SpaceX receives support from Indigenous groups, Rogers to utilize E-band frequencies in Quebec and Alberta

Two Indigenous groups and Rogers Communications Inc. are backing Space Exploration Technologies Corp.’s (SpaceX) request to use E-band spectrum to serve customers in Quebec and Alberta. In a December letter to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), SpaceX requested permission to utilize E-band frequencies for fixed satellite service communications between its satellites and gateway earth stations in Saint-Laurent, Que., and Janet, Alta. The letter specified that the request for authorization is on a non-exclusive, non-interference basis for use of the downlink range of 71-76 GHz, and the uplink range of 81-86 GHz. Currently, the letter said, the satellites are operational via Ka-band services. During the comment period, the Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation, located just northeast of Regina, Sask., submitted a letter to ISED saying it “unequivocally supports” SpaceX’s application, adding the community relies on high-quality internet connectivity, including in regions where traditional infrastructure is limited. “Starlink has become an important part of our connectivity strategy, particularly in rural, and remote communities where dependable service is essential for daily operations, safety, and community engagement,” the letter said. The letter continued that Starlink has been “indispensable” in bridging digital divides and powering emergency response and everyday business in underserved areas. If the request is granted, the group said it would unlock higher throughput, lower latency, greater capacity, and superior network reliability for Canadian residents. The Native Women’s Association of the N.W.T. also submitted a letter of support, saying as the digital demand continues to grow, it is important providers serving rural and remote communities “have access to the spectrum required to meet future needs.” The letter added that SpaceX’s request “is a meaningful step toward improving network performance.” Rogers also chimed in with a letter of its own, saying that it supports ISED granting SpaceX an interim, no-interference, no-protection authorization, “provided that robust coexistence rules are applied to protect current and future fixed service backhaul deployments.” Rogers said permitting SpaceX to use the E-band will “benefit Canadian users and the broader economy by supporting additional investment in Canadian telecommunication facilities.” Rogers was the only telco among Canada’s ‘Big Three’ to participate in the consultation. ISED also received a letter from the Canadian Association of Wireless Internet Service Providers (CanWISP), which did not specify if the association backs SpaceX’s request, but said it “supports ISED’s long-standing approach to E-band spectrum as a shared, light-licensing environment for fixed services.” It said “Canadian deployment realities – particularly in rural, remote, and northern regions – require continued support for terrestrial fixed services,” and added “if new spaced-based uses are authorized, CanWISP believes it would be beneficial for ISED to ensure transparent registration or coordination mechanisms, clear technical expectations for coexistence, and practical interference resolution processes accessible to operators of all sizes.” ISED also received letters of support to Equinix Inc., Shared Tower, and TEP Canada. The deadline for reply comments is Mar. 6. mcollins@thewirereport.ca

SpaceX receives support from Indigenous groups, Rogers to utilize E-band frequencies in Quebec and Alberta

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By Maria Collins
|March 2, 2026

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SpaceX receives support from Indigenous groups, Rogers to utilize E-band frequencies in Quebec and Alberta

Telecom | By Maria Collins |March 2, 2026

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|March 2, 2026