Minister Paradis Highlights Additional Measures to Promote a Vibrant and Competitive Telecom Industry

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Oct. 30, 2012) - Speaking at the International Institute of Communications Canada Conference in Ottawa, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry, underlined additional steps the Harper Government is taking to support competition, investment and consumer choice in Canada's telecommunications sector.

"Our government is helping build a future full of excitement, potential and transformation, thanks to digital technology," said Minister Paradis. "As the world becomes smaller and more digital, Canada must be at the forefront, creating its technology, capturing its potential and reaping its rewards."

At the conference, the Minister made a number of spectrum-related announcements, including:

• A decision on the use of TV "white space" for unlicensed, short-range wireless systems to provide significant new options for low-cost Internet in rural areas, helping to bridge the digital divide.
• The upcoming launch of a consultation on the use of spectrum for backhaul services-the flow of data from end points, such as cellular sites, back to the core network and the Internet.
• The allocation of spectrum for aircraft testing around 1.4 GHz to ensure that our aerospace industry has the spectrum it needs to remain a world leader in testing and certifying new aircraft.

"These are the latest actions that the Harper Government has taken to support competition, investment and consumer choice in Canada's telecommunications sector," said Minister Paradis.

On March 14, 2012, the Harper Government announced plans to eliminate foreign investment restrictions for certain telecommunications companies as well as other policy changes in advance of the 700 MHz and 2500 MHz spectrum auctions. On October 11, 2012, a consultation paper on auction format and licensing rules for the 2500 MHz spectrum auction was published. A consultation on the 700 MHz auction format and licensing rules concluded in July of this year; a decision paper on that auction will be released in early 2013.