BCE Inc. has asked the federal government to stop Quebecor Inc. from buying 5G spectrum in Western Canada, claiming the business did not meet the conditions to bid on the airwaves.
Bell’s legal action follows the summer auction of a major 5G spectrum by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.
The company said Videotron (a subsidiary of Quebecor), was able to purchase spectrum in Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia that was set aside for smaller carriers, allowing it to access airwaves at a cheaper price than Canada’s largest carriers.
Bell said that enterprises with pre-existing operations in the jurisdiction were only eligible for the set-aside spectrum for smaller carriers, and that Quebecor does not have a presence in those provinces.
It is requesting that the federal government halt Quebecor’s purchase and re-hold the auction.
Requests for response from Quebecor and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada were not immediately returned.
Source_ The Canadian Press
