Canadian Government Limiting 5G mmW Spectrum Acquisitions

Canada’s federal government aims to expand faster 5G access while preventing the country’s three largest mobile operators from dominating available spectrum. This week, Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) Canada announced new rules for a wireless spectrum auction scheduled for October 2027, according to iPhone in Canada.

The auction will offer 4.8 GHz of millimeter wave (mmW) spectrum in the 26 GHz and 38 GHz bands, with an additional 850 MHz reserved for a separate future licensing process. mmW is a high-frequency, short-range spectrum in the 30 GHz to 300 GHz range that supports ultra-fast speeds through wide channel bandwidths. In the U.S., mobile network operators already use mmW spectrum in several bands for low-latency, short-range 5G services. In Canada, however, mmW spectrum is not yet available to MNOs. 

ISED is concerned that Canada’s three national MNOs – Rogers (NYSE: RCI), Telus (NYSE: TU), and Bell (NYSE: BCE) – could outspend smaller regional rivals and capture most of the licenses. To prevent that, the federal department plans to cap the amount of spectrum any one bidder can buy, giving regional carriers a better chance to compete.

The government also wants to speed up approvals for new cell towers. MNOs say the current process is slow and costly, so ISED has proposed a digital portal where companies can submit applications and communities can provide feedback online. The goal is to streamline approvals without excluding local input. ISED says Canadians and industry stakeholders can comment on the proposed new tower build changes through an ongoing national consultation.

“Reliable, affordable connectivity is essential to Canada’s economic growth, public safety and quality of life,” comments Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. “By making more spectrum available and streamlining infrastructure deployment, the Government of Canada is enabling the next generation of wireless technologies while improving services for Canadians across the country.”

Still, with the spectrum auction not scheduled until late 2027, and a deployment cycle to follow, mmW availability for 5G use in Canada may take some time, according to iPhone in Canada.

By John Celentano, Inside Towers Business Editor