ISED launches consultation on expanding mobile coverage with satellites

TORONTO – The Government is developing a new framework to enable telecom service providers to use commercial mobile spectrum to expand their wireless services via satellites. On Monday, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) launched a consultation on establishing a policy and licensing framework for the allocation and use of spectrum for satellite-to-mobile services. The move would allow satellites to communicate directly with cell phones when they are outside the range of wireless towers. Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne announced the consultation during the opening hours of the Canadian Telecom Summit. “This is the next frontier, where Canadians will be able to… have absolute connectivity,” he stated. Champagne highlighted various benefits expected from what the consultation calls “supplemental mobile coverage by satellite” (SMCS), foreseeing improvements in rural connectivity, network resiliency, and productivity. “It will bring connectivity places where… it would be commercially more difficult” to build infrastructure, explained the minister. ISED noted that mobile satellite service technology is becoming increasingly more common in today’s smartphones, usually for emergency communications. “Although it is expected that early service under SMCS may be limited, both in terms of coverage and service capability as commercial satellite constellations roll out, any expansion of mobile coverage to underserved and unserved areas of the country could provide significant benefit to Canadians,” stated the department. “As part of this consultation, ISED aims to develop a framework that will enable SMCS as soon as the first offering, which is expected to be texting, becomes available and as it develops.” The new framework is proposed to be applied to the 600MHz, 700MHz, 800MHz, AWS-1, AWS-3, and the personal communication systems (PCS) spectrum bands, allowing them to be shared with satellite operators. Canadian Telecommunications Association president Robert Ghiz referred to the proposed framework as a new tool in the “toolbox” for improving connectivity, noting that the association is starting to see its members entering more partnerships with satellite companies. Last year, Rogers Communications Inc., in partnership with Lynk Global Inc., conducted Canada’s first satellite-to-mobile phone call, utilizing everyday Samsung S22 smartphones. The telecom also announced a partnership with SpaceX earlier that year. “We’re pleased ISED is moving this forward and we share the government’s commitment to improving public safety for Canadians in the most remote parts of our country,” said Rogers chief technology and information officer Ron McKenzie. –Reporting by Phalen C. Tynes-MacDonald at pcreed@thewirereport.ca

ISED launches consultation on expanding mobile coverage with satellites

News | June 17, 2024

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ISED launches consultation on expanding mobile coverage with satellites

News | June 17, 2024

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