Industry, Science and Economic Development Canada solicited input on allowing flexible use on the 3500 megahertz (MHz) band
For several years, RMA has advocated to both provincial and federal governments on the need for quality rural broadband access to support community sustainability and economic growth. In recent months, Industry, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) has solicited stakeholder input on a plan to accommodate flexible use in the 3500 MHz band. 3500 MHz spectrum is currently used for the provision of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), a common method of providing broadband service to rural residents and businesses across Canada in areas where installing fibre to individual properties is cost-prohibitive. The proposed change would allow the 3500 MHz band to be used for the provision of 5G mobile wireless access, mainly in urban areas (at least initially). RMA submitted input to ISED expressing concern with several aspects of their proposal, as well as the impacts that allowing flexible use may have on maintaining current FWA service and improving future service in rural areas. RMA’s positions aligned with other stakeholders, including the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and several rural-focused internet service providers.
To view RMA’s submission, click here.
For enquiries, please contact:
Wyatt Skovron
Policy Analyst
wyatt@RMAlberta.com
Tasha Blumenthal
Director of External Relations & Advocacy
tasha@RMAlberta.com