By making this new spectrum available, Canada aims to enhance network performance, encourage innovation and drive productivity across various sectors
The government of Canada announced new initiatives to release 5G millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum for cutting-edge applications.
In a release, the government noted that this spectrum will be allocated through Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s (ISED) Non-Competitive Local Licensing Framework and an upcoming spectrum auction, following a public consultation process.
mmWave spectrum, a high-frequency band capable of transmitting large volumes of data over short distances, is key to supporting localized mobile services, industrial automation and fixed wireless access (FWA) for homes in rural and remote regions.
By making this new spectrum available, the government aims to enhance network performance, encourage innovation and drive productivity across various sectors including smart agriculture, industrial automation and private networks.
The government also highlighted that the availability of millimeter wave spectrum will stimulate competition, enable disruptive business models and encourage ongoing investments in next-generation networks.
“The emergence of new wireless technologies is supporting the creation and expansion of new spectrum applications across different industries, including manufacturing, health care, public safety and more. Making new millimeter wave spectrum available will encourage the development of new and disruptive business models, drive ongoing investment in networks, increase competition and improve affordable connectivity options for Canadians across the country,” said François-Philippe Champagne, minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
“Whether for accessing health care, enhancing safety in communities or growing a business, reliable connectivity is a necessity, no matter where you live in Canada. Making additional spectrum available will improve connectivity for Canadians in rural and remote areas, enabling them to grow their potential in this digital world,” said Gudie Hutchings, minister of rural economic development and minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
ISED is adding this spectrum in the 27.5–28.35 GHz band through an update to the Non-Competitive Local Licensing Framework. This framework, introduced on May 3, 2023, offers localized access to shared spectrum for smaller users, including wireless Internet service providers, rural communities and innovative industries.
The government explained that this licensing system is automated and user-friendly, allowing applicants to define their own coverage area, whether it’s a single farm, factory, campus or shopping center.
From March 6 to June 4, 2025, ISED will conduct a public consultation on the allocation of 26 GHz and 38 GHz millimeter wave spectrum in preparation for an upcoming auction.
The consultation will explore auction rules, competitive measures, deployment conditions as well as the potential for additional non-competitive local licensing.
