Big telecoms caught off guard by airport exclusion areas for 3.5 GHz spectrum

Bell says licensees should pay less if restrictions are permanent By Ahmad Hathout Canada’s big telecoms said they are surprised by an Innovation Canada decision to restrict the use of the 3.5 GHz spectrum in areas where there are interference possibilities, principally around 26 major airports, which they say will affect the ability of Canadians’ living in the surrounding areas to get 5G services. ISED proposed the restrictions in an August consultation document. Bell said in its submission to the consultation the decision came after the June spectrum auction and the federal minister gave no indication there was an asterisk...