700Mhz spectrum auction

[FlameOn]

Originally Posted by CaramonLS

Shaw bought a bunch of spectrum in 2008 and tried to sell it to Rogers last year. No idea if the sale actually went through yet.

My understanding is that sale is tied up in regulatory red tape because of conditions attached to it. Spectrum during that auction could not be sold or transferred to an established carrier much like how this 700mhz spectrum heavily favored new entrants

[wooohooo]

I thought they sold that to Rogers to fund their Shaw go wifi. Not sure it's the best idea as I think unlimited data will be far more useful

[FlameOn]

Originally Posted by wooohooo

I thought they sold that to Rogers to fund their Shaw go wifi. Not sure it's the best idea as I think unlimited data will be far more useful

They sold the eastern Ontario assets to Rogers as well as attempted to sell the rights to the spectrum they bought. Seems like the spectrum part of the deal hit a snag with the CRTC.

[ken0042]

So, where does the money raised in the auction go? Towards the federal gov't budget? Or does it get passed along back to consumers somehow?

[Nehkara]

Originally Posted by ken0042

So, where does the money raised in the auction go? Towards the federal gov't budget? Or does it get passed along back to consumers somehow?

It goes towards the federal budget. However, it needs to be noted that in terms of accounting they have to spread the $5.27 billion they made out over the 20 year period for which the spectrum was issued... so in terms of impact on the budget, it will be $263.5 milion per year.

[Robbob]

So with Videotron getting tech ready spectrum in Alberta, realistically how long until they can enter the market?

[FlameOn]

Originally Posted by Robbob

So with Videotron getting tech ready spectrum in Alberta, realistically how long until they can enter the market?

If they buy Wind and Mobilicity, quicker. Stringing up equipment on existing towers and taking over existing retail locations will be easy. ~1 year. If they have to build new towers and new retail locations, probably closer to 2-3 years. Depends on how aggressively Videotron wants to push into the new markets.

Mind you I don't know if we'll see a huge reduction in price if they enter the market. Looking at their current plans they are only cheaper than Fido by $5 or so for near identical plan structure. There is no Wind type unlimited plan

[Azure]

I thought they offered unlimited everything for $60/month at one point in Quebec?

[Azure]

You also have to realize that Videotron will have to compete in Alberta to get new customers. As such their pricing structure will be a bit different than what it is now in Quebec.

[CaramonLS]

Originally Posted by Azure

I thought they offered unlimited everything for $60/month at one point in Quebec?

I'm debating whether or not to switch out of pure spite / hatred for the big 3 alone, but if they did that and had solid coverage/signal penetration, I'm in. No questions asked.

[FlameOn]

Originally Posted by Azure

I thought they offered unlimited everything for $60/month at one point in Quebec?

Not currently... their current high end plan is 6GB and unlimited local at $60/mo (on promo). 6GB and unlimited Canadian voice is $71/mo. This is closest to Robellus $105/mo plan. For light data users the 500MB/mo plans are only $5 off from each other.

Though these plan prices will be cheaper initially in Alberta to attract the new customers.

[Azure]

$60 per month for unlimited everything and 6GB of data is a fairly decent plan IMO. I pay $57 for unlimited everything except long distance calling with MTS.

Hardly go over 3GB per month though.

[FlameOn]

So... we've been had again since the big 3 won big at the auction because of the Wind pull out. The big three have all near simultaneously raised all the prices, this happened with all the other subsidiaries as well.

MobileSyrup has put out a good piece on the situation, why our prices keep rising and how they don't think Videotron is likely to start expanding any time soon. Basically it still amounts to lack of competition
http://mobilesyrup.com/2014/03/19/he...s-keep-rising/

[Anduril]

Definitely don't look forward to buying a device outright as it forces me to migrate to an in market plan (Bell) but unfortunately that'll be the only options for myself and a lot of other customers with 6GBs plans.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Hopefully Google continues the Nexus devices for years to come, they really help people mitigate the costs of these high cell plans.

[MrMastodonFarm]

http://mobilesyrup.com/2014/04/03/be...lton-ontario /
Bell the first of the big three to roll out the 700 mhz spectrum, in Hamilton

[nik-]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

http://mobilesyrup.com/2014/04/03/be...lton-ontario /
Bell the first of the big three to roll out the 700 mhz spectrum, in Halifax.

Halifax?!

"She's loaded boys, you gotta get outta here ... she's full of Spectrum!"

"The train!"

[MrMastodonFarm]

Oops, Hamilton.

[nik-]

oh well thanks alot, that joke just doesn't work at all now.

[MrMastodonFarm]

I'm such a trickster.