OTTAWA – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) last week refused an application for spectrum licences in Manitoba to be transferred from Xplore Mobile Inc. to Telus Communications.
The application included licences in the Broadband Radio Service (BRS), Advanced Wireless Services (AWS-1) and Mobile Broadband Services (MBS) bands.
“The proposed transfer raised substantial concerns that the resulting concentration of spectrum would impede the ability of future mobile competitors to provide wireless services and effectively compete in Manitoba,” reads the decision, which adds the “proposed transfer is contrary to ISED’s policy objective for spectrum management.”
Xplore Mobile announced this past July it would be shutting down services as of the end of August.
Xplore Mobile, which was created when Xplornet acquired 40 MHz of wireless spectrum in Manitoba from Bell MTS, launched in 2018. In 2020, Stonepeak Infrastructure acquired Xplornet but not Xplore Mobile.
Cartt.ca reached out to Xplore Mobile, Telus and ISED about this story but did not hear back by deadline (ISED had an automated response, which said their offices are closed today). We will update this story should more information become available.
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Update, Sept. 21: An ISED spokesperson told Cartt.ca via email that on July 14, 2022 (the day before Xplore Mobile announced it was shutting down) the department “received an application to transfer all five of Xplore Mobile’s spectrum licences to Telus.”
The spokesperson reiterated that there were “substantial concerns” the transfer “would impede the ability of future mobile competitors to provide wireless services and effectively compete in Manitoba.” This was determined following a review under section 5.6 of Client Procedures Circular CPC-2-1-23, Licensing Procedure for Spectrum Licences for Terrestrial Services.
“That is why, ISED has refused the transfer of five of Xplore Mobile’s spectrum licences to Telus,” the spokesperson said, adding, “The government will continue to take steps to promote competition for telecommunications services, including through spectrum policies and the proposed new policy direction to the CRTC that would require the Commission to put in place new rules to improve competition, leading to lower prices and better telecommunications services for Canadian consumers.”
