Canada Updates Spectrum Allocations
Canada has officially released the 2026 Edition of the Canadian Table of Frequency Allocations. Specifically, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) announced this change through Decision SMSE-014-26. The new edition aligns Canadian spectrum management with international treaty decisions from WRC-23. Therefore, the table incorporates vital updates for advanced wireless and satellite services.
The Canadian Table of Frequency Allocations governs domestic radio frequency usage across all sectors. Furthermore, the revisions update high-level spectrum allocations and operational conditions across multiple bands. However, these revisions do not alter equipment certification or Radio Standards Specifications. Instead, technical equipment rules remain managed through separate regulatory circulars and standards consultations.
Implementation of Updated Domestic Spectrum Allocations
Decision SMSE-014-26 concludes the public consultation process initiated under SMSE-003-26. Consequently, ISED adopted several major international and domestic frequency modifications. These changes balance multilateral spectrum harmonization with Canada’s national defense and communication priorities.
Significantly, the table establishes service categories and operational sharing criteria. These categories define primary and secondary service priorities for all authorized radio operations. However, market access rules and device-level type approval remain unchanged by this release.
New Canadian Footnotes for Airborne Base Stations Below 2.7 GHz
Decision D3 officially incorporates international footnotes 5.312B, 5.409A, and modified footnote 5.388A. These international provisions identify specific bands below 2.7 GHz for High-Altitude Platform Stations. In particular, these platforms function as airborne International Mobile Telecommunications base stations (HIBS).
Additionally, ISED established a new domestic footnote designated as C7A. Footnote C7A clarifies that HIBS deployment remains subject to future domestic spectrum policies. Moreover, operational authorizations will require dedicated licensing frameworks developed through upcoming public consultations. Therefore, commercial HIBS operations cannot deploy in Canada without further regulatory action.
Primary Space Research Allocation Established in the 14.8–15.35 GHz Band
Decision D4 adds a primary allocation for the Space Research Service in the 14.8–15.35 GHz band. Alongside this allocation, ISED adopted international footnote 5.510A. This change supports advanced scientific research platforms, space probes, and satellite telemetry systems.
Furthermore, the new allocation directly benefits Canadian space infrastructure, including Canadarm 2 communications. Commercial mobile providers requested IMT mobile allocations within this frequency range. However, ISED determined that existing spectrum releases adequately satisfy commercial mobile demand. Consequently, the department preserved 14.8–15.35 GHz as a Priority 3 band under its Spectrum Outlook.
Technical Power Limits Enforced for Non-GSO Satellite Operations
Under Decision D2, ISED adopted a new domestic footnote designated as C43B. Specifically, Canadian footnote C43B addresses non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite downlinks. The provision extends ITU Article 22 Table 22-1B power limits into the 17.7–17.8 GHz band.
Consequently, NGSO Fixed-Satellite Service space stations must meet strict Equivalent Power Flux Density (EPFD) limits. This requirement aligns technical conditions across the broader 17.3–18.6 GHz space-to-Earth downlink span. As a result, non-GSO satellite systems can operate efficiently without causing harmful interference.
Government Radar Protections Maintained in the 3300–3450 MHz Band
In Decisions D5 and D6, ISED rejected proposals for commercial mobile allocations in 3300–3450 MHz. Multiple wireless carriers requested co-primary commercial mobile allocations across these mid-band frequencies. Nevertheless, ISED declined to introduce mobile allocations into the domestic table.
Instead, the 3300–3450 MHz range remains allocated exclusively to the Radiolocation Service under footnote C5. This Canadian footnote reserves primary use for Government of Canada radar installations. In particular, ISED concluded that commercial mobile services cannot effectively coexist with critical government operations.
Integration of Recent Domestic Regulatory Decisions
Additionally, the 2026 CTFA incorporates two separate domestic spectrum decisions without further consultation:
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Decision SMSE-004-26: Extends regulatory approval for Telesat’s Anik G1 satellite operations at 107.3°W in extended Ku-band frequencies (11.075–11.2 GHz and 11.575–11.7 GHz).
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Decision SPB-003-26: Formally integrates domestic spectrum repurposing decisions for the 26 GHz band (24.25–27.5 GHz).
Understanding evolving radio frequency frameworks, national footnotes, and allocation priorities is critical for telecommunications compliance. Manufacturers and network operators can track these developments using the Entirety Regulatory Intelligence Service.
Regulatory Impact Assessment
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Technical Standards? ❌ No
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Type Approval & Market Access? ❌ No
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Imports, Customs, Trade, or Market Surveillance? ❌ No
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Spectrum Management? ✅ Yes
