ISED denies application for Telus to acquire spectrum from Xplore Mobile (UPDATED)

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...