WIND and Public Mobile Desire the 700MHz Wireless Spectrum to Support Newer Smartphones

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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