Letter from Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association

October 24, 2003 via e-mail

Mr. Larry Shaw
Director General
Telecommunications Policy Branch
Industry Canada
300 Slater Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0C8

Dear Mr. Shaw:

Re: Canada Gazette Notice DGTP-007-03:
Consultation on the Spectrum for Advanced Wireless Services and Review of the Mobile Spectrum Cap Policy -- Request for Extension

The Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association ("CWTA") has reviewed the above noted consultation paper, and look forward to providing the Department with our comments. We believe this is a positive step forward for the continued development and success of Canada's wireless industry.

We would like, however, to request an extension to the date for the filing of comments. It is requested that the filing date be extended to March 19, 2004, from the current date of January 19, 2004.

The issues under consultation are of great importance to the industry. CWTA believes an extension would provide a better opportunity to submit comprehensive and thorough positions on the issues. Contributing to this requirement for more time is the fact that many of the same internal resources of the Association and its members will be directed to other Department activities, including the upcoming Auction of Spectrum Licences in the
2300 MHz and 3500 MHz Bands.

We believe an extension is appropriate under the circumstances and we do not believe an extension will unduly hinder the allocation of the spectrum or the licensing process expected in the 2005/2006 time frame.

We thank you in advance for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

J. David Farnes
Vice President,
Industry & Regulatory Affairs

cc: Suzanne Lambert