Canada’s 3800 MHz Spectrum Auction for 5G Services Attracts 22 Qualified Bidders

The Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) has announced the final list of 22 qualified applicants set to participate in the upcoming 5G licence auction for the spectrum in the 3800 MHz band. The auction, designated as the Spectrum Licences Auction in the 3800 MHz Band, specifically includes the frequency range of 3650-3900 MHz, known as the 3800 MHz band.

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Qualified Participants

The 5G licence auction, according to the timeline published is scheduled to kick off in October 2023, has seen qualified participants comprising significant mobile operators as well as numerous regional players.

The list of 22 qualified applicants for the 3800 MHz spectrum auction includes ABC Internet, Bell Mobility, Bragg Communications (Eastlink), Brooke Telecom, Bruce Telecom Ontario, City West Mobility, Cooptel, ECOTEL, Elite General Partnership, Huron Telecommunications, Indigitel Telecommunications, Kingston Online Services, MPVWIFI, NE&W SPC, Novus Entertainment, NWIC, Rogers Communications, Saskatchewan Telecommunications (SaskTel), Sogetel, TBayTel, TELUS Communications, and Videotron Itee.

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Band Plan and Block Sizes

In its 3800 MHz Repurposing Decision, ISED adopted a band plan to make the 3800 MHz band available for auction in 25 unpaired 10 MHz blocks. This band plan would support technologies such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) and 5G New Radio (NR) equipment to operate using a 10 MHz bandwidth. These 10 MHz blocks can be aggregated using carrier aggregation technologies to create larger bandwidths for broadband applications.

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3800 MHz Band’s Potential

ISED believes 3800 has the potential to facilitate the offering of 5G mobile broadband and fixed broadband services to Canadians. ISED, in its auction process, said given the widespread global adoption of the 5G technology on this band, the likelihood of significant usage shifts in the foreseeable future is minimal. Acknowledging the dynamic evolution of wireless technology, ISED anticipates advancements such as cognitive radio and dynamic spectrum access, which will likely introduce enhanced efficiency in spectrum access.

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License Duration

ISED adopted a 20-year licence term for the adjacent 3500 MHz band. Considering this, as both the 3500 MHz and 3800 MHz bands are allowed to offer commercial mobile or fixed wireless services, the ISED also sets a 20-year licence term for any spectrum licences auctioned in the 3800 MHz band.