Conservative Government’s Decision on Spectrum Bad for Consumers

June 4, 2013

OTTAWA– Liberal Industry critic Geoff Regan made the following statement today on the Conservative government’s decision to prohibit the transfer of spectrum to other telecom carriers:

“The federal government’s decision to pull the plug on the Telus-Mobilicity deal is a clear sign that Conservative telecom policies are a failure.

Industry Minister Christian Paradis’ decision has already led industry analysts to suggest that bankruptcy is inevitable for several new entrants. That would reduce the number of players in the telecom sector, something that is not good news for consumers.

It also creates concern for the fate of the several hundred Mobilicity employees and their quarter million customers.

Moreover, further delaying the 700 MHz spectrum auction will create uncertainty among potential investors and result in reduced service for many Canadians.

It is clear that the Conservatives are simply trying to cover up the mess they’ve created which will have serious consequences for the entire sector.”