OTTAWA – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) announced today it has launched a “consultation on a policy and licensing framework for spectrum in the 3800 MHz band to support 5G and promote competition in wireless services,” a press release says.
The government is looking for input on issues including “network build-out requirements that should be imposed on licence holders, measures within the auction framework to support wireless competition, and additional provisions to support Canada’s Connectivity Strategy.”
ISED initially announced in May it would repurpose the 3800 MHz band to improve connectivity in rural Canada and to ensure 5G technologies are effectively deployed.
“Our government wants to ensure that all Canadians have access to fast, affordable and reliable Internet, including those in rural and remote communities,” said Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development, in the press release.
“Making more spectrum available is an important step towards that goal, and we will continue to work with industry to ensure Canadians have access to the highest quality services.”
Submissions to the consultation are due Feb. 15, 2022. ISED will post them soon after and will allow those who want to reply to other comments to do so by March 7, 2022, according to the consultation’s website.
For more, and to submit a comment, please click here.
