On October 7, 2014, the FMCC submitted a position paper to Industry Canada regarding Policy Changes in the 3500 MHz Band and a New Licensing Process in Rural Areas (Reference number: DGSO-003-14). The paper outlined the benefits of a ‘First Mile’ approach to mobile services and infrastructure in Indigenous, remote and northern communities. It also raised several points aiming to extend opportunities for Indigenous service providers to access spectrum.
On September 4, 2014, the FMCC submitted a position paper to Industry Canada regarding the Technical, Policy and Licensing Framework for Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) (Reference number: SLPB-004-14). The paper outlined the benefits of a ‘First Mile’ approach to mobile services and infrastructure in Indigenous, remote and northern communities. It also identified some barriers to First Mile projects reflected in the existing policy framework. Specifically, we outlined the metrics used to determine service tiers and corresponding licenses, and the minimum bids associated with those factors.