Canada plans new 5G spectrum auction and reforms wireless tower approvals
The Canadian government has announced new spectrum measures and proposed reforms to wireless infrastructure approvals as part of efforts to expand 5G capacity and accelerate network deployment.
The Government of Canada has unveiled new measures aimed at expanding wireless connectivity, including rules for a future 5G spectrum auction and proposed changes to the country’s tower siting process.
The announcement was made by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada as part of broader efforts to support next-generation wireless infrastructure and improve mobile coverage.
A key element is the planned 2027 auction of millimetre wave spectrum in the 26 GHz and 38 GHz bands. The government said 4.8 GHz of spectrum will be made available through the auction process, alongside an additional 850 MHz planned for future non-competitive licensing.
Millimetre wave spectrum is used for high-capacity wireless services over short distances. It is considered important for advanced 5G applications such as industrial automation, private enterprise networks, smart agriculture, and fixed wireless access.
The auction rules include measures intended to preserve competition. These include limits on how much spectrum a single bidder can acquire and the use of smaller licence areas to allow more targeted regional participation by smaller operators.
Alongside spectrum policy, the government also proposed changes to wireless tower approval procedures. The reforms would introduce a standardised national digital process for infrastructure applications and public consultations.
According to the proposal, the reforms aim to reduce administrative delays while maintaining local consultation requirements. The government said the changes are intended to accelerate deployment of wireless infrastructure and reduce costs linked to network expansion.
The announcement reflects two connected policy challenges. Expanding advanced wireless services requires both additional spectrum resources and faster physical infrastructure deployment. Delays in either area can slow network expansion, particularly in rural and lower-density regions where deployment costs are higher.
