Wireless giants challenge Globalive's Canadian-ness

OTTAWA – Wireless incumbents Rogers Communications and Telus have asked Industry Canada to hold a public proceeding into wireless newcomer Globalive’s Canuck bona fides. Globalive, a Canadian VOIP operator and long-distance re-seller, backed by Egypt-based wireless supplier Orascom, bid over $440 million for wireless spectrum during the summer’s advanced wireless spectrum auction. But both Telus and Rogers say the new wireless company’s ownership structure violates the Canadian legislation which says telecom companies must be majority-owned by Canadians. Last month, Telus requested Industry Canada hold an open public proceeding to review the eligibility of new holders of wireless spectrum to own...