More airwaves are being set aside for 5G cellular technology, as the Canadian government says it will auction off a repurposed wireless spectrum band.
The Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development said the 3,800 megahertz band is key for 5G, which is why it’s being repurposed from its previous use with satellite and wireless broadband services.
An auction for the band is scheduled to take place in 2023.
An auction for another key spectrum band, 3,500 megahertz, is scheduled to take place June 15.
Shaw Communications Inc. opted out of that auction earlier this year, ahead of Rogers Communications Inc.’s plan to acquire the company.
Remaining bidders for that spectrum include Rogers, Bell, Telus, Sasktel and TekSavvy.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 21, 2021.
Companies in this story: (TSX:TO, RCI.B, BCE,)
The Canadian Press