Shaw to Use New 600 MHz Spectrum to Improve LTE Service, Embrace 5G

Shaw Communications Inc. is pleased to announce that its wireless subsidiary, Freedom Mobile Inc., has successfully acquired 11 paired blocks of 20-year 600 MHz spectrum, across its wireless operating footprint, for a total price of $492 million, or $0.78 per MHz-Pop.

The spectrum acquisition rights secured through the auction include 30 MHz across each of British Columbia, Alberta and Southern Ontario as well as 20 MHz in Eastern Ontario.

"We have made significant investments to improve the wireless experience for Canadians, becoming a true alternative to the incumbents, with a differentiated value proposition. The addition of this 600 MHz low band spectrum will not only vastly improve our current LTE service but will also serve as a foundational element of our 5G strategy providing innovative and affordable wireless services to Canadians for years to come," said Brad Shaw, Chief Executive Officer, Shaw Communications Inc.

Shaw plans to fund the payment to the federal government for these spectrum licences from cash on hand.

Shaw Communications Inc. is a 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 LTE data services through an expanding and improving mobile wireless network infrastructure.