs contracts likes the others, I hope they get their chance and we get more varities when it comes to choosing cell phones,…
Maybe Wind should do a Kickstarter type project and see if the public could help them out to raise funds. I myself and I know thousands of fed up Canadians would donate to a worthy cause..
But what most people don’t know wind is back by companies from other countries that has more money then the big 3 in Canada combined so who would you rather give money too companies that are home grown and reinvest there money in Canada or help line the wallets of people who don’t even want to spend there money helping to provide better service in Canada