Globalive sets sight on national wireless concession

Globalive Communications, best known for its ‘Yak’ long distance call service, has set out its stall to win new wireless licences in the forthcoming auction of wireless frequencies, saying it hopes have established a national network by 2009. According to Canadian Business Online, Globalive expects to come out a winner when the federal government auctions off new licences on 27 May. About 40MHz of spectrum, or about 60% of the total to be auctioned, has been set aside for a new entrant. Anthony Lacavera, CEO of Globalive estimates it will cost about CAD1 billion (USD992 million) and take up to two years to roll out a national network capable of competing with the ‘big three’ cellcos: Rogers Communications, BCE and Telus Corp. ‘We will have six months to get operational in the key markets. It will take another six to twelve months to be truly national. Roaming will be in place by then for certain, so we will have the coverage we need to offer a national service,’ he added.