Strengthening First Nations Connectivity Through Spectrum Rights

Strengthening First Nations Connectivity Through Spectrum Rights

Published December 2025 As of March 2025, 17.1% of households on First Nation reserves and Modern Treaty Nation lands in BC still don't have the internet speeds needed for basic services. Reliable connectivity matters for safety, health care, education, language work, and economic opportunity. Spectrum is one piece of the solution. It's the range of invisible electromagnetic frequencies that carry wireless signals to phones, computers, and other devices. The way Indigenous communities can access spectrum is changing, in particular, with the recently announced Indigenous Priority Window. While this represents a significant policy shift toward improved access and supports Indigenous-led connectivity solutions, communities still face practical challenges. Application timelines are too short. Funding is hard to access. The technical and regulatory requirements are steep. And there's not enough awareness about what spectrum is or why it matters. We include recommendations aimed at removing barriers and enabling spectrum access and use within communities. The work itself stays with Nations. This report shares what we’re learning so far.