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(AFX UK Focus) 2009-10-30 20:44
UPDATE 1-Ottawa to review decision to deny Globalive permit
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OTTAWA, Oct 30 (Reuters) - Canadian Industry Minister Tony Clement will review a decision by the federal communications regulator that said start-up wireless carrier Globalive did not comply with Canada's foreign ownership rules, a spokesman for the minister said on Friday. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission had said in a ruling on Thursday that Globalive was effectively under the control of its Egyptian-based financial backer, Orascom Telecom.
"We're reviewing it," said Clement spokesman Darren Cunningham. He gave no details and did not say how long the review might last. But the federal government does have the authority to overrule CRTC decisions.
Globalive had planned the service to compete against the country's established Big Three wireless providers, BCE , Telus Corp and Rogers Communications .
It said after the CRTC decision it would delay the launch of its mobile phone service.
The CRTC had said Orascom owned 65.1 percent of Globalive's equity, had entered into a strategic technical arrangement with Globalive, and controlled and held the Wind brand under which Globalive had been set to operate. It also holds the overwhelming majority of Globalive's outstanding debt.

(Reporting by David Ljunggren and Randall Palmer; editing by Rob Wilson) Keywords: GLOBALIVE/REVIEW (david.ljunggren@reuters.com; +1 613 235 6745; Reuters Messaging: david.ljunggren.reuters.com@reuters.net)

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