Federal Government Concludes Wireless Spectrum Auction to Enhance 5G Coverage
The Canadian federal government has successfully completed its most recent auction of wireless spectrum, effectively dispersing nearly all remaining airwaves to bolster 5G connectivity throughout the nation.
This auction centered on residual licences—frequency bands that were either unpurchased in prior auctions or returned to the government. Out of 207 available licences, a remarkable 196 were acquired by telecom giants Bell, Rogers, and Telus, generating over $415 million for the federal coffers.
Spectrum encompasses the invisible radio frequencies that transmit data wirelessly, enabling smartphones and various wireless devices to access the internet efficiently.
“Reliable telecommunications are vital to the everyday lives of Canadians, influencing how they work and interact,” stated Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry, in a recent announcement. “Ensuring that spectrum is actively utilized is one of numerous strategies we implement toward that aim.”
To mitigate the risk of these established telecom companies hoarding the frequencies, stringent regulations have been added by Ottawa.
The victors of the auction are mandated to construct the necessary infrastructure and initiate services within a specified timeframe.
Telus emerged as the predominant spender in this round, investing over $317 million for 103 licences, primarily focusing on Western Canada and the Lower Mainland of British Columbia.
The company secured substantial 3800 MHz spectrum across British Columbia and Alberta, thereby solidifying pivotal 5G capabilities in major urban areas such as Vancouver, Edmonton, and Victoria.
Simultaneously, it addressed coverage deficiencies along regional hubs, highways, and northern locales, enhancing 5G accessibility across Western Canada.
Rogers allocated around $84 million for 30 licences, concentrating on 3800 MHz capacity within select cities and regional markets including Calgary, Charlottetown, and Summerside.
This strategy appears to favor targeted 5G enhancements rather than broad coverage, with spectrum acquisitions extending to smaller communities like Elliot Lake, Thompson, and Dawson Creek.
In contrast, Bell acquired 63 licences for approximately $13.4 million. The company emphasized lower-cost 2 GHz and 2300 MHz spectrum in its auction approach, predominantly in smaller urban, rural, and northern markets throughout Quebec, Ontario, the Prairies, and the North.
Rather than pursuing dense 5G capacity, Bell dispersed its spectrum over various regional territories, complementing it with selective 3800 MHz enhancements in locations such as Winnipeg, Sault Ste. Marie, and North Bay.
A modest selection of spectrum licences remains unclaimed, primarily covering remote or sparsely populated areas where deployment poses challenges.
This includes sections of the North, as well as smaller communities in British Columbia such as Squamish, Whistler, Kamloops, Williams Lake, and Smithers, which may be resubmitted in a future auction.
The auction featured airwaves within the 3500 MHz and 3800 MHz bands—optimal frequencies for 5G, capable of transmitting substantial data over considerable distances. A few licences in isolated areas like Yukon and Nunavut have yet to be sold.
Source link: Iphoneincanada.ca.
