Wind Mobile this week confirmed that it will take part in two upcoming spectrum auctions in Canada.
The mobile operator said it has paid a deposit to enter the AWS-3 auction in March and the sale of 2.5-GHz frequencies the following month.
"The Canadian government has taken positive steps toward ensuring that precious wireless spectrum is put to competitive use across Canada," said Wind Mobile founder Anthony Lacavera, in a statement on Thursday.
"Our participation in the upcoming AWS-3 and 2500-MHz auctions reaffirms our long-standing commitment to build a competitive wireless industry in Canada," he added.
Wind highlighted in particular the AWS-3 auction, in which the government has set aside 60% of the available spectrum for new entrants. As one of the market’s smaller operators, Wind qualifies as a new entrant.
Fellow small player Mobilicity is also deemed a new entrant, but it has yet to secure the funding to enable it to participate in the AWS-3 sale.
Mobilicity is operating under court protection from its creditors while it works out a restructuring plan. Earlier this week its court-appointed monitor Ernst & Young said the telco will not participate in the 2.5-GHz auction, but is still working to secure the C$62 million deposit it needs to bid on AWS-3 spectrum.
