Transfer of Spectrum Licences to Bell Canada and Xplornet Communications Inc. from MTS Inc.

Transfer Decision

Application

1. On January 27, 2017, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada received an application for the transfer of 10 commercial mobile spectrum licences from MTS Inc. (MTS) to Bell Canada (Bell)^{Footnote 1} and the transfer of 5 commercial mobile spectrum licences from MTS to Xplornet Communications Inc. (Xplornet). These licences, which are across the province of Manitoba, are described in Annex A and B, respectively.

2. The application was reviewed under the relevant provisions of Client Procedures Circular CPC-2-1-23, Licensing Procedure for Spectrum Licences for Terrestrial Services.

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

Decision

4. The transfer of commercial mobile spectrum licences from MTS to Bell and from MTS to Xplornet is approved.

Rationale

5. The request for the transfer of commercial mobile spectrum licences was assessed against the policy objectives and criteria set out in Section 5.6 of CPC-2-1-23.

6. The Department notes that recent spectrum assignments in the 700 MHz, AWS-3, AWS-4 and 2500 MHz bands have provided all current and potential wireless service providers with multiple opportunities to access additional spectrum in the licence areas to meet their spectrum needs.

7. With Bell purchasing MTS in Manitoba, the transfer of MTS’ spectrum licences will result in an increase to Bell and Xplornet’s commercial mobile spectrum holdings and provide an opportunity for increased competition in rural Manitoba. Given the extent and diversity of the commercial mobile spectrum holdings of competing wireless service providers within the province of Manitoba, alongside spectrum that is not yet deployed, the Department has determined that the requested Licence Transfer will not have a detrimental impact on the ability of competitors to provide services in Manitoba.

Annex A

Annex B