Good morning! This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news concerning cellphone and wireless carriers, ISPs, satellite communications, broadband access, 5G, remote communities, and CRTC spectrum licences. Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to track other GR news in adjacent industries? Don’t miss this week’s updates in ICT & Cybersecurity and Utilities & Power.

Dates: 2025-11-16 to 2025-11-22

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Parliamentary Calendar
• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal Government News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial Government News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• Senate Transport and Communications Committee: Artificial Intelligence and ICT Sector—November 25, 2025: The Senate Standing Committee on Transport and Communications will examine the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence in the ICT sector on November 25. Witnesses include senior officials from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, AI Governance and Safety Canada, and academic experts in privacy-preserving digital technologies.

Canadian Federal Government News

CRTC Announces $15 Million Investment in Rural Saskatchewan Broadband

On November 17, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) confirmed it is allocating over $15 million through its Broadband Fund to Saskatchewan Telecommunications and Access Communications Co-operative Limited. The investment will be used to construct approximately 455 kilometres of new transport fibre, aiming to provide high-speed internet to 3,880 households across 27 communities in Saskatchewan. These projects conclude the latest round of Broadband Fund allocations; the next funding call is set for 2026. The CRTC highlighted feedback from local communities regarding improved access to remote work, education, and economic opportunities. The agency noted that, to date, the Broadband Fund has supported connections for over 53,000 households across 320 communities, including 135 Indigenous communities.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CRTC Closes Digital Divide Funding Round with Final Saskatchewan Projects

The CRTC announced the final disbursement of its most recent Broadband Fund cycle, confirming funding to extend fibre infrastructure in Saskatchewan. Supported projects target rural and Indigenous communities, providing internet access intended for essential institutions, including schools and health care facilities. The CRTC noted earlier decisions and public consultation on making the application process faster and launching an Indigenous-focused stream. The next application process is expected to begin in 2026, following additional reviews.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CRTC Revises Canadian Content Definition for Broadcasting and Streaming

On November 18, the CRTC released an updated regulatory policy to modernize the definition of Canadian content for television and online streaming platforms. Following a series of consultations and a three-week public hearing with 78 stakeholder groups and 480 written submissions, the new framework assigns 'points' for creative roles held by Canadians and mandates minimum Canadian spending. Roles such as showrunners, costume and visual effects heads are newly eligible, and productions based on Canadian books receive bonus points. The Commission also clarified that key creative posts qualifying as Canadian content must be held by humans, not AI. Where foreign streaming services partner with Canadian entities, at least 20% ownership by a Canadian partner and higher thresholds for Canadian creative participation are now required.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CRTC Issues Final Policy on Canadian Content for TV and Streaming

The CRTC detailed its revised Canadian content rules, confirming a greater range of creative professions are now counted toward qualifying a production as Canadian. The updated definition is the result of recent Online Streaming Act requirements (formerly Bill C-11) and comes ahead of a forthcoming decision on spending requirements for Canadian programs, including news. Traditional broadcasters and streaming platforms are directed to support Canadian and Indigenous content more flexibly while maintaining Canadian control and benefits. The Commission also introduced simplified reporting for certified productions.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Commissioner of Competition Addresses Enforcement, International Cooperation, and Legislative Reform

Speaking before the International Bar Association, Commissioner Matthew Boswell discussed Canada's approach to competition policy during global shifts in trade and technology, notably artificial intelligence. He highlighted the independence of the Competition Bureau and its reliance on evidence-based enforcement, as well as ongoing international collaboration—referencing a memorandum of understanding with the UK Competition & Markets Authority and negotiations for a renewed Canada-EU agreement. The Bureau continues to update its enforcement guidelines to match legislative amendments and cross-border coordination.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Commissioner of Competition Discusses Legislative Amendments and Digital Economy Focus

