OTTAWA – Industry Canada has approved a transfer of spectrum licences held by Inukshuk to Bell Mobility Inc. and Rogers.
The two Broadband Radio Service (BRS) spectrum licences are in the Lower St. Lawrence and Gaspésie service area, and expire on March 31, 2021. Noting that Inukshuk is a partnership between Rogers and Bell Mobility Inc., with each owning a 50% partnership interest, Industry Canada said that the transfer will not result in any change in spectrum concentration.
“The Department has determined that the requested transfer of these spectrum licences will not impact the ability of existing and future competitors to…
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TORONTO – This year will mark the tipping point for near-field communication-enabled smartphone in-store payments, according to Deloitte's 2015 Canadian Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT) Predictions, released Tuesday.
In 2015, about 5% of the 600 million NFC-equipped smartphones worldwide will be used to make an in-store NFC payment at least once a month, more than a 1,000% increase from 2014, making its way to Canada at the end of 2015.
"Canadian smartphones are already being used to check balances, transfer funds and transact online, which indicates that consumers are comfortable with using their phones to handle money. But almost…
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MONTREAL – Cogeco Inc. doesn’t think it can expand its territory through acquiring other Canadian cable companies, and it doesn’t want to start building its network out to compete directly with its neighbours, so its strategy for stopping its losses in TV subscribers in Canada comes down to one word: TiVo.
The company started offering the advanced set-top box to its Atlantic Broadband customers in the United States last year, and in Ontario in November, and will start offering it in Quebec starting this spring. The TiVo box is a whole-home DVR capable of recording six channels at…
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TORONTO – John Cassaday, the only president and CEO Corus Entertainment has ever had, announced Monday his intention to retire from the company when his contract expires at the end of March 2015 after 25 years in broadcasting and 15 years helming Corus.
Doug Murphy, chief operating officer, will assume the role of president and CEO following Cassaday’s departure.
"Under John Cassaday’s strategic leadership, Corus has grown and created a diversified portfolio of powerful brands, encompassing television, radio and content assets which have delivered significant long-term value to shareholders and customers over the past 15 years,” said Heather Shaw, executive chair….
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OTTAWA – Industry Canada’s Kelly Gillis received a promotion this week as part of Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s changes in the senior ranks of the public service.
Gillis, who has been senior assistant deputy minister, spectrum, information technologies and telecommunications at Industry Canada since March 2013, will become associate deputy Minister of Industry, effective January 12, 2015.
Prior to joining Industry Canada in 2009, Gillis (pictured) was assistant secretary and Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Services Sector, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat.
www.ic.gc.ca
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AJAX, ON – Novanet Communications has named Corrine Bender as its wireless sales manager.
In this role, Bender will be responsible for the direct sales of all Novanet wireless products and services to the utility and enterprise markets across Canada. She will manage the GE-MDS product lines, primarily in Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba, and will assist in growing Novanet’s wireless solutions business into new markets and help procure and develop new products and services nationally.
“With 15 years of outstanding sales and marketing success in the wireless industry, we know Corrine has the capabilities to take a portfolio of technical products…
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TORONTO – In recognition of its retiring vice chairman Phil Lind, Rogers Communications is donating $125,000 to Vancouver’s Presentation House Gallery to create the Philip B. Lind Emerging Artist Commission.
Lind, recently profiled by Cartt.ca, has been a long-time supporter and collector of Vancouver based-art. While a resident of Toronto, he spends a significant amount of time in Vancouver and is involved in the local arts scene as a patron and a collector, and sits on the board of directors of the Vancouver Art Gallery.
Presentation House Gallery is the only gallery in Western Canada dedicated to photography with an emphasis on…
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TORONTO, MONTREAL and WOODSTOCK – Industry stakeholders wasted little time before commenting on Industry Minister James Moore’s spectrum announcement, with the majority expressing optimism, albeit cautiously.
Rural broadband provider Xplornet Communications said that it was “pleased and relieved” that Industry Canada and Minister Moore revised the previously proposed 3500 MHz spectrum policy, saying that the approach proves that the Minister understands the importance of 3500 MHz spectrum in providing fast and affordable high-speed Internet to rural Canadians.
“The Minister has taken a balanced approached that does no harm to the tremendous gains that have been made in the past few…
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TORONTO – CTAM Canada invites members to save January 28 for its 2015 President's Reception.
In addition to offering a great opportunity to reconnect with industry friends and colleagues, CTAM will reveal its plans for the New Year and introduce its new board members.
The event will take place in the Park Salon at the Park Hyatt Toronto and is free for CTAM Canada members. Please RSVP via email at events@ctam.ca
www.ctam.ca
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VANCOUVER – The federal government made good on its promise to set aside more spectrum for new wireless entrants, announcing Thursday that some 60% of AWS-3 spectrum will be reserved for operating new entrants at next year’s auction.
Speaking from Vancouver, Industry Minister James Moore said that the remaining 40% will be open to all qualified bidders, and confirmed that the AWS-3 auction would take place on March 3, 2015.
In addition, Minister Moore said that the federal government is launching a consultation on making the 600 MHz band of spectrum available for commercial mobile use in both urban and rural areas.
Under…
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