Companies such as Rogers, Bell and TELUS have spectrum in lower frequencies that has much greater reach.

Ms. Marlene Jennings: When you say part of a spectrum, you're talking about radio—

The establishment of an inventory of existing spectrum use together with an analysis of technology trends, future needs and demand for spectrum, in particular between 400 MHz and 6 GHz, should allow the identification of frequency bands in which efficiency could be improved, and of spectrum-sharing opportunities, to the benefit of both the commercial and public sectors.

Moreover, even the crown corporation, which has a long-term allotment plan, has no guarantees from Industry Canada, which manages the radio spectrum, that these frequencies will go to it in the future.

The Group should assist and advise the Commission on radio spectrum policy issues such as radio spectrum availability, harmonisation and allocation of radio spectrum, provision of information concerning allocation, availability and use of radio spectrum, methods for granting rights to use spectrum, refarming, relocation, valuation and efficient use of radio spectrum as well as protection of human health.

See Kirsten Embree, " Lawful Access: A Summary of the Federal Government's Recent Proposals - Part I," Internet and E-Commerce Law in Canada, Vol. 6, May 2005, p. 18; Industry Canada, " Personal Communications Services," Spectrum Management and Telecommunications; and for an example, see Industry Canada, “Notice No. DGRB-004-09 - Decision on the Renewal of 24 and 38 GHz Spectrum Licences and Consultation on Spectrum Licence Fees for 24, 28 and 38 GHz Bands, Annex A - Conditions of Licence,” Spectrum Management and Telecommunications, March 2009, para 9. [ Return to text ]