Canadian cable operator Shaw Communications has abandoned plans to build its own mobile network and will instead focus on providing customers with Wi-Fi services. Shaw said a review of the mobile plans showed the cost of building a new operator was too high and it lacked the needed economies of scale and spectrum to make the venture a success. The company said that instead it would focus on providing a managed Wi-Fi network that will allow customers to extend their Shaw services beyond the home. This will achieve similar objectives without risking well over CAD 1 billion in capital expenditures on a traditional mobile network build. Shaw acquired mobile spectrum rights covering its existing footprint in the AWS auction in 2008 and named Nokia Siemens Networks as its network supplier in June 2010. The company did not say how it plans to use the spectrum or detail its Wi-Fi plans. Shaw is among several newcomers that acquired spectrum in the auction in 2008. The others, including Wind Mobile, cable operator Videotron, Mobilicity and Public Mobile, have all launched networks, but have yet to attract large numbers of customers.
