Three Canadian wireless operators exit industry group

Three Canadian wireless operators exit industry group

Three small wireless operators in Canada have pulled out of the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA).

The trio have hit out at the group for being biased towards more established operators.

 

WIND Mobile, Public Mobile and Mobilicity entered the Canadian wireless market in 2008, following an auction whereby certain amounts of spectrum was made off-limits to bigger players to allow for more competition in the market.

Since then, the three operators have reportedly had little success in building their own customer bases.

“There seems to be a blatant disregard of the new entrants in favour of acting in the best interest of the Big Three carriers and it is unacceptable,” said Gary Wong, director of legal affairs at Mobilicity in a statement.

BCE Bell Nexxia, Rogers Communications and Telus comprise the ‘Big Three’ and collectively cover 90% of the Canadian market.

 

Following the withdrawal, the three smaller operators claim the CWTA can no longer speak on behalf of the industry as a whole.


Earlier this month, the Canadian government announced plans for a spectrum auction to be held in November this year.

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