Wirelessnorth.ca

Breaking news in Canada’s spectrum auction – MTS Allstream and Yak Communications Corp have both come public with their participation. David George-Cosh has the story for the Post. What’s most interesting so far is that MTS has put down the full $340M – enough money to bid on the whole enchilada, 40MHz of set-aside spectrum from coast to coast. In reality though, they’re unlucky if they get the whole thing, but putting down this deposit maximizes their strategic options. There’s also Yak to consider, owned by Globalive Communications Corp. and we’ll find out more about them shortly.

Meanwhile we know Quebecor is deadly serious about their bid, they’re hiring and talking like they’ve won it already. In the province of Quebec they should be almost unbeatable, but watch for them to bid on territories outside as well. Data rates are just the beginning of what’s wrong with mobile in Canada they tell me, just wait til someone offers a truly “open” network in Canada.

What does that mean? And how much disruption can we really expect? The sentiment I’m hearing from those close to the bidding (on both sides of the street) are the same, it’s an exciting as hell time to be working in telcom but – anxious as well. Come June, it’s either a big bonus or time to look for a new job…

Why is the news coming out today? Because today is the deadline to submit applications to Industry Canada. IC won’t announce the list of applicants officially until Friday, and the list of approved bidders two weeks after that. But as far as the game theory is concerned, a extra week wont change anything so it makes sense to start pounding the PR drum.

This is shaping up to be the year for wireless in Canada. Stay tuned to this channel for more this week.

Previously: Everything you needed to know about the Canadian Spectrum Auction but were afraid to ask