Spectrum and the Indigenous Priority Window

The Indigenous Priority Window (IPW) is a time-limited window when Indigenous applicants can apply for certain spectrum licences, on a first-come, first-served basis. The IPW gives eligible Indigenous applicants the first choice for a given set of spectrum licences. Once the IPW closes, applications are open to all others who would like to apply.

The main goal of the IPW is to support Indigenous access to spectrum to develop Indigenous-led connectivity solutions that can close connectivity gaps for Indigenous communities across Canada.

Many Indigenous partners, through recent consultations, have told us that spectrum access is a key priority. Some have called upon ISED to apply the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act to its spectrum management policies. Others have stated that Indigenous Peoples should be given priority access to unused licensed spectrum, with some respondents identifying a priority access window as a potential tool for economic reconciliation that can provide greater self-determination for communities.

The IPW Spectrum Policy Framework was developed following an eight-month public engagement process. During the eight months, we were looking for views and ideas on the draft policy in order to shape the final document. To help guide the discussion, questions were included in section 5 of the draft IPW policy paper. ISED took into consideration all feedback received through the engagement period in drafting the final IPW Spectrum Policy Framework. The final IPW Spectrum Policy Framework includes summaries of what was heard from all respondents, as well as final decisions and path forward in relation to the IPW.

The IPW will open for 12 consecutive months. During this time, only eligible Indigenous applicants will be able to apply for the available spectrum licences on a first-come, first-served basis.

ISED will use an applicant-based approach to determine eligibility. Under this approach, Indigenous businesses, Indigenous communities and Indigenous individuals, regardless of location, will be eligible to apply for a licence.

The following Indigenous applicants will be considered eligible for the IPW:

1. Indigenous businesses – First Nation, Métis and Inuit businesses listed in the following directories:

• Indigenous Services Canada's Indigenous Business Directory
• Canadian Council for Indigenous Business' Certified Indigenous Business Directory;
• any business directory or list found in chapter 9.35.60 of the Government of Canada's Supply Manual
• any business directory run by a representative Métis organization that receives funding from the Government of Canada
• ISED may also consider other Indigenous business directories on a case by case basis

2. Indigenous communities – federally recognized First Nation, Métis and Inuit rights-bearing Indigenous groups that hold rights that are recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982

3. Indigenous Individuals – First Nation, Métis and Inuit individuals

As is the case with all spectrum licensees, the applicant must also meet the eligibility criteria in Section 9 of the Radiocommunication Regulations.

The IPW will first apply to the 800 MHz Cellular (824-849 MHz/869-894 MHz) and 1900 MHz PCS blocks A to F band (1850-1910 MHz/1930-1990 MHz) spectrum licences made available through the Access Licensing Framework.

As stated in the Access Licensing Framework, the access licensing framework and therefore the IPW may be applied to other spectrum bands at a future date, and subject to future engagement.

The spectrum licences available for the first application of the IPW cover rural and remote areas where ISED has determined there is unused spectrum.

A preliminary list of spectrum licences and the areas covered can be found in Annex C of the Access Licensing Framework or through our interactive map.

A final list of licences will be published prior to the opening of the window.

Eligible applicants will be able to apply for licences once the window opens at 12:00pm (noon) ET on May 28, 2026. More information concerning specific dates for eligibility screening and publication of a final list of available licences can be found in SAB-002-26 - Opening of the Indigenous Priority Window for Access Spectrum Licences in the PCS and Cellular Bands.

Licences will have a term of three years. At the end of this three-year term, the licensee will have a high expectation of renewal unless a breach of a licence condition has occurred, a fundamental reallocation of spectrum to a new service is needed or an overriding policy need arises.

There is an annual fee associated with the licence that is based on the already established fee regime. The Decision on a Fee Framework and Amendments to Conditions of Licence for Certain Spectrum Licences Used to Provide Commercial Mobile Services Below 10 GHz, sets out new fee rates to calculate annual spectrum licence fees. These changes will reduce fees for most small and medium licensees.

Licence holders will be required to demonstrate active use of the spectrum by deploying a minimum of 1 station per 10,000 population in the first term of the licence (i.e., within 3 years) and maintained throughout all following terms.

Since the IPW will first apply to the 800 MHz Cellular and 1900 MHz Personal Communications Services (PCS) licences (made available through the Access Licensing Framework), licences acquired through the IPW will have the same conditions as those outlined in Annex B of the Access Licensing Framework for access spectrum licences.

These conditions include but are not limited to:

Eligibility: Aside from the eligibility to participate in the IPW (outlined in section 4 of the IPW framework), all access spectrum licensees must not hold a licence for the same area and block of spectrum or be affiliated with a licence holder for the same licence area and block of spectrum. The applicant must also meet the criteria in subsection 9(1) of the Radiocommunication Regulations.

Licence term: Licences will have a term of 3 years. At the end of this term, the licensee will have a high expectation of renewal unless a breach of licence condition has occurred, a fundamental reallocation of spectrum to a new service is needed, or an overriding policy need arises.

