Ottawa Opens Consultation for mmWave 5G Spectrum Auction in 2024

The Canadian government on Monday announced a consultation on the potential auction of “large amounts” of high-frequency 5G spectrum in the 26, 28, and 38 GHz mmWave bands.

The mmWave Licensing Framework Consultation includes measures designed to “promote competition, foster innovation and ensure providers use their spectrum in a timely manner,” said Ottawa.

Canadians currently pay some of the highest wireless prices in the world, and Ottawa sees more competition in the country’s oligopolistic telecom space as the only option to drive down prices.

Canada’s last 5G spectrum auction, held in July 2021, saw carriers spend $8.91 billion to acquire available airwaves. However, the government’s decision to set some spectrum aside for smaller, regional carriers was heavily criticized by national players.

“Our government recognizes that high-quality telecommunication services are crucial in the everyday lives of Canadians,” said Innovation, Science and Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne.

“That’s why we are continuing to make more spectrum available, with the right rules in place to improve competition, innovation and affordability in the industry. We are excited to hear how this spectrum can be put to good use to create innovative 5G applications to benefit Canadians.”

The mmWave Licensing Framework Consultation will be open to comments for 120 days. According to the federal government, this is the next major step in a mmWave spectrum auction planned for 2024.

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raslucas
raslucas
3 years ago

Disappointing but I guess it’s necessary.

Would prefer to see L-band be auctioned off first for more low-band spectrum… to increase speed opportunities in places outside of big cities and city centres… which already have great reception and speed generally.

Two years from now who knows what our spectrum needs are, but in the city over 5G we generally get 250+mbps and the carriers haven’t even launched their new 3500mhz spectrum that’ll be even faster.

I donno, I guess they’ve already done so to this point but a big landmass country like Canada IMO would be better off focussing on Low and Mid-band spectrum everywhere than high-band spectrum in city centres.

It's Me
It's Me
3 years ago

Trudeau will eventually leave office much wealthier than he entered.

You're Dumbass
You're Dumbass
Reply to  It's Me
3 years ago

Why do you have such a hard-on for daddy Trudeau? Can’t you just be happy we’re progressing towards mmwave cellular networks without dragging in politics? Like what exactly did your comment have to do with anything in this article?

It's Me
It's Me
Reply to  You're Dumbass
3 years ago

Daddy Trudeau has shown a pattern of abusing his position for personal benefit, even if it harms Canadians.

Do you doubt he’ll be taking offers from the highest bidder when it comes to the final decisions here?

raslucas
raslucas
Reply to  It's Me
3 years ago

This is generally a high level goal of any person’s job.

It's Me
It's Me
Reply to  raslucas
3 years ago

In fact, many politicians actually lose money when entering public service. But, some will use their position to enrich themselves and their families. Some are found by police to be effectively committing fraud, but for a technicality. Some repeatedly get caught abusing their position for personal benefit.

raslucas
raslucas
Reply to  It's Me
3 years ago

Really, Name 10. Name 10 politicians that lost money at their job.

Show your work.

It's Me
It's Me
Reply to  raslucas
3 years ago

First, name 10 PM’sthat used their position to directly funnel millions to themselves, their family and friends. You made the assertion that’s it’s the goal.

But for 10 that lost, I would suggest that any MPP or MP that gave up an MD practice or law practice or professorship or executive position likely lost money when entering politics. Those entering politics to gain wealth aren’t the once ales should hold in esteem.

raslucas
raslucas
Reply to  It's Me
3 years ago

So you can’t.

Every politician gets paid good salary. It’s a job.

It's Me
It's Me
Reply to  raslucas
3 years ago

The kid at the grocery store gets paid too. But most people wouldn’t say it expected for him to take money from the till, let his friends have a 5 finger discount or to charge vendors a little side fee on his own. But, I guess others are ok with that. Just part of the job.

Can you list any PM that directed hundreds of millions of dollars directly to their family friends with no oversight? Any that the RCMP found had met every requirement of committing fraud?

raslucas
raslucas
Reply to  It's Me
3 years ago

Do you not realize that you’re gaslighting and I’m just calling you out on it?

Nothing more than that. It’s over.

It's Me
It's Me
Reply to  raslucas
3 years ago

No, you’re suggesting possible criminal activity is status quo and acceptable. I disagree. I don’t condone unethical or criminal behaviour, but not everyone feels that way.

You’re ok with Justin escaping criminal fraud charges on a technicality?

raslucas
raslucas
Reply to  It's Me
3 years ago

Nope, most people enrich themselves with their salary.

It's Me
It's Me
Reply to  raslucas
3 years ago

Hopefully. Though, with record personal debt and now rising record inflation, it’s probably a stretch to say most. Might might be more accurate to say thats how most people get by.

Wouldn’t it be nice if that was how our PM enriched himself, his extended family and friends? Dare to dream, I guess.

iverge
iverge
Reply to  It's Me
3 years ago

High inflation Trudeau’s fault. Oil prices, blame Trudeau. Covid, Russian invasion of Ukraine? Yeap, Trudeau’s fault! Give it a rest.

It's Me
It's Me
Reply to  iverge
3 years ago

Some, not all, of the inflation is Trudeau’s fault. Basic economics says when you print more money, in this case for government spending, it is a direct cause of inflation. Covid isn’t his fault, but his anti-science positions and his record of failures during covid certainly are. He’s not to blame for high oil prices, but higher energy costs were a basic goal in his green platform.

But, those aren’t the areas I was inferring. I was more interested in his frequent conflicts of interest that always seem to result in enriching him and his family, the fraud charges he avoided on a technicality and his other abuses. They don’t show a pattern that inspires confidence when dealing with things like the future of wireless in Canada.

Do you think he won’t try to personally profit from these discussions?

Laura Nauder
Laura Nauder
Reply to  iverge
3 years ago

Some of that high inflation is definitely Turdeau’s fault.

Did you forget about the limitless handouts he gave out to unemployed kids so that could keep shopping for fast-fashion on Amazon and keep their IG skills polished?

And don’t fool yourself by thinking I’m a Conservative – I never voted Con, never will.

Also, Turdeau definitely has a vested interest in Telecom and Airline oligopolies as well as the Green energy sector. No one can argue that.

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