5G will enable exciting leading-edge technologies—including autonomous vehicles, smart cities, clean energy, precision agriculture and advanced telemedicine—that will have a transformative effect on Canada’s economy and the day-to-day lives of Canadians. To help enable these valuable new technologies, the Government of Canada is taking steps to make prime 5G spectrum available.

“Our government has made progress on the three priorities I laid out at this summit two years ago: higher quality services and better coverage at more affordable prices. However, Canadians are still paying too much. The next steps in our plan will continue to improve rural Internet access and allow for the timely deployment of 5G connectivity while increasing the level of competition to lower prices for Canadians.”
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

• 5G wireless technologies could add up to $40 billion annually to the Canadian economy by 2026.

• 5G development is supported by Canada’s new Digital Charter, which prioritizes access and connectivity to the digital world.

• The Government of Canada is investing $199 million over five years to modernize spectrum equipment and processes required to ensure favorable, interference-free spectrum conditions to support world-class networks, as well as to continue to protect the health and safety of Canadians through the transition to 5G.

• The recently concluded 600 MHz auction will provide further spectrum for current and next-generation technology.

Dani Keenan
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
343-291-1710

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca

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