UBS responds to Industry Canada and CRTC decisions
Wednesday April 19, 9:00 am ET
Company welcomes decisions on use of spectrum and mobile TV
TORONTO and MONTREAL, April 19 /CNW/ - Unique Broadband Systems, Inc. (TSX Venture: UBS - News), the controlling shareholder of Look Communications Inc. (TSX Venture: LOK.MV - News and LOK.SV - News) a MultiPoint Distribution Service (MDS) licensee with licenses for the 2596-2686 MHz spectrum band in Ontario and Quebec, welcomed the release of Industry Canada's March 30, 2006 "Policy Provisions for the Band 2500-2690 MHz to Facilitate Future Mobile Service."
In April 2004 Industry Canada published "Revisions to Allocations in the Band 2500-2690 MHz and Consultation on Spectrum Utilization". This public consultation considered ongoing spectrum planning activities, the use of mobile services in the band and the licensing approach for all services in the band. Look was among a number of stakeholders who provided input to the consultation. The Company today indicated that it was pleased with both the conclusions and decisions reached by Industry Canada.
In its Policy, Industry Canada has confirmed that incumbents, such as Look, may continue to operate their existing broadcast and Internet businesses under their existing licenses with their existing terms and conditions of licenses as issued by the CRTC. In addition, the incumbents, including Look, may choose to apply to Industry Canada to provide mobile broadband services, subject to a reorganization of the 2500-2690 MHz spectrum band and a return to Industry Canada of approximately 33% of their existing spectrum. Industry Canada has stated that existing unassigned spectrum in this band throughout Canada and spectrum returned by the present incumbents will be auctioned at some time in the future.
The Company feels that this new Policy provides the much needed flexibility for the future. It will allow Look to continue its discussions with potential partners for the development of its M3 - Mobile Multi Media - entertainment and information service in Ontario and Québec.
In addition, on April 12, 2006 the CRTC confirmed in its Notice 2006-47 entitled "Regulatory framework for mobile television broadcasting services", that mobile TV services can be offered by Look under its existing licence.
"Mobile Multi Media is fast becoming a reality around the world," said Gerald McGoey, Chairman and CEO of UBS. "A number of services and trials are available or underway in Korea, Japan, England and the United States, all of which point to the growing consumer interest in this type of service. Industry Canada's Policy and the CRTC framework provides the necessary tools to allow these services to be implemented in Canada."
UBS Wireless Services Inc, the wholly owned subsidiary of UBS will continue to vigorously pursue its claim for specific performance against Inukshuk Internet Inc. and others for its right to use and develop wireless spectrum in the bands 2560 - 2596 MHz held by Inukshuk.
About Unique Broadband Systems, Inc.
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UBS is a publicly listed Canadian company that has a 51% equity investment in Look Communications Inc. With its licensed spectrum through its subsidiary, Look, UBS is a Canadian digital television broadcaster and broadband wireless service provider. The Company's web site may be found at www.uniquebroadband.com.
About Look Communications Inc
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Look's mission is to be an M3 - Mobile Multi Media - entertainment and information service provider in Ontario and Québec. The Company is developing an M3 - Mobile Multi Media network and currently delivers a full range of communications services, including high-speed and dial-up Internet access, Web applications, digital television distribution and superior customer service to both the business and residential markets. Look's website may be found at look.ca .
For further information
Peter Block, Investor and media relations, (403) 531-0331, (416) 586-0180, E-mail: irinfo@uniquebroadband.com
Source: Unique Broadband Systems, Inc. |
