Crucial 5G Sale Could Pave Way for New Wireless Player in Canada

Canada’s latest spectrum auction, which begins Tuesday, may create a path for Quebecor Inc., Cogeco Communications Inc. and other regional telecom players to compete more directly with the Big Three companies that dominate the wireless market.

Elected officials and regulators have been pushing for increased competition for years to help drive down wireless prices for consumers. But in March the industry moved toward further consolidation when the No. 1 wireless carrier by subscribers, Rogers Communications Inc., made a $16 billion deal to acquire Shaw Communications Inc., parent company of Freedom Mobile, the fourth-largest provider.

That deal ...