Canada Regulatory Digest

2026-04-15

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Overview

Spectrum policy dominates this period with major actions including ISED's residual spectrum auction results, Indigenous priority spectrum windows opening in Canada, and FCC refreshing C-band technical rules. Foreign ownership transparency and national security concerns are rising priorities, with new FCC disclosure requirements and equipment prohibition proposals, while Lifeline reforms and BEAD fund reallocation signal evolving approaches to universal service programs.

High Priority

High ISED Spectrum & Licensing

2026 Auction of Residual Spectrum Licences - Results

ISED announces results of residual spectrum auction covering PCS, AWS, 2.3 GHz, and 3.5 GHz bands.

Impact: Redistributes valuable spectrum licenses across multiple bands including prime 3.5 GHz 5G spectrum, changing competitive landscape and network capacity options for winning bidders.

High ISED Spectrum & Licensing

SAB-002-26 — Opening of the Indigenous Priority Window for Access Spectrum Licences in the PCS and Cellular Bands

ISED opens Indigenous priority window for spectrum access in cellular and PCS bands.

Impact: Creates new competition from Indigenous-owned operators in core mobile spectrum bands, potentially affecting spectrum availability and market dynamics in specific service areas.