CEDEC’s Response to Government of Canada’s Rural Connectivity Decision

HUNTINGDON (QC) – September 23, 2022 – The Community Economic Development and Employability Corporation (CEDEC) welcomes the Government of Canada’s recent decision to make more 3800 MHZ spectrum available to encourage greater competition in the wireless service market, improve rural connectivity, and ensure the effective deployment of 5G technologies. Announced by the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry (ISED) on June 30, 2022, the decision:  

• Imposes a 100 MHz cap on the large national providers regarding how much combined 3500 MHz and 3800 MHz spectrum they can acquire.
• Reserves a total of 150 MHz across the 3500 MHz and 3800 MHz spectrum bands for smaller competitors. 
• Implements strong “use or lose” deployment requirements for companies in the industry. 

In reacting to the Government’s 3800 MHZ spectrum decision, John Buck, President and CEO of CEDEC, emphasized how important it was “to level the playing field to provide Canadians with high quality, innovative and competitively priced wireless services.”

Buck indicated that in its submission to ISED in February 2022 on this matter, CEDEC underlined the strategic importance of wireless services in leveraging assets to produce tangible economic benefits for individuals and communities. “Connectivity and fair and affordable access to wireless services across Canada” said Buck, “is a strategic asset and advantage for Canadian communities. It enables communities to contribute to and benefit from national, regional, and community-based economic development initiatives.”

Buck said he was pleased that the Government’s decision reflected CEDEC’s views that “the Government of Canada’s spectrum policy enhances competitiveness in the industry and provides both incentives and penalties to support timely deployment, especially in rural communities.”

“Getting connectivity right is essential for Canada’s future, and the Government’s recent decision on 3800 MHZ spectrum is an important step in setting the stage for collaborative and innovative economic development, especially in communities,” concluded Buck.

CEDEC (Community Economic Development and Employability Corporation) helps communities achieve lasting economic success by identifying and leveraging their strongest opportunities for growth and investment. CEDEC creates public-private-civil society partnerships that harness combined resources and expertise, foster innovation and creativity, and drive economic development.