Canada's most ambitious new wireless entrant says it is on track to launch cellphone service this year after finally clearing the government's key review.

The Toronto-based company, known for its Yak long distance service, paid $442.1-million for 30 licences from Vancouver to Halifax in an auction last summer and is one of the last bidders to receive clearance.

At issue had been the involvement of Orascom Telecom Holding SAE, a large Egyptian firm with wireless operations in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Orascom is also the financial backer of Globalive Wireless Management. In return for writing the cheque for the licences and committing to invest up to $700-million (U.S.) in the startup, Orascom secured a 65-per-cent equity stake in the new wireless venture.

Tony Lacavera, chairman and chief executive officer of Globalive Communications, said the ownership formula remains unchanged. He continues to own the remaining 35 per cent of the new subsidiary company and no other Canadian equity has been added, he said.

Industry Canada, however, insisted the control structure be altered to ensure an independent Canadian director sit on the board of Globalive Wireless. Mr. Lacavera said he and Orascom will each have the right to appoint two directors.

The new telecom company still faces a review of its structure by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission.

Big and small competitors alike have been outspoken about Globalive Wireless's structure, demanding that Ottawa hold the firm to the same standards as the rest of the industry of being under Canadian control. The government has had to satisfy a lot of stakeholders with its review, including consumers, foreign investors and incumbents, Mr. Lacavera said in an interview.

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