Ottawa announces a 600 MHz policy framework that will provide Canadians with more affordable wireless choices, sustainable competition and better-quality networks

CALGARY, Alberta, March 28, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Shaw Communications Inc. (TSX:SJR.B) (TSX:SJR.PR.A) (TSX:SJR.PR.B) (NYSE:SJR) (TSXV:SJR.A) commends today’s announcement by Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Hon. Navdeep Bains to create a bold, forward-looking spectrum auction framework.

“The 600 MHz policy framework affirms the Government’s commitment to true competition and the long-term benefits it will bring to all Canadians,” said Brad Shaw, CEO, Shaw Communications, which provides wireless services through Freedom Mobile. “Today’s decision will drive a more dynamic, competitive wireless market in Canada.”

Shaw continues to invest significantly in an expanding network so that Canadians will have a real, sustainable choice of high-quality wireless services at affordable prices. But, as explained in Shaw’s submissions to the Ministry’s consultation process, a level playing field on spectrum is required to create a truly competitive wireless market for Canadians.

The 600 MHz spectrum auction is an important step towards correcting the significant imbalance in lower frequency spectrum holdings between the Big Three incumbents—Bell, Rogers and Telus—and new competitors. Over 90 per cent of available low-band spectrum in Canada is currently in the hands of the Big Three, which reflects a concentration of market power that includes over 90 per cent of all Canadian wireless subscribers.

The set-aside adopted in the framework will ensure that new competitors can secure the critical spectrum they need to build out their networks and bring real competition to the market. This competition will benefit all Canadians by driving pricing discipline and innovation in Canada’s wireless services.

“Supporting strong, sustainable wireless competition will become even more important as our wireless environment evolves into 5G and becomes more focused on the Internet of Things,” Mr. Shaw said. “Canadians deserve better in wireless. Today’s announcement has set us on the right path forward for the future.”                                   

About Shaw
Shaw Communications Inc. is a leading Canadian connectivity company. The Wireline division consists of Consumer and Business services. Consumer serves residential customers with broadband Internet, Shaw Go WiFi, video and digital phone. Business provides business customers with Internet, data, WiFi, digital phone, and video services. The Wireless division provides wireless voice and data services through an expanding and improving mobile wireless network infrastructure.

Shaw is traded on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges and is included in the S&P/TSX 60 Index (Symbol: TSX - SJR.B, SJR.PR.A, SJR.PR.B, NYSE – SJR, and TSXV – SJR.A). For more information, please visit www.shaw.ca.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Shaw Communications Inc.
Chethan Lakshman, VP, External Affairs
(403) 930-8448
chethan.lakshman@sjrb.ca