Canadians to benefit from higher-quality and more competitive telecom services
Press Release
From: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
July 25, 2024
Better prices, more competition and increased reliability in the telecommunications sector have never been more important for Canadians. To support these goals, the Government of Canada continues to make spectrum available to improve telecom services.
Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced that more Canadians will benefit from higher-quality telecom services as a result of the auction of residual spectrum licences that concluded on July 19. In total, 56 licences, mainly in rural and remote areas, were awarded to nine Canadian companies, with two thirds of the licences being awarded to small and regional providers. This includes five companies that are being awarded spectrum licences for the first time.
In addition to encouraging competition and innovation, the results of this auction will improve rural and remote connectivity and support the effective deployment of 5G technologies.
Licences awarded in this auction include ambitious deployment requirements to ensure that providers use this spectrum to offer services to Canadians in a timely manner.
Quotes
“This auction will enable higher-quality and more competitive telecom services for Canadians across the country. Nine Canadian companies will be receiving spectrum licences, with two thirds of licences going to small and regional providers, and five companies awarded spectrum licences for the first time. Competition drives more choices, lower prices, and better service.”
– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
“Putting more spectrum to work is essential to improving connectivity in rural, remote and Indigenous communities. This latest spectrum auction is an important step in connecting Canadians from coast to coast to coast so that they can have easier access to the services they need.”
– The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Quick facts
- A residual spectrum auction is the process Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada uses to sell licences that went unsold in previous spectrum auctions or that have been returned to the department.
- Spectrum is the range of invisible frequencies that travel through the air and connect us in a wireless world.
- There were 225 licences available in this auction, from across the 600 MHz, 2300 MHz, 3500 MHz and 3800 MHz bands.
- Auction revenue totalled $5.61 million, which will be paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund administered by the Receiver General for Canada.
Associated links
Contacts
Audrey Milette
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
audrey.milette@ised-isde.gc.ca
Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
media@ised-isde.gc.ca
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