Rural Albertans to benefit from Industry Canada announcement regarding 3500 MHz spectrum policy

CALGARY, Dec. 19, 2014 /CNW/ - CCI Wireless applauds Industry Canada on their announcement regarding the 3500 MHz spectrum policy decision and the new licensing process and looks forward to further championing high-speed Internet connectivity to rural Albertans.

"Tremendous progress has been made in the quality of Internet services to rural Albertans in the past few years. Today's announcement and the affirmation that the government will ensure the 3500 MHz spectrum will be available to any local Internet service provider that is using it, is great news. This brings the certainty that CCI Wireless and other local rural Internet providers need to continue moving forward in perfecting rural connectivity," stated Amir Bigloo CEO of CCI Wireless.

"Minister Moore's policy and Industry Canada's direction regarding the 3500 MHz spectrum is a win for consumers in rural Canada and rural Alberta and we look forward to its implementation. The Minister showed leadership and awareness of rural needs, when it comes to high-speed Internet. Licensed spectrum high-speed Internet solutions are very important to rural Alberta and rural Canada. The Minister and Industry Canada recognized that and we feel included in the consultation process, it worked well," stated Paul McLauchlin Reeve of Ponoka County.

"We are pleased with the policy decision announced by Minister Moore and Industry Canada regarding the 3500 MHz band. We look forward to realization of this policy. Rural consumers should be happy with the decision, we are happy with the decision. Minister Moore has also reaffirmed the government commitment to 'use it or lose it' policy when it come to rural spectrum. This will provide safeguards in the process, thus ensuring that spectrum assets are used to the benefit of rural consumers," stated Ron Bobocel, Reeve of Smoky Lake County.

About CCI Wireless

CCI Wireless is a leading provider of broadband connectivity within the province of Alberta.  It was formed through the exceptional vision of 17 Alberta natural gas coops, rural electrification associations, municipal districts, towns and villages with the goal of eliminating the digital divide between rural and urban citizens.  To date CCI Wireless operates the largest carrier-grade fixed rural broadband wireless infrastructure in Alberta and operates both a licensed LTE and WiMAX network.  CCI Wireless is constantly improving service to rural Albertans in their quest to perfect rural connectivity.

SOURCE: CCI Wireless

Media Contact: Graham Fleet, Marketing Manager, CCI Wireless, [phone]