Decision on Request Received from SpaceX Canada Corp. for Use of E-band Frequencies in Canada

3. The Minister, through the Department of Industry Act, the Radiocommunication Act and the Radiocommunication Regulations, with due regard to the objectives of the Telecommunications Act, is responsible for spectrum management in Canada. As such, the Minister is responsible for developing goals and national policies for spectrum utilization and for ensuring the effective management of the radio frequency spectrum resource.

4. In reaching its decision, ISED was guided by the policy objectives of the Telecommunications Act, and the Spectrum Policy Framework for Canada (SPFC), which states that the objective of the spectrum program is to maximize the economic and social benefits that Canadians derive from the use of the radio frequency spectrum resource. This objective and the enabling guidelines listed in the SPFC remain relevant for guiding ISED in delivering its spectrum management mandate.

5. The enabling guidelines of the SPFC state that spectrum management practices, including licensing methods, should respond to changing technology and marketplace demands. Additionally, these guidelines state that spectrum policy and management should support the efficient functioning of markets by permitting the flexible use of spectrum to the extent possible, by making spectrum available for use in a timely fashion and by ensuring that appropriate interference protection measures are in place.

6. By ensuring that the spectrum being made available reflects global trends, emerging standards and the equipment ecosystem that is expected to materialize in the coming years, Canada will continue to position itself to benefit from advanced wireless technologies while ensuring the continuity of existing critical infrastructure and services.

7. On January 22, 2026, ISED published the Notice to invite comments on a request received from SpaceX Canada Corp. ("SpaceX") to use E-band frequencies (71-76 GHz downlink, 81-86 GHz uplink) associated with International Telecommunications Union (ITU) filing USASAT-NGSO-3X to communicate with two gateway earth stations located in Janet, Alberta and Saint-Laurent, Quebec, for the provision of fixed satellite services (FSS), on a no-interference, no-protection (NINP) basis.

8. Through the Notice, ISED sought comments on SpaceX's request to use E-band spectrum at the two above-mentioned sites to provide FSS on a NINP basis.

Summary of comments

9. During the consultation period, ISED received seven comments and two reply comments from various stakeholders, with the majority from infrastructure partners and FSS broadband internet customers, all expressing support for the request on the basis of potential improvements to SpaceX's service, as well as improved connectivity in rural and remote areas of Canada.

10. Comments and reply comments were also received from fixed service (FS) stakeholders. Specifically, Rogers noted that the FS and FSS have been able to coexist given their technical characteristics, adding that ISED could safeguard the FS by adopting interim coexistence measures for SpaceX's proposed use ahead of WRC-27 to benefit Canadian users and the economy.

11. CanWISP expressed the need to continue supporting the FS and urged ISED to transparently engage stakeholders in pursuing approaches that encourage fair spectrum sharing based on actual usage. Xplore disagreed with authorizing usage ahead of WRC-27, expressing concerns that Canada could be at a disadvantage if ISED's interim approach diverges from eventual global consensus. Specifically, Xplore recommended denying the request until clear international coexistence measures are established.

Discussion

12. ISED is of the view that temporarily permitting SpaceX's requested use of E-band frequencies at the two sites on a NINP basis is in the best interest of Canadians; particularly those in underserved and unserved areas where connectivity may be limited due to cost or infeasibility of building out additional terrestrial infrastructure.

13. Given the propagation characteristics of E-band and the highly directive antenna radiation envelope for the FS deployments in these bands, ISED is of the view that the risk of harmful interference is low. Additionally, SpaceX would be required to coordinate with existing FS stations through the standard process described in CPC-2-6-01, Procedure for the Submission of Applications for Spectrum Licences and Site Approvals for Earth Stations Requiring Site Approval. Further, with the limitation to two earth station sites, ISED believes that FS operations in E-band will be sufficiently protected and that the concerns expressed by those who opposed authorization prior to WRC-27 will be mitigated.

14. Consequently, ISED will temporarily authorize SpaceX to use the 71-76 GHz and 81-86 GHz bands for communication between the Starlink constellation (USASAT-NGSO-3X) and two gateway earth station sites located in Janet, Alberta and Saint-Laurent, Quebec on a NINP basis, subject to coordination with FS licensees in the bands. SpaceX will be expected to monitor ISED's Spectrum Management System website for up-to-date site information on licensed FS deployments in these bands.

15. As indicated in the Notice, all authorizations issued will be subject to any future decisions adopted in Canada following public consultation, including the implementation of the outcomes of WRC-27.

Decision

16. All ISED publications related to spectrum management and telecommunications are available on the Spectrum management and telecommunications website.

17. For further information concerning the process outlined in this document or related matters, contact:

• Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
  Engineering, Planning and Standards Branch
  Senior Director, Space Services and International
  235 Queen Street
  Ottawa ON    K1A 0H5
  
  Email: satelliteplanning-planificationsatellite@ised-isde.gc.ca