The Canadian government looks set to introduce new spectrum license renewal rules in 2014. It announced today that , starting next March, the 2300 MHz and 3500 MHz spectrum licences will be subject to renewal:
These spectrum licences contained conditions requiring that the spectrum be used for fixed wireless access, which represents the most affordable high-speed Internet access for many rural Canadians. Our government will only renew spectrum licences for those holders that have met all conditions of licence. Those that have not used the spectrum will lose it.
The spectrum in question is intended to support fixed wireless services to service rural areas of Canada with high-speed Internet access.
It remains to be seen if the Canadian government will extend its spectrum renewal rules to other licenses.
It’s also presumed that any spectrum licenses reclaimed by the Canadian government would then be offered again through a subsequent auction.
Here is the full statement by Minister of Industry James Moore:
Statement by Minister of Industry James Moore on Canada’s Spectrum Licensing Framework
Ottawa, November 14, 2013—The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Industry, made the following statement:
“Today, our government took the next step in delivering on our commitment in the Speech from the Throne to defend Canadian consumers by ensuring Canadians living in rural areas benefit from greater access to high-speed Internet services.
“Beginning in March 2014, 2300 MHz and 3500 MHz spectrum licences will be subject to renewal. These spectrum licences contained conditions requiring that the spectrum be used for fixed wireless access, which represents the most affordable high-speed Internet access for many rural Canadians. Our government will only renew spectrum licences for those holders that have met all conditions of licence. Those that have not used the spectrum will lose it. As we indicated in the Speech from the Throne, our government will continue to defend the interests of Canadian consumers by providing more choice, lower prices and better service in Canada’s wireless sector.
“Today’s decision means Canadians will benefit from additional quality spectrum being deployed across the country, which will lead to dependable high-speed Internet services on the latest technologies at the best prices. Our government will continue to enhance rural access to high-speed broadband networks and will continue to put consumer interests at the core of our decisions.”
For more information on the Government of Canada’s plans to ensure the wireless sector offers more choice, lower prices and better service for Canadians, visit www.Canada.ca/MoreChoices.
For more information on the 2300 MHz and 3500 MHz spectrum licensing process, see the attached backgrounder or visit the Spectrum Auctions home page on the Industry Canada site.
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Sources : Industry Canada // The Globe and Mail