Use it or lose it—Spectrum licences in the 3500 MHz band will not be renewed if service providers do not deploy this valuable resource to Canadians
August 19, 2014 – Ottawa – Industry Canada
Today Industry Minister James Moore announced that the Government is taking further action to support Canadian wireless consumers by introducing new rules for the 3500 MHz spectrum licences. As announced in November 2013 as part of the Government's "use-it-or-lose-it" policy, service providers that have not deployed this valuable resource to Canadians will not have their licences renewed.
The 3500 MHz spectrum band will balance the capacity for mobile services in urban areas and the need for fixed wireless broadband access in rural areas.
Today's announcement introduces a fast-track approach to issuing new licences for fixed wireless broadband in rural areas, which will meet the needs of rural broadband service providers and help them deliver timely, high-quality service to their customers. Rural Canadians will also be better served by a first-come, first-served licensing process that meets their immediate needs.
The Government will work with providers of mobile and fixed services in the weeks ahead to ensure that the interests of Canadian consumers are best represented as Industry Canada consults on the 3500 MHz licensing approach.
For more information, see the backgrounder.
Jake Enwright
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Industry
613-995-9001
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
media-relations@ic.gc.ca
