TORONTO and MONTREAL – Fixed wireless provider Look Communications said today it was happy to read Industry Canada’s March 30, 2006 "Policy Provisions for the Band 2500-2690 MHz to Facilitate Future Mobile Service."
It means Look and other fixed wireless providers can keep their spectrum and licenses – and apply for more.
In April 2004 Industry Canada published "Revisions to Allocations in the Band 2500-2690 MHz and Consultation on Spectrum Utilization." This public consultation considered ongoing spectrum planning activities, the use of mobile services in the band and the licensing approach for all services in the band. Look was among a number of companies which contributed.
In its policy announcement, Industry Canada confirmed that incumbents, such as Look, may continue to operate their existing broadcast and Internet businesses under their existing licenses with their existing terms and conditions of licenses as issued by the CRTC.
In addition, the incumbents, including Look, may choose to apply to Industry Canada to provide mobile broadband services, subject to a reorganization of the 2500-2690 MHz spectrum band and a return to Industry Canada of approximately 33% of their existing spectrum.
Industry Canada said existing unassigned spectrum in this band throughout Canada and spectrum returned by the present incumbents will be auctioned at some time in the future.
"Look feels that this new Policy provides the much needed flexibility for the future," said the company in a release. "It will allow Look to continue its discussions with potential partners for the development of its M3 – Mobile Multi Media – entertainment and information service in Ontario and Québec."
"In addition, on April 12, 2006, the CRTC confirmed in its Notice 2006-47 entitled "Regulatory framework for mobile television broadcasting services," that mobile TV services can be offered by Look under its existing broadcast license.
"Mobile Multi Media is fast becoming a reality around the world," said Gerald McGoey, vice-chairman and CEO of Look. "A number of services and trials are available or underway in Korea, Japan, England and the United States, all of which point to the growing consumer interest in this type of service. Industry Canada’s Policy and the CRTC framework provides the necessary tools to allow these services to be implemented in Canada."
