Wireless Window Widens

Canada’s telecom market could be in for a shakeup following announced changes Wednesday.

Industry Minister Christian Paradis told reporters that the Telecommunications Act will be amended to lift foreign investment restrictions for telecom companies like Mobilicity and Wind Mobile that hold less than a 10 percent share of the market.

Paradis said the rule change will help them get needed capital.

He also announced rules for the upcoming 700 Mhz frequency auction that will give companies much-needed bandwidth for their cellular networks.

The auction will include caps to ensure new wireless companies can enter and not be outbid by established telecoms. Other measures will ensure rural Canadians get better access to the services urban Canadians now enjoy.