Government of Canada taking action to provide greater access to unused spectrum, supporting connectivity in rural, remote and Indigenous communities

Access will open to Indigenous applicants in spring 2026, followed by general applications in 2027

OTTAWA, ON, Jan. 16, 2026 /CNW/ – 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.

Quotes

“Providing access to the unused spectrum will improve connectivity and allow greater access to reliable and affordable telecommunications services for Canadians in rural and remote areas across the country. Our government is investing in essential services and connectivity Canadians rely on, no matter where they are.”
– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

“The process announced today will mean improved spectrum access that will enable greater connectivity for Indigenous communities. Reliable and affordable access to telecommunication services is essential to ensuring these communities have greater access to the digital economy, essential services, educational opportunities and remote work.”
– The Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State (Rural Development)

“No matter where they live, Canadians need access to reliable and affordable telecommunication services. Our government is committed to working with Indigenous partners to improve access to spectrum and bring better connectivity to every Indigenous household.”
– The Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

Quick facts

• The Access Licensing Framework is an important part of the government’s “use it or lose it” approach to spectrum policy. This series of measures requires telecom companies to use their spectrum to serve Canadians in a timely manner or risk losing it to others that will. It provides access to unused licensed spectrum in rural and remote areas.
• This framework encourages current licensees to expand their coverage or give new users the opportunity to put spectrum to use.
• The Indigenous Priority Window framework supports the government’s priority of advancing Indigenous self-determination and economic reconciliation. It builds on ISED’s Spectrum Outlook 2023–2027, which signalled that Indigenous connectivity would be a priority for the spectrum program going forward.
• The framework was developed through an eight-month engagement period with interested Indigenous partners and sought to incorporate Métis, Inuit and First Nations perspectives through a combination of virtual and in-person sessions.
• More information regarding specific dates for the opening and closing of the window will be announced through a separate spectrum advisory bulletin in the coming weeks.

Associated links

• Decision on New Access Licensing Framework, Changes to Subordinate Licensing and White Space to Support Rural and Remote Deployment
• Access Licensing Framework: Decision on the Indigenous Priority Window Policy
• Spectrum and the Indigenous Priority Window

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