Mobilicity calls Big 3 lobbying ploy insulting to consumers who will ultimately pay for the return of high wireless rates

Consumers should think of their financial interests - not large telcos' before writing their MP, says new entrant, adding wireless spectrum must be set aside to sustain new-found low rates

TORONTO, Sept. 26, 2011 /CNW/ - Responding to what it says is a thinly veiled attempt at manipulating government regulators and public perception, Mobilicity today said Canadians should not be fooled by a new Big 3 carrier stunt to get people to protest more wireless spectrum set-asides for Mobilicity and other new carriers.

"The future of affordable wireless rates is at risk, not the future of long-term evolution (LTE) networks," said Chief Operating Officer Stewart Lyons. "Mobilicity has helped bring down the cost of wireless in Canada significantly and we need to augment our limited amount of spectrum to ensure affordable pricing continues."

According to University of Ottawa law professor and internationally syndicated columnist on technology law issues Michael Geist, "The Rogers astroturf lobby campaign against a spectrum set-aside...sneakily uses people interested in a notification on when LTE may be available in their market..."

Geist also wrote on his blog (michaelgeist.ca), "Given the effects of new competition, it should come as no surprise that Rogers and the other incumbents will use every tactic in the book to prevent a repeat of the AWS auction and a set-aside for new entrants."

Lyons advised consumers to think the real implications of writing their local Member of Parliament. "Big 3 wireless carriers have more spectrum than they need and will stop at nothing to dress up and misrepresent their hidden agenda of eliminating competition so they can raise their rates back up again," he said.

To those who do not want to see rates return to levels among the highest in the developed world, Mobilicity suggests the following edits to the standard form letter proposed by the Big 3 carrier:

Don't raise my rates

"I want to see our country have competitive, fairly priced wireless services from companies that put consumers' needs first. 

Therefore, I respectfully urge you to allow free and open access to the 700-megahertz spectrum by allowing companies who bring real value for wireless services to participate in the upcoming auction. Excluding any incumbent would only serve to slow down incumbent profits, as new entrants would be able to continue to drive down prices, increase adoption of wireless services and provide real alternatives for Canadians,  thus contributing to our growing and vital digital economy. Worse yet, it would adversely impact the incumbent's ability to raise prices on me for no reason.

LTE will offer us access to truly revolutionary wireless experiences, enriching our lives and growing our economy. Having incentives for new entrants to acquire spectrum will provide the best opportunity for us to actually achieve affordable data services, especially LTE. .

For these reasons, I ask you to support the growth of the new entrants by not allowing the incumbents to hijack the auction in order to shut out competition . It's best for our economy. It's best for Canada.  After all, the incumbents already have more spectrum than any other operator anywhere in the world.  How much is enough?

About Mobilicity (DAVE Wireless)
Mobilicity, Canada's smart mobile carrier, was created to bring down the cost of wireless with unlimited talk, text and data plans, affordable North American coverage, plus popular handsets and smartphones - without locking customers into contracts or charging extra or hidden fees. Everything Mobilicity does adds up to a better wireless experience, not an expensive one. NOW THAT'S SMART.

Formerly known as Data & Audio-Visual Enterprises Wireless Inc. (DAVE Wireless), the company is led by Obelysk, a diversified Canadian holding company, and Quadrangle Capital Partners, a global investor in the telecommunications and media sectors. Mobilicity was named one of Canada's Top 25 Up and Coming Information & Communication Technology start-ups in 2010 by the Branham Group Inc. Further information about Mobilicity can be found at www.mobilicity.ca.

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For more information, images or interviews, please contact:

Robert Kirsic
Coordinator, Public Relations
Mobilicity
[e-mail]

Sheryl Steinberg
Director, Corporate Affairs
Mobilicity
647-70-PRESS
[e-mail]