Canada on Wednesday announced its three-year action plan to conduct the 5G spectrum auction starting next year.
Rogers Wireless, BCE, Telus and Shaw Communications are the leading telecom operators in Canada.
The federal Innovation Ministry released a paper outlining changes to an auction expected next year, a decision on a higher frequency millimeter wave spectrum in 2021, and a proposal for a new frequency in 2022.
Action plan includes:
# paper outlining changes to the 3500 MHz spectrum band supporting an auction in 2020
# public consultation on the 3500 MHz auction design
# decision on releasing millimetre wave (mmWave) spectrum in 2021
# new proposal to release 3800 MHz spectrum in 2022
“The next steps in our plan will continue to improve rural Internet access and allow for the timely deployment of 5G connectivity while increasing the level of competition to lower prices for Canadians,” Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains said at the 2019 Canadian Telecom Summit.
The government estimates that 5G wireless technologies could be a C$40 billion or $29.8 billion industry in Canada by 2026. Canada said it is investing C$199 million over five years to modernize spectrum equipment.
Canada has not yet said whether or not it will use 5G equipment provided by China-based Huawei Technologies, Reuters reported.
The United States has accused Huawei of being tied to China’s government, and has effectively banned U.S. firms from doing business with the company for national security reasons.
Telecom network makers such as Ericsson, Nokia, Samsung and ZTE are actively engaged in discussions with mobile operators to supply 5G network for building 5G infrastructure across Canada.
