Subordinate Licences for Spectrum Licences Held by Rogers Communications Partnership (“Rogers”) and Videotron G.P. (“Videotron”)

Posted on Industry Canada website: June 26, 2014

Subordinate Licence Decision

Application:

1. On January 13, 2014, Rogers and Videotron submitted a joint application to Industry Canada, seeking the approval of their subordinate licensing application for spectrum licences in Quebec and Eastern Ontario. A list of the licences involved can be found in Annex A.

2. The application was reviewed under the relevant provisions of CPC-2-1-23, Licensing Procedure for Spectrum Licences for Terrestrial Services. The parties made the application further to a network operating agreement (the Agreement).

3. The capitalized terms not defined in this decision have the meaning set out in CPC-2-1-23.

Decision:

4. The subordinate licensing application received from Rogers and Videotron for spectrum licences listed in Annex A is approved.

Rationale:

5. The application was assessed against the policy objectives and the criteria set out in Section 5.6 of CPC-2-1-23.

6. Industry Canada notes that the nature of the Agreement is such that both parties retain control of their existing licences and contribute resources and equipment towards a joint network.

7. Rogers and Videotron already have extensive networks in Quebec and Eastern Ontario. Approving the subordinate licensing application will have no impact on the overall spectrum holdings or distribution, but will enable Rogers and Videotron to deliver better coverage and more advanced services to their subscribers.

8. The joint network enhances spectrum efficiency and maximizes the benefits that Canadians derive from the use of this spectrum. The Department has determined that approving these subordinate licences will not significantly impact the ability of existing and future competitors to provide service.

Annex A