Telus asking court for clarity on new rules for transfer of wireless spectrum

MONTREAL – Telus is asking the courts for clarity on the new rules for transferring licences between carriers for radio waves over which cellphone networks operate — known as spectrum.

The Vancouver wireless carrier is unhappy with the federal government’s recent decision to change the rules for transferring wireless spectrum after the Harper government blocked a plan by Telus (TSX:T) to buy struggling new carrier Mobilicity in a $380-million deal.

Telus says it’s concerned that re-writing the rules could put billions of dollars of investment at risk, cost Canadian jobs and result in big foreign companies being given regulated advantages over local companies.

Big U.S. carrier Verizon is reportedly interested in entering the Canadian market and buying new carriers Wind Mobile and Mobilicity, a move that the new rules prevent Telus as well as Rogers and Bell from doing.

Industry Canada announced the new guidelines at the end of June and they essentially prevent Canada’s big three wireless carriers from scooping up unused spectrum or spectrum licences from small wireless companies without a federal review.

Telus says it’s hopeful that new Industry Minister James Moore will clarify the rules.