OTTAWA – With a healthy set-aside for operating newcomers (read: wireless companies which are serving Canadians and who aren’t Rogers, Bell or Telus), the federal government opened its public consultation on the AWS-3 auction it plans to hold in March of 2015 – one month prior to the long-planned 2500 MHz auction.
AWS-3 spectrum is in the 1755-1780 and 2155-2180 MHz bands and 30 of the 50 MHz on offer will be solely for the likes of Videotron, Wind, EastLink, and Mobilicity (or whomever is left standing in eight months…). In order to be eligible to bid on the set-aside, the wireless co has to be providing services already – and with a minimum population coverage of 10-25%, with 25% coverage in major markets.
The government announced it was expediting the AWS-3 process earlier this month and analysts quickly speculated the move could spur on consolidation among the independent wireless operators.
The total minimum floor bid for the auction is $162.5 million and it will be a sealed bid envelope style auction.