Licence transferability, divisibility and subordinate licensing: Acquired access spectrum licences cannot be divided, transferred or subordinated.

Deployment requirements: Licence holders would be required to demonstrate active use of the spectrum by deploying a minimum of 1 station per 10,000 population in the first term of the licence and maintained throughout all following terms.

Licence fees: There is an annual fee associated with the licence that is based on the fee regime already established.

The full list of conditions can be found in Annex B of the Access Licensing Framework.

Step 1: Eligibility screening

Following the publication of the IPW Decision paper, ISED will open an eligibility screening process for interested applicants to submit their proof of eligibility as outlined in the decision point in section 5.1.

All potential applicants will be required to complete the eligibility form before applying for a licence through the Spectrum Management System (SMS).

Applicants must email the Indigenous Spectrum Policy Team (ISPT) to request an eligibility screening form. Completed eligibility forms along with any additional eligibility documents required need to be emailed to the ISPT inbox. ISED will use the information provided to assess applicant eligibility.

Once the form is received ISED will review and may request further information from the applicant if needed. Once the eligibility review is completed, ISED will inform the applicant of the decision via email.

Please do not submit licence requests along with your eligibility screening, as no licences are reserved based on submission timing for eligibility screening. Licence applications will not be accepted until the window is open and the applicant has been marked as eligible.

Step 2: Licensee Account (Web Profile)

For existing licensee accounts, the account number must be provided in the designated field of the eligibility screening form. If applicants do not already have a licensee account, an account must be created through the SMS webpage by setting up a new Web Profile. The licensee's name must be identical to the name provided for the eligibility screening form.

Information on how to create a new Web Profile can be found here.

Step 3: Applying for a spectrum licence

Once the IPW opens, eligible applicants will be able to apply for the available access spectrum licences through the SMS on a first-come, first-served basis. In this first-come, first-served process, once an application is received, the area/frequency is reserved and will not be available to others unless the application is rejected.

If the application is approved, the applicant will get an invoice for the licence, as per the fees established.

Step 4: Licence payment

Payment is required prior to ISED issuing the licence. Once payment is received, the licence will be granted and valid. To browse your invoices or make a payment, visit the Online Payment and View Invoices webpage.

For more information on the associated fees, consult the Spectrum and telecommunications fees webpage

Eligibility screening will open from publication of the IPW Spectrum Policy Framework until 12:00pm (noon) ET on March 29, 2027 (two months before the closing of the IPW).

Along with the eligibility screening form, additional documents may be required to confirm eligibility.

For Indigenous individuals seeking a spectrum licence, documentation such as First Nation status card, Métis membership card or proof of Inuit membership/enrolment is required to assess eligibility for the IPW.

For applicants applying as an Indigenous business or Indigenous community, further documentation or information may be requested if needed.

The ISPT is here to support interested applicants who need assistance navigating the application process (i.e., completing the eligibility screening form, creating an SMS account or applying for the licence). Please get in touch with the ISPT with any questions you may have.

The ISPT will also be offering IPW information sessions. This is an opportunity for interested applicants to ask questions, and connect with the ISPT. If you would like to request a virtual session please contact the ISPT.

Both oral and written feedback were welcomed throughout the engagement period.

To submit feedback orally, Indigenous partners were invited to attend an in-person engagement session or reach out by email to the ISPT at ISED to request a meeting.

To submit written feedback, Indigenous partners were invited to use our online form, send us an email or mail their comments.

2024 Spectrum Sovereignty Summit
Hosted by: Indigenous Connectivity Institute
When: February 22, 2024
Where: RBC Foundry at Bayview Yards, Ottawa, ON

Métis Nation Economic Reconciliation Forum
Hosted by: Métis National Council
When: February 28-29, 2024
Where: Versante Hotel, Richmond, BC

22nd National AFOA Conference
Hosted by: Aboriginal Financial Officers Association Canada
When: March 5-7, 2024
Where: RBC Convention Centre, Winnipeg, MB

Arctic Indigenous Investment Conference
Hosted By: Yukon First Nation Chamber of Commerce
When: May 6-8, 2024
Where: Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre, Whitehorse, YT

2024 Indigenous Connectivity Summit
Hosted by: Indigenous Connectivity Institute
When: June 4-6, 2024
Where: Membertou Trade and Convention Centre, Membertou, NS

The Business Benefits Finder can help you find funding for your project. Contact the respective groups directly for information on each funding option or its availability.

Other funding opportunities are available through the Government of Canada or Indigenous banks.

Government of Canada funding options:

• CRTC Broadband Fund
• Universal Broadband Fund
• Capital Facilities and Maintenance Program
• First Nation Infrastructure Fund
• Canada Infrastructure Bank – Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative
• Indigenous Services Canada – Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund

Indigenous banks:

• National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA)
• First Nations Finance Authority
• First Nations Bank of Canada
• Long House Capital Partners

Please note: This is not an exhaustive list of all sources available.

Further, these organizations and funding sources are external, and therefore ISED cannot comment on how they may view your potential project. Please contact the organization directly for further details.