Canadians to benefit from more competition, better coverage and higher-quality telecom services
News release
More spectrum made available through the 3800 MHz spectrum auction will mean faster rollout of 5G services and improved rural connectivity
November 30, 2023 – Ottawa, Ontario
Greater affordability, competition and reliability in the telecommunications sector are essential to Canadians. That’s why the Government of Canada is making more spectrum available to encourage competition for wireless services, improve rural connectivity and ensure the effective deployment of 5G technologies.
Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced that Canadians will benefit from more competition and higher-quality telecom services as a result of the 3800 MHz spectrum auction that concluded on November 24, 2023.
In total, 4,099 licences were awarded to 20 Canadian bidders, including 870 licences to small and regional providers across the country. When combined with the results of the 3500 MHz auction, small and regional providers have doubled their spectrum holdings, further strengthening their ability to offer competitive services.
These auction results will improve Canada’s high-quality networks in every part of the country. They will also support the deployment of high-quality wireless services so consumers and businesses across Canada, including those in rural and remote regions, can enjoy the transformative benefits of the latest wireless technologies.
Quotes
“Canadians depend on their telecom services every day to learn, work, and stay connected with loved ones. The results of the 3800 MHz spectrum auction will build on our government’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality, coverage and competitiveness of telecom services in every region of Canada while ensuring Canadians can benefit from the latest wireless technologies.”
– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
Quick facts
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The auction started on October 24, 2023, with 22 Canadian bidders qualified to participate.
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The rules for the auction, set out in the Policy and Licensing Framework for Spectrum in the 3800 MHz Band, included a cap on how much spectrum a company could acquire to enhance competition in the Canadian wireless market—a method that has been proven to help lower prices.
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Winning bids totalled $2.16 billion, which will be paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund administered by the Receiver General of Canada.
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The vast majority of licences were allocated (95%), including licences in all rural and remote service areas, to companies that will provide mobile coverage and/or fixed wireless services to consumers across Canada.
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This represents the most commercial mobile spectrum ever auctioned in Canada.
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Licences include strong deployment obligations that require companies to “use or lose” the spectrum within ambitious timelines.
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