Bar chart showing the total amount Canadian telecom companies spent in spectrum auctions from 1999 to 2023 in billions. In addition to the significant capital expenditures made each year, wireless network operators have invested nearly $29B in acquiring spectrum licenses through government-held auctions. These amounts do not include the millions paid each year in annual spectrum license fees.
In 1999, $171.8 million spent at the 24 GHz and 38 GHz auction.
In 2001, $1.5 billion spent at the PCS (2GHz) auction.
In 2002, $11.2 million spent at the WCS and FWA auction.
In 2005, $57.5 million spent at the residual WCS and FWA auction.
In 2008, $4.3 billion spent at the AWS-1 auction.
In 2014, $5.3 billion spent at the MBS (700MHz) auction.
In 2015, $2.9 billion spent at the 700GHz, AWS-3, and BRS auction.
In 2016, $160 million spent at license transfer auctions.
In 2017, $400 million spent at license transfer auctions.
In 2018, $100 million spent at the 700MHz, 23-23500MHz, PCS-G auction.
In 2019, $3.5 billion spent at the 600MHz auction.
In 2021, $8.9 billion spent at the 3500MHz auction.
In 2023, $30 million spent at the residual 600MHz, 2500MHz, and 3500MHz auction, and $2.2 billion spent at the 3800MHz auction.
Source: ISED