ISED eyes ‘subscriber’ approach to spectrum access for drones, as Canada’s telcos worry about liability

It is a question garnering lots of attention from the country’s leading telecommunications companies — who should be responsible for monitoring and regulating drone operators? Recently, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) published comments received as part of a consultation on its proposed framework for remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), often referred to as drones, to access certain spectrum bands. Among the unresolved questions is how (or whether) the federal licensing process should apply. At the moment, ISED has pencilled in a subscriber approach that would allow third-party drone operators to use commercial spectrum already licensed to organizations or companies. This would permit RPAS devices to use existing networks through individual contracts with carriers that hold spectrum licences, meaning no additional government licences would be required. But some telcos are worried this would leave the burden of compliance on network operators, and they’re calling on Ottawa to ensure federal regulators are tasked with monitoring and enforcing the forthcoming policy. In its submission, Saskatchewan Telecommunications Holding Corp. (SaskTel) backed the government’s proposal, but expressed concerns that licensees could be liable for malfeasances from drone operators using their spectrum. “Mobile network operators are not Drone police,” wrote the incumbent carrier. “We are not equipped to act as such as we don’t control what devices are used by Drone Operators.” SaskTel later wrote that telcos are not equipped to monitor drone operators using their networks, emphasizing that “we don’t control what devices use.” The federal government has said, under a subscriber model, commercial licence holders would be “responsible for compliance with the policy, technical and operational requirements.” Instead, the Saskatchewan Crown corporation referenced the Telecommunications Act and past case law, which, the company suggested, “affirmed a Canadian carrier would not have the right to monitor and suspend service of a Drone Operator.” “The international consensus is… that agencies like TC (Transport Canada), not mobile network operators, are best suited to regulate Drone use and Drone pilot behaviour,” it wrote. Canada’s ‘Big Three’ telcos also support a subscriber approach to spectrum access for drones, as BCE Inc. suggested it was a “critical element for the successful deployment of RPAS use cases” because “it will enable access to widespread connectivity.” Bell noted that extending the existing spectrum licences to drones maintains “clear regulations” for network operators. Rogers Communications Inc. favoured a third-party subscriber model, though it recommended that ISED specify that such access would be dependent on obtaining permission from licence holders, while Telus Corp. concurred that "leveraging the existing licensing frameworks is the most effective way to foster the rapid expansion of the Canadian RPAS industry.” “Allowing commercial mobile networks to be used by RPAS operators as subscribers will allow market entry without the prohibitive costs and delays associated with obtaining individual spectrum licences,” wrote Telus. “Conversely, creating a separate spectrum licensing process for drone operators would create unnecessary regulatory complexity that would undoubtedly introduce barriers to innovation.” Telus emphasized that network operators are best positioned to resolve any interference concerns because they can guarantee which devices are deployed, as well as the expected spectrum usage, through service agreements with subscribers. Meanwhile, Quebecor Inc. supported the subscriber option, but shared SaskTel’s concerns about liability and urged ISED to ensure that network operators would not be responsible for the conduct of drone operators. “The responsibility for complying with Transport Canada's laws and regulations should rest with the operator of the RPAS device,” submitted Quebecor in French. It should be noted that, historically, Canada’s major telcos hold the overwhelming majority of commercial spectrum licences. However, unlike the other companies, SaskTel worried that increased drone usage on commercial spectrum bands could interfere with current cellular coverage, adding that retail mobile users must be prioritized. Spectrum congestion can occur when too many stations are transmitting communications on spectrum bands that are close together, causing network interference. “There is no consensus on how Drone use should be managed for the benefit of both existing mobile network users and Drone operators,” wrote the company. “There is a general, long-standing concern about Drone use interfering with quality of service for existing mobile network usage.” “The tens of millions of cellular device users, almost all of whom are using cellular phones, should have their use of retail mobile networks protected in priority to Drone usage until such time as the impact of Drones on the mobile network is better understood.” None of the major carriers focused on the potential for interference, though Telus did call on Ottawa to implement additional interference mitigation measures. Released on Dec. 29, ISED’s proposed framework would grant drones access to commercially-available spectrum, listing 617-652 MHz, 663-698 MHz, 698-756 MHz, 777-787 MHz, 1710-1755 MHz, 1755-1980 MHz, 2110-2155 MHz, and 2155-2180 MHz bands as potential options. Globally, other countries have started moving forward with new spectrum regulations for drones. For example, the European Electronic Communications Committee identified multiple commercial bands for drone usage in 2022. The framework would also make non-commercial spectrum available to drones in the 5030-5091 MHz Band, which is predominantly used for aeronautics and, in particular, radionavigation. Improving spectrum accessibility for drones, which ISED suggests could “increase the productivity and efficiency of various sectors, such as agriculture and security,” was featured in the government’s 2023 spectrum outlook. In addition to telcos, ISED also received submissions from the communications industry group GSMA, the Radio Advisory Board of Canada, the U.S. multinational Qualcomm, the survey mapping firm DCmapp, the Halton Regional Police Service and Peel Regional Police, as well as the ‘Aviation Stakeholders’ (Transport Canada Civil Aviation and NAV CANADA). Several drone companies, including AIRmarket Inc., Current Surveillance Inc., Drone Box Inc., Ribbit, Skydio Inc., and Stratodynamics Aviation Inc., also provided comments. dlegree@thewirereport.ca

ISED eyes ‘subscriber’ approach to spectrum access for drones, as Canada’s telcos worry about liability

Regulatory |
By Davis Legree
|March 9, 2026

Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need.

FREE TRIAL

SUBSCRIBE

Inside The Wire Report

Information

Hill Times Publishing

Get in Touch With Us

ISED eyes ‘subscriber’ approach to spectrum access for drones, as Canada’s telcos worry about liability

Regulatory | By Davis Legree |March 9, 2026

Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need.

FREE TRIAL

SUBSCRIBE

Canadian Internet Society advocates for overhaul of CRTC

A court challenge has put the streaming act on hold — but some U.S. companies are still sending money to Canadian funds (and no one knows why)

Q&A: CRTC chair opens door to raising base contribution level following court ruling on Online Streaming Act

Related Stories

New Indigenous Priority Window should help bridge Canada’s digital divide: telcos, stakeholders

Government rakes in over $415M from Big Three carriers in residual spectrum auction

Industry minister to conduct new national security review of TikTok, Canadian business allowed to continue operating for now

CRTC will require telecom providers to disclose more details on service coverage

Reuse & Permissions

Inside The Wire Report

Information

Hill Times Publishing

Get in Touch With Us

Regulatory |
By Davis Legree
|March 9, 2026