Ottawa won't rush Globalive review

Industry Minister Tony Clement said Tuesday he would take his time in reviewing a regulator's ruling against start-up wireless company Globalive, delaying a competitive threat to the Big Three carriers.

"I'm a big believer against 'ready, fire, aim' on these things. I think we'll review things according to the facts and then we'll have a reasoned response," Clement told reporters.

Clement has promised to review last Thursday's ruling by the federal communications regulator that found Globalive was effectively under the control of its Egyptian-based financial backer, Orascom Telecom.

As a result of the decision by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, Globalive will not be able to mount a challenge in Canada's cellphone market unless Clement overturns it or changes the rules of the game -- or unless Globalive changes its ownership and control structure.

"Obviously we are rock-solid behind more competition for consumers of cellphone products," Clement said.

Globalive, which bought wireless spectrum for $442 million in a government auction last year, has said the Industry Ministry had earlier accepted its ownership structure.

Globalive had planned to launch its service to compete against the country's established wireless providers, BCE, Telus Corp. and Rogers Communications.

Asked if the CRTC decision put pressure on the government to change its foreign ownership restrictions, he said: "I'm not in a position of engaging in speculation on this... The ruling is being read, is being reviewed, in that context."

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