Supplemental mobile coverage from satellites will improve reliability of telecom services
OTTAWA, Canada – Canadians need to be able to count on reliable telecom services no matter where they live. High-quality telecom services not only support economic and social activities but are also crucial for emergency services and public safety.
On Monday, François-Philippe Champagne, minister of innovation, science and industry, announced the launch of a consultation on a new spectrum policy as a first step toward enabling service providers to start using commercial mobile spectrum to expand wireless services via satellites. This would enable satellites to communicate directly with cell phones when they are outside the range of wireless towers.
The proposed policy will have many potential benefits for Canadians as the technology continues to advance from its early stages, such as:
- Expanded wireless services particularly in unserved and underserved areas, including rural, remote and Indigenous communities;
- Improved access to emergency services and 9-1-1;
- Increased reliability and resiliency of telecommunications services;
- More investment in wireless networks, in their evolution and in the expansion of services.
This technology represents an exciting opportunity. While it is still in its early stages and subject to limitations, it is expected that this new capability will improve over time with technological development and as more satellites are launched. This new spectrum policy is about laying the foundation so we can maximize the benefits of this technology for Canadians as it becomes available.
The government of Canada will use all the tools at its disposal to improve the reliability of telecom networks, while working with telecommunications companies and other partners.
