Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, announced the next steps for the allocation of unused spectrum through the Access Licensing Framework. Ensuring rural, remote and Indigenous communities have reliable and affordable cellular and Internet access is central to building a strong and connected Canada.
The access licensing process, which has been developed to allow new users to access unused portions of spectrum in rural and remote regions across Canada, will begin with an Indigenous priority window. Beginning in spring 2026, Indigenous applicants will have 12 months of priority access to apply exclusively for licences to available spectrum on a first-come, first-served basis before licensing is opened for general access in 2027.
This process will be applied to unused portions of the 800 MHz cellular and 1900 MHz bands, which are categorized as the personal communications services bands. This spectrum can be used to provide cellular or wireless home Internet services as well as provide connectivity for mining, farming or other uses.
Service providers, businesses and industries require spectrum to provide Canadians with a broad range of wireless services. The access licensing process will reduce the barriers to access so the unused spectrum can serve communities and support Indigenous-led solutions.
