Clement gives Globalive green light to operate in Canada

The federal government has given the green light to a fourth wireless company in Canada, allowing Globalive Wireless Management Corp. to start up immediately.

Industry Minister Tony Clement announced Friday morning that the cabinet has determined Globalive meets Canadian ownership requirements under the Industry Canada Act.

The Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission had earlier turned down Globalive’s attempts to set up shop because the company is controlled by a foreign firm, Orascom Telecom Holding of Egypt.

But Clement argued that most of the shareholders are Canadian, and the wireless company, based in Toronto, should be considered Canadian.

He said he consulted with provincial governments and industry players before overturning the CRTC ruling.

The new company would compete with Rogers Communications Inc., BCE Inc., and Telus Corp., who have been lobbying heavily to halt Globalive’s advances.

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