OTTAWA – On Friday afternoon the federal government announced six companies won spectrum in the most recent wireless auction held to sell off residual blocks not claimed in prior auctions.
Blocks in the 700 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz and PCS G-bands were auctioned for a total of $43.4 million.
Click here for the licenses won and regions they are located.
“Approximately 94 percent of the allocated spectrum licences went to regional providers and small companies,” said the press release from Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada. Ecotel, Cogeco, Xplornet, Iris, Freedom and Telus each claimed some of the spectrum.
Cogeco was the biggest player in the auction, claiming 23 licences in the 2500 and 2300 MHz bands, located in the company’s wireline footprint, for $24.3 million.
In its press release recognizing the new spectrum assets Cogeco was, as usual, circumspect on its possible wireless plans. “As stated in the past, the company has an interest in entering the mobile market only to the extent that it can operate a profitable business within its financial means,” said Luc Noiseux, senior vice president and chief technology and strategy officer. “A wireless offering would be complementary to Cogeco Connexion’s current offering to its customers. This is a first positive step in the exploration of our options in the mobile wireless market.”
