Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada has updated its non-competitive local licensing framework to incorporate the 24.25-25.1 GHz spectrum band. This regulatory notice also includes updates regarding telecommunications and broadcasting oversight from the CRTC.
The inclusion of 24 GHz spectrum in the non-competitive framework lowers the barrier to entry for private 5G networks and localized video delivery services. For the streaming ecosystem, this facilitates high-density, low-latency distribution in industrial or campus environments where traditional cellular or Wi-Fi might struggle. It also signals a shift in Canadian spectrum policy toward preventing the 'Big Three' carriers—Rogers, Bell, and Telus—from monopolizing all millimetre wave assets. Industry strategists should monitor the upcoming October 2027 auction for the remaining 4.8 GHz of 26 GHz and 38 GHz spectrum, which will use bidder caps to further ensure market diversity.
The expansion of the Non-Competitive Local Licensing (NCLL) framework follows a broader push by ISED to democratize access to high-frequency spectrum. In March 2025, ISED published an addendum to include the 27.5-28.35 GHz band, which effectively removed those frequencies from the upcoming competitive auction to prioritize industrial and rural use cases. According to a May 2026 report from iPhone in Canada, the government is deliberately using these licensing tiers and spectrum caps to empower regional rivals and non-traditional users like mining and manufacturing firms.
Simultaneously, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is modernizing its oversight of the broader digital sector. In June 2026, the CRTC issued three major regulatory policies—BRP 2026-95, 2026-96, and 2026-98—as part of the modernized Broadcasting Act. These policies mandate discoverability requirements for Canadian and Indigenous content on streaming platforms and establish a new funding mechanism, the Services of Exceptional Importance Fund, requiring contributions from online undertakings with annual revenues exceeding $25 million.
Furthermore, the regulator is currently consolidating its consumer protection measures into a single code covering internet, mobile, and television services. This effort aims to eliminate 'junk fees' and simplify plan-switching for consumers. Per MobileSyrup in July 2026, the CRTC recently faced pushback from major carriers regarding a deadline to prove compliance with a ban on activation and switching fees, leading to a temporary suspension of enforcement timelines while the regulator reviews carrier objections. The CRTC proposes indefinite licence terms for various services as part of this ongoing regulatory overhaul.
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