5th-generation mobile: the last beachfront property

5G technology offers opportunities to transform industries, enable new services, and support economic growth. Prepared by ICTC and published in 2018, this white paper explores the potential of fifth-generation wireless technology and the policy choices surrounding its deployment in Canada. Drawing on secondary research, it examines how spectrum allocation, infrastructure investment, competition, and rural access could shape the benefits of 5G for Canadian businesses and communities.

Key Takeaways

• Faster speeds, lower latency, and greater device connectivity were expected to enable applications across manufacturing, agriculture, transportation, healthcare, and smart cities.
• The paper identifies spectrum auction design as a critical policy consideration, requiring a balance between public revenue, competition, infrastructure investment, and broader economic benefits.
• Scaling 5G would require service providers to develop industrial business cases and partnerships beyond traditional consumer mobile services.
• Ensuring that rural and remote communities benefit from 5G is a central concern. The paper explores the role of government support, pilot projects, and local investment in expanding access beyond major urban centres.