Globalive Wireless forges ahead despite Telus' attempts to stifle wireless competition in Canada
TORONTO – July 27, 2009 - Globalive Wireless, a subsidiary of Globalive Holdings, announced today that it strongly opposes the latest application by TELUS to impede its entry into the wireless market and forge ahead to deliver a new, much-anticipated competitive offering to Canadians.
Following a series of applications to the CRTC aimed at stifling competition, TELUS filed another application late on Friday seeking additional rights to intervene in the CRTC's review of Globalive Wireless' approval to enter the wireless market. TELUS has asked for new "Directions on Procedure", to supplement procedures already established by the CRTC. The Directions on Procedure proposed by Telus could give it access to Globalive Wireless' business plans and could have the effect of extending the hearing beyond the dates established by the CRTC.
"The Government of Canada has ruled that we are fully compliant with the wireless entry requirements and we are confident that the CRTC will make the same ruling," said Anthony Lacavera, Chairman of Globalive Holdings. "Game-playing by the incumbents will only serve to delay our investment into the Canadian economy, the creation of new jobs and ultimately, Canadian's already overdue access to a new competitive offering."
The CRTC review follows Industry Canada's earlier process and decision to grant Globalive Wireless an operating license in March 2009. Globalive Wireless is now undergoing a second and unprecedented public review by the CRTC.
"We intend to completely adhere to all legal and regulatory requirements but will not be deterred by our competitors' attempts to prevent Canadians from receiving world class competitive services," said Naguib Sawiris, Chairman and CEO, Orascom Telecom Holdings.
Globalive Wireless has attracted significant investment from Orascom Telecom, an entrepreneurial wireless group with over 100M subscribers and operations in Italy, Greece, Egypt and various emerging economies.
“We are well advanced in our network rollout plans and will continue to work toward our goal to provide Canadians with a more competitive offering,"added Ken Campbell, CEO of Globalive Wireless. "Canada is lagging way behind the rest of the world in terms of wireless penetration and price and our entry into the market will introduce competitive prices and advanced services to the market. With the global experience and financial support of Orascom at our disposal, Canada could quickly rise from 128th in the world in cellular penetration to the top tier."
About Globalive Wireless Management Corp.
A subsidiary of Globalive Holdings, Globalive Wireless is positioned to become Canada's next national wireless service provider. Globalive is a leading provider of telecommunications solutions in Canada and internationally to the consumer, business and hospitality markets. The Globalive companies include: Globalive Wireless, Yak Communications, One Connect, Canopco and Globalive Carrier Services. For more information: www.globalive.com
For further information: Kim Roman, GCI Canada, kim.roman@gcicanada.com,
(416) 486-7228
Competition brings innovation. As a technologically-advanced Canadian it has been a shame to see how our wireless landscape lags behind so many other countries. I am not a fan of CRTC, but I hope that the right thing will be done as more competition will benefit all Canadians.
I agree. It's shameful they'd rather tie you up in administrative hell rather than actually try to compete. Stifle innovation is their number one mission.
I love the title of this post. Tell it as it is. That's what they're trying to do so let the people know.
*Blade*
people are logical and have common sense .
my emotional intelligence tells me this . its a Canadian company it will have people in Canada handling customer service . so i know i don't need to anything around talking to some moron overseas about a problem on my local network witch he wouldn't know about .
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i also feel. this is an honest outlay because u can say whatever u want and people will listen . I personally feel. This new Wind is taking out the Smog put here by the
poorly run company's with hanus customer service and rates like telus and rogers . Fido and bell . with rubbish outlays and crap customer service . i will cry when i get a proper phone from wind .
funny thing about tel-us is the name . they want u to tell them but they wont listen .
Telus, that was simply pathetic. Such an act shows only shows your fear, Telus.
If you had real confidence in your business, you would not try to impede the progress of another.
It's all about lobbying in North America. Globalive needs to hire experienced lobbyists to survive.
What really matters is quality of service/product. The Wind service/product is innovative and will clearly be of value to Canadians once they are able to service more area. Perhaps if Telus cannot stop Wind through technicalities, they will focus on their own services/products and compete more honestly.
I hope however, that if/when Wind is able to really take off they stay Canadian run and keep Canaidans employed. This is always cost effective. I personally will be watching closely.
Oops, amending: This is *not* always cost effective.
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