18 December 2025
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Intent
The purpose of this notice is to invite comments on a request received from Telesat Spectrum General Partnership ("Telesat") to amend a condition of licence that limits its use of 11.075-11.2 GHz and 11.575-11.7 GHz frequency bands for the provision of Direct-to-home ("DTH") services to December 31, 2027. Telesat is requesting to use the bands until November 2039.
Additional information
Telesat is currently providing Shaw Direct ("Shaw") DTH services in this spectrum from this orbital position with its Anik G1 satellite for Rogers Communications Inc. ("Rogers"), and these services continue to be used by many Canadians. The use of 11.075-11.2 GHz and 11.575-11.7 GHz is subject to a 2010 policy decision in Canada Gazette notice DGTP-013-09 ("the Decision") published on January 9, 2010 which limits the use of DTH services until January 1, 2028. The Decision states that :
"(1) Until January 1, 2028, two 125 MHz band segments, namely 11.075-11.2 GHz and 11.575-11.7 GHz, are available to provide DTH services in Canada from extended-Ku band satellite orbital positions approved by Industry Canada before December 2009.
(2) Until January 1, 2026, Industry Canada will not license new FS systems in the bands 11.075-11.2 GHz and 11.575-11.7 GHz… After January 1, 2026, the Department will make every effort to place new terrestrial links in other portions of the band or in other bands until January 1, 2028.
(3) After January 1, 2028, DTH services will no longer be permitted in the bands 11.075-11.2 GHz and 11.575-11.7 GHz, and any DTH use in Canada will have migrated out of these bands.
(4) Existing fixed systems operating in the bands 11.075-11.2 GHz and 11.575-11.7 GHz may continue to operate under the terms of their current authorization. Modifications which do not increase the interference environment to DTH services will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
…
(6) Satellite services will respect the power flux-density limits in No. 21.16 of the ITU Radio Regulations for this band."
This policy is reflected in Canadian footnote C16H of the Canadian Table of Frequency Allocations, which states:
"The frequency bands 11.075-11.2 GHz and 11.575-11.7 GHz are available to provide direct-to-home satellite broadcasting services in Canada until January 1, 2028. ISED will not license new fixed service systems in these bands until January 1, 2026. See Canada Gazette notice DGTP-013-09 for complete details of the spectrum policy decision."
The Decision noted concerns from wireless carriers, which rely on the use of fixed systems to backhaul their telecommunications traffic, and at the time were expected to experience significant growth in their service offerings due to broadband mobile data applications. According to the Decision, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada ("ISED") would begin licensing fixed terrestrial links in the 11.075-11.2 GHz and 11.575-11.7 GHz bands as of January 1, 2026, but would make every effort to place new terrestrial links in other portions of the 11 GHz band or in other bands until January 1, 2028.
With the publication of this notice, ISED is placing a temporary moratorium on the licensing of new point-to-point links in the 11.075-11.2 GHz and 11.575-11.7 GHz bands until a decision is made on Telesat's request.
D1
ISED is placing a temporary moratorium on the licensing of new point-to-point links in the 11.075-11.2 GHz and 11.575-11.7 GHz bands until a decision is made on Telesat's request.
ISED is seeking comments on Telesat's request to modify a condition of licence limiting its used of 11.075-11.2 GHz and 11.575-11.7 GHz for the provision of Direct-to-home ("DTH") services to December 31, 2027.
Respondents are invited to indicate whether they support or oppose Telesat's request and provide a detailed rationale for the views being presented. In addition, views are sought on the potential for coexistence between DTH and fixed systems in this band.
The original request from Telesat is available on the Spectrum Management and Telecommunications website.
Submitting comments
Respondents are requested to provide their comments (in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF) by email no later than January 30, 2026 to satelliteauthorization-autorisationsatellite@ised-isde.gc.ca.
All submissions should cite the publication date and the title of this notice. Soon after the close of the comment period, all comments received will be posted on the ISED's Spectrum Management and Telecommunications website.
ISED will also provide interested parties with the opportunity to reply to comments from other parties. Reply comments will be accepted no later than February 20, 2026.
All comments and reply comments will be published. Therefore, those making submissions are asked not to provide confidential or private information in their submissions.
Following the initial comment period, ISED may, at its discretion, request additional information if needed to clarify significant positions or new proposals. In such a case, the reply comment deadline would be extended.
All comments will be reviewed and considered by the Department and any decision will be posted ISED's Spectrum Management and Telecommunications website.