Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Canada Opens Wireless Industry To Competition

Posted by samzenpus on from the free-the-waves-eh dept.

FreeKill writes "The Canadian government on Wednesday paved the way for new cellphone companies by announcing new rules for an auction of radio airwaves designed to spur competition in the wireless industry. About 40 per cent of the spectrum will be reserved for new entrants with the remainder open to all bidders, including Canada's big three providers — Rogers, Bell, and Telus. The government will also mandate roaming area agreements which will force existing carriers to share their networks with newcomers for five years, plus another five if the new entrants can build up their own networks nationally."

3 of 116 comments (clear)

  1. if this were Australia... by timmarhy · · Score: 5, Funny

    ... Telstra would complain that they are providing free air, and that it's giving competitors a free ride. they would at the same time propose that the the government pay them to provide the air and that it also be allowed a monopoly on the air.

    --
    If you mod me down, I will become more powerful than you can imagine....
  2. This makes me happy! by B3ryllium · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Canadian Cellphone companies make Satan look like a Buddhist Monk.

    They are THAT evil.

    Anything to force them to compete on merits and features must be a good thing.

  3. In news this week by boer · · Score: 5, Funny

    In news this week: Canadian government regulation on mobile telecom industry is welcomed by readers of Slashdot. "Truly wonderful example of succesful goverment regulation!" -Anonymous Slashdot commenter

    In other news: FCC castigated by readers of Slashdot for trying to regulate cable TV industry. "Yeah, like more government regulation is what we need!" -Anonymous Slashdot commenter

    --
    (This sig intentionally left blank)