Shaw Communications has entered its final submission to the Ministry of Industry, Science and Economic Development consultation regarding the 600MHz spectrum auction.
The telecom has reiterated its strong support for the federal government’s proposed spectrum policy framework that will help truly achieve a competitive landscape in Canada. In a statement, the president of Shaw Communications Jay Mehr said:
“Shaw is ready to step up and complete the job of creating a compelling alternative in Canada’s wireless market, but we cannot achieve these aspirations without the amount and type of spectrum we need to build a stronger network for Canadians. The 600 MHz spectrum auction provides a unique opportunity for the government to correct the huge imbalance in spectrum holdings between the Big Three and real competitors like Shaw.”
In the submission the telecom noted that over 90 percent of available low-band wireless spectrum in Canada is currently in control by the Big Three – Rogers, Bell and Telus. These companies, and their sub brands, maintain a consistent total of 90 percent market share.
In its submission, Shaw argued:
“Canadians need the most valuable, most affordable and most innovative services possible, and our economic future depends on the availability of strong alternatives for world-leading mobile connectivity over the long term. Shaw and other new facilities-based competitors in the wireless market have shown their commitment, ability and effectiveness in bringing competitive discipline to an uncompetitive market.”
However, the Big Three continue to dominate, which isn’t surprising given their advantage in the wireless spectrum. Mehr said that Shaw is working hard to provide an alternative network and sustainable competition to Canada. Shaw is in full support of the new spectrum policy and they applaud the direction in which the government is heading.
[via Financial Post]
