TORONTO – The federal government has awarded licences for new broadcasting and telecom satellites to Telesat Canada and Ciel Satellite.
The firms intend to spend several billion dollars building and launching the new satellites by as early as 2010. The birds will increase capacity to fully implement high-definition TV; carry new and advanced telecom services such as satellite Internet, Internet protocol television, and triple play services (high-speed Internet, VOD, and telephony); and better link Canadians in remote regions with public safety, national security, and government services.
The licences were awarded as part of the largest spectrum licensing ever undertaken in Canada, which was launched last July. The news was announced today by Industry Minister Maxime Bernier.
"Canada needs to increase its satellite capacity to keep pace with the ever-increasing demand for satellite services," said Bernier. "By awarding these new licences, we are helping the expansion of satellite capacity and services that will benefit Canadians for years to come. We’re helping to foster an environment that will bring all the benefits of competition, including increased product and service offerings, choice in supplier, competitive prices and export revenues."
Up to 29 licences were available; Ciel and Telesat, the only applicants, received a total of 12: 7 for Ciel and 5 for Telesat. The firms intend to introduce 10 new satellites from this process. The leftover unassigned licences will be up for grabs again shortly. “A choice of satellite operators means there will now be competition in the industry,” according to the Industry Canada news release.
