GSMA Urges Canadian Telecom Policy Reset
A new report calls for updated infrastructure and spectrum policies to sustain Canada's mobile sector growth.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Telecommunications
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The Global System for Mobile Communications released a report urging Canada to overhaul its telecommunications policy. The organization cites rising costs and plateauing revenues as key challenges facing local operators.
Why it matters
The mobile sector acts as a significant economic engine, contributing $120 billion to Canada's economy in 2025. Ensuring policy alignment is seen as necessary to maintain projected growth as operators face market shifts.
Mobile technologies generated 5.4 per cent of Canada's GDP in 2025. The report proposes infrastructure support for 5G and AI data centres alongside predictable spectrum pricing to offset rising capital costs.
The players
Global System for Mobile Communications
This is a global organization representing the interests of mobile operators worldwide and providing data-driven policy recommendations.
The details
The report highlights that Canadian telecom operators are struggling with slower subscriber growth due to immigration rates and high spectrum licence costs. It advocates for a strategic pivot to support advanced digital infrastructure and alleviate the current financial pressures on service providers.
Timeline
Mobile services generated 5.4 per cent of Canada's GDP throughout 2025.
The policy report was officially published on October 20, 2026.
Economic value from mobile technologies is projected to reach $170 billion by 2030.
The Tech Race
This policy push aligns with the ongoing transition of mobile networks toward 5G and AI-ready data centre architecture. It positions Canadian operators to compete globally by addressing the regulatory hurdles that currently lag behind rapid infrastructure advancements.
If policy changes lead to more affordable spectrum pricing, consumers could see more competitive service plans or improved network coverage. Conversely, a failure to update infrastructure policy may result in slower deployments of high-speed 5G or AI-integrated mobile services.
The takeaway
The mobile sector remains a cornerstone of the Canadian economy with significant growth potential through the end of the decade. Policymakers and industry leaders must balance rising operational costs against the need for continued investment in digital infrastructure.
Further reading
For broader context on the industry, visit the Telecommunications section.
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Should Canada prioritize telecom network investment over lower consumer prices for phone and internet services?
