ISED launches consult on 26 GHz, 38 GHz spectrum bands

The federal government is adding more spectrum to its non-competitive local licensing framework and has launched a consultation on the future use of spectrum in the 26 GHz and 38 GHz bands. Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada (ISED) made the announcement Thursday, stating the moves aim to make high-frequency millimetre wave (mmWave) spectrum available for new services and technologies; mmWave spectrum is capable of carrying large amounts of data over short distances, allowing it to support and expand advanced wireless telecom services, such as 5G. ISED is additionally extending its non-competitive local (NCL) licensing framework to include the 28 Ghz band (27.5-28.35 GHz), allowing service providers to acquire spectrum in localized areas on a non-competitive basis to provide new services and increase network capacity. The consultation on the 26 GHz and 38 GHz bands will inform an upcoming spectrum auction as well as the further expansion of NCL licensing. It is broken into three parts: First, ISED proposes repurposing the lower part of the 26 GHz band, frequencies from 24.25 to 26.5 GHz, and combining it with the upper part, 26.5-27.5 GHz. Currently, certain sections of the lower part of the band are required to only be used for specific purposes, according to the Canadian Table of Frequency Allocations, including fixed, mobile, radionavigation, and satellite services. The government is proposing to change it to “flexible use,” meaning any spectrum in that range could be used for both regular wireless services and fixed wireless services. Instead of specific frequency segments being primarily designated certain services, ISED explains that "flexible use" would permit licensees to deploy a wider range of technologies and services within their licensed spectrum, based on market demand and their business models. Second, ISED discusses auctioning a portion of the 26 GHz band and the 38 GHz band. Among other things, the consultation is seeking feedback on proposed auction block sizes of 100 MHz for the 26 GHz band. It also asks whether rural and remote Tier 5 service areas should be included in the auction or if mmWave spectrum for those areas should be allocated through a different process, and if pro-competitive measures such as spectrum caps should be implemented. Finally, for the portion of the 26 GHz band that is not being auctioned off, ISED proposes applying the NCL licensing framework to it, aligning it with other similar bands, such as the newly adjusted 28 GHz band. This would help support diverse and localized use cases, the department argues, enabling broader participation from smaller operators, enterprises, and public sector organizations. ISED invites stakeholders to submit their comments by May 5, with reply comments due by June 4. news@thewirereport.ca

ISED launches consult on 26 GHz, 38 GHz spectrum bands

Telecom |
By Wire Report Staff
| March 7, 2025

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ISED launches consult on 26 GHz, 38 GHz spectrum bands

Telecom | By Wire Report Staff | March 7, 2025

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