The IT Nerd

So who won the 700 Mhz spectrum auction and will it radically change the wireless landscape? Let me tell you the winners and then I’ll tell you what I think will happen next.

First, underscoring the importance of social media, the results were announced on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/industrycanada/status/436270200636575744

So you could click the link above and read all the details, but if you want to save some time, here’s the list of winners divided by region:

Newfoundland and Labrador: Bell, Eastlink, Rogers, Telus

Nova Scotia: Bell, Eastlink, Rogers,TELUS

Prince Edward Island: Bell, Eastlink, Rogers, Telus

New Brunswick: Bell, Eastlink, Rogers, Telus

Quebec: Bell, Rogers, Telus, Videotron

Southern Ontario: Bell, Rogers, Telus, Videotron

Northern Ontario: Bell, Eastlink, Rogers, Telus

Yukon and Northwest Territories and Nunavut: Bell, Feenix, Telus

Manitoba: Bell, MTS, Rogers, Telus

Saskatchewan: Bell, Rogers, SaskTel, Telus

Alberta: Bell, Rogers, Telus, Videotron

British Columbia: Bell, Rogers, Telus, Videotron

One thing that you’ll notice is Videotron is now the proud owners of spectrum in BC, Alberta, and Southern Ontario as well as in their home province of Quebec. Given that they give the big three a run for their money on a frequent basis in Quebec, it is possible they can do the same thing elsewhere. Thus they could eventually become the fourth national player that Canada needs so desperately. Though we’ll likely have to wait at least a couple of years to see if that’s the case. Another thing to note is that most areas have a fourth company to provide wireless service. That might be a good thing as well. Finally you should note that the Canadian government pulled in $5.27 billion. That’s great for them.

Now, what do you think? Will this be good for Canadian wireless users? Do the big three have anything to worry about? Post a comment and share your thoughts.