In a Canadian Bar Association address, Commissioner Boswell reflected on the Bureau's increased budget, staff diversification, and digital enforcement initiatives. He described three rounds of amendments to the Competition Act and swift implementation of new guidelines on merger review, monopolistic practices, deceptive marketing, and procurement. Emphasis was placed on the increased scrutiny of public procurement and continued advocacy for regulatory reform across key sectors. Ongoing investigations cover areas such as real estate commissions and grocery sector property controls.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian Provincial Government News

Manitoba Amends Intimate Image Legislation for Enhanced Online Protection

Manitoba introduced legislative changes to expand protections against non-consensual sharing of intimate images, including new definitions and enforcement measures. The province has also provided $20,000 from the Federal Proceeds of Crime Fund to support prevention programming led by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

US Federal Government News

FCC Proposes Rulemaking on ATSC 3.0 Next Generation Broadcast Transition

The Federal Communications Commission released a Fifth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on accelerating the US broadcast television transition to the ATSC 3.0 standard (Next Gen TV). The Commission considers removing the simulcasting requirement for stations transitioning to 3.0, expanding broadcaster flexibility, permitting voluntary simulcast of 1.0 signals, and introducing MPEG-4 encoding for multicasts. The proceeding asks for feedback on mandates for ATSC 3.0 tuners, encryption practices, must-carry obligations for 3.0 signals, and sunsetting ATSC 1.0. A phased approach tying transition deadlines to market conditions, tuner market penetration, and regulatory impacts for device manufacturers is under review. Comments are due by January 20, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Opens Quadrennial Review of Media Ownership Rules

The FCC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to assess its media ownership rules as required by Section 202(h) of the Telecommunications Act. The review examines the Local Radio Ownership Rule, Local Television Ownership Rule, and Dual Network Rule, with focus on competition, localism, and diversity in a shifting audio/video marketplace. The Commission asks for input on product market definitions, potential adjustments to market size tiers, and consideration of online competitors alongside traditional broadcasters.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Seeks Comment on Upper C-Band Spectrum Reconfiguration

An upcoming FCC open meeting will address a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking exploring options for reconfiguring the Upper C-band (3.98 GHz to 4.2 GHz) in the contiguous United States, following Congressional direction under the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act.' The commission aims to increase flexibility for both wireless operators and satellite communications in the band.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Considers Changes to Equipment Authorization and Cybersecurity Regulations

A scheduled October 28 open FCC meeting will review rule changes to protect network and equipment supply chains against national security threats. The Commission will also examine deleting approximately 400 outdated and duplicative wireless regulations—many relating to now-defunct reporting and technical requirements. This regulatory update is designed to clarify compliance obligations for wireless operators.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Solicits Feedback on Information Collection Processes

The FCC invites public comment on a range of information collections, including DTV transmission and Program System and Information Protocol (PSIP) data requirements, station log maintenance, signal leakage reports, and accessibility standards for digital apparatus and navigation devices. Feedback is requested on the necessity, utility, and compliance burden of these processes, with comments due by December 22, 2025.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• CRTC loosens Canadian content rules to boost collaboration with foreign streaming services: The Star reports on regulatory changes permitting increased partnerships between Canadian producers and foreign streaming platforms.
• Why Canada’s roadways are studded with cellphone ‘dead zones’: The Globe examines continued coverage gaps in mobile networks along major highways.
• Cyber readiness: A new requirement for cyber insurance?: Financial Post explores evolving cyber insurance prerequisites for technology businesses.
• Edgewater Wireless to Spotlight Next-Generation AI-Powered Wi-Fi at Canada's Premier Semiconductor Symposium: Business Wire highlights new AI-driven Wi-Fi solutions from Edgewater Wireless.
• 12 Major Verification Trends in 2026: Regula on the Birth of a New Digital Identity: The Star reviews digital identity and verification trends anticipated for 2026.
• Cologix’s MTL8 Becomes One of Canada’s First Colocation Data Centers to Earn LEED® Gold Certification: Cologix's Montreal data center receives LEED Gold status.
• Frustrations grow in Russia over cellphone internet outages that disrupt daily life: Coverage of persistent network disruptions affecting Russian mobile subscribers.

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