Telus, Wind Mobile say they have put down deposits for spectrum auction

MONTREAL – Telus Corp. (TSX:T) has confirmed it has taken steps to be an eligible bidder in the federal government’s auction of wireless spectrum next January.

The Vancouver-based wireless giant joins small cellphone player Wind Mobile in confirming it make a required refundable deposit ahead of the Sept. 17 deadline.

Toronto-based Rogers (TSX:RCI.B) and Montreal-based Bell (TSX:BCE) declined to confirm their participation, but are expected to be among the bidders.

It will take nearly a week for Industry Canada to release a complete list of those who applied to participate in the Jan. 14 auction. The list is due out next Monday.

American carrier AT&T has declined to say if it will take part in the auction and Verizon has announced it’s no longer interested in Canada’s wireless market.

Canada’s big three carriers have about 25 million customers between them and dominate the market.