Telecom Incumbent Makes Further Move to Block Wireless Competition That Would
Benefit Canadian Consumers

    
    Globalive Wireless continues to support Industry Canada Initiative to
    introduce greater competition to wireless
    

TORONTO , Sept. 14 /CNW/ - It has become increasingly clear that Rogers Communications Inc. and other incumbent telcos are determined to stop increased competition in the Canadian wireless sector. The Rogers application last week to have the CRTC conduct a public review of two more new entrants is further evidence of that.

Globalive Wireless stated today its continuing support for wireless competition in Canada following Rogers' demand that the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) publicly review the foreign ownership and control structure of Data & Audio-Visual Enterprise Wireless Inc. (DAVE Wireless) and Public Mobile Holdings Inc. Earlier in the year, Telus made a similar request relating to Globalive Wireless. Following that request, each of Bell and Rogers filed supporting submissions with the CRTC and the CRTC determined that it would hold an unprecedented public and multilateral hearing into Globalive Wireless' ownership and control. Globalive Wireless operates under the brand name WIND Mobile.

"Rogers, Telus and Bell have worked hard to block our entry to market and at least Rogers now seems to be trying to do the same for the other new entrants. This type of regulatory gamesmanship is extremely disappointing and harmful," says Ken Campbell , CEO of Globalive Wireless. "The uncertainty presented by our upcoming CRTC hearing and the human and financial resources spent preparing for it won't stop us from bringing a compelling new offering to Canadians by the end of the year, but it has certainly made it harder. This is just as the incumbents intended. We believe that this latest move by Rogers represents another attempt to abuse the regulatory system with the objective of delaying new wireless competition. This, in my view, is extremely distasteful and disappointing."

"We are confident that the CRTC will ultimately reach the same conclusion as Industry Canada and that we will be able to bring a very exciting wireless offering to Canadians", continued Campbell. "While we work to build our business we are creating hundreds of jobs and investing very substantial amounts in the Canadian economy. Within the year we will have invested a billion dollars in building our business. We respect our entrant competitors, DAVE and Public Mobile, and the investments they too are making. We welcome competition rather than fear it and remain committed to reaching market by the end of the year."

About Globalive Wireless Management Corp. and WIND Mobile

Globalive Wireless Management Corp. will provide voice, text and data services to Canadians under the brand name WIND on a next-generation wireless network and is committed to offering a level of wireless service presently not available in Canada . WIND is built on actual conversations that are happening with Canadians who are passionate about wireless and creating a better mobile offering nationally. For more information about WIND Mobile, please visit www.windmobile.ca.

For further information: or to arrange an interview, please contact: Ashley Curran, GCI Canada, [email protected] or [phone]