Canada advances 5G expansion with new spectrum and tower infrastructure reforms
Faster wireless infrastructure deployment may allow Canada to improve nationwide digital connectivity and coverage.
Canada has announced measures to strengthen wireless connectivity, expand 5G infrastructure and accelerate the deployment of next-generation telecommunications technologies.
The government confirmed the rules for a planned 2027 millimetre-wave spectrum auction in the 26 GHz and 38 GHz bands. The auction will make 4.8 GHz of spectrum available to support advanced 5G applications and future 6G technologies. An additional 850 MHz of spectrum in the 26 GHz band will be made available through a future non-competitive licensing process.
The auction framework includes spectrum caps intended to ensure that several operators can access spectrum in each area. It also introduces smaller licensing areas, allowing operators to target spectrum access according to regional and business needs.
Alongside the spectrum measures, the government is proposing reforms to modernise Canada’s wireless tower-siting process. Planned changes include a standardised digital approval process and a publicly accessible online portal for applications and consultations. The reforms are intended to reduce administrative burden, improve transparency and support faster infrastructure deployment.
Minister of Industry Mélanie Joly said reliable and affordable connectivity is essential for economic growth, public safety and quality of life. The government said faster and more efficient infrastructure approvals would support competition, innovation and expanded wireless coverage across the country.
Officials also noted that millimetre wave spectrum can carry large amounts of data over short distances, supporting applications such as industrial automation, smart agriculture, private networks and fixed wireless services in rural and remote communities.
Why does it matter?
The announcement shows how 5G and future 6G planning increasingly depend on both spectrum policy and infrastructure deployment rules. By combining new mmWave spectrum with tower-siting reforms, Canada is trying to increase wireless capacity, reduce rollout delays and support data-intensive applications in industry, agriculture, private networks and rural connectivity.
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