BCE Inc. (NYSE: BCE) and Telus Corp are asking the federal government to halt Quebecor Inc.\u2019s acquisition of 5G spectrum in Western Canada, claiming that the company does not meet the necessary requirements to bid on airwaves in that location. The legal battle surged following an auction of a key 5G spectrum by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada throughout the summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Bell, Quebecor subsidiary Videotron, purchased spectrum in various locations including Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia, which were reserved for smaller carriers. Ultimately, the transaction allowed it to access airwaves at a lower cost than Canada\u2019s biggest carriers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Telus and Bell are asking the court to stop Quebecor\u2019s purchase and have the government re-initiate the auction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nevertheless, Quebecor CEO Pierre Karl P\u00e9ladeau argues that his company is eligible to follow through with the transaction because its affiliate Fibrenoire Inc. administers services to various provinces outside Quebec.<\/p>\n\n\n\n