Globalive Communications Corp., the parent company of Yak Communications (Canada) Corp., announced today that it had submitted its application to Industry Canada today to become the next national wireless carrier in Canada.
Anthony Lacavera, Chief Executive Officer of Yak Communications, called Canada one of the least competitive wireless markets in the world and indicated that Yak would bring the same “no contracts, no gimmicks” philosophy that it already offers in Internet and long distance services to the wireless market.
But Yak Communications was not the only one to throw its name into the hat. Manitoba Telecom Services Inc, in partnership with the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and U.S. private-equity firm Blackstone Group LP, and Shaw Communications Inc. also announced the submission of their applications today.
The wireless spectrum auction will start on May 27, 2008 and run for about three weeks. It could be several months though before we know who the winners are.