Telecommunications Policy Branch

The Telecommunications Policy Branch plays a lead role in developing policy and legislation that promotes competitive, innovative and affordable telecommunications services. The Branch works on telecommunications policy issues with departmental partners, as well as with other departments and governments, the private sector and key stakeholder groups. It develops its positions based on legal, technical and economic research.

Specific policy proposals address the structure of the telecommunications services industry and the development and use of Canadian national and international telecommunications facilities and networks, including radio licensing policies, radio frequency allocation, industry structure and technical standards. New media and the Internet also fall within the scope of Telecommunications Policy.

The Branch is responsible for developing policy and providing advice to the Minister of Industry in relation to the Government of Canada’s responsibilities under the Telecommunications Act and for developing policy in respect of the use of the radio spectrum under the Radiocommunications Act. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is responsible for regulating carriers under the Telecommunications Act.

Directorates and Key Priorities

The Branch has four directorates, the key priorities of which are described below.

• The Business and Regulatory Analysis directorate ensures that Canada's telecommunications policy and regulatory framework reflect marketplace and technological developments and meet the needs of consumers and industry. Key objectives include promoting competition and innovation, and ensuring universal and affordable access to telecommunications services. The directorate provides analysis of Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) proceedings, and responds to requirements for action by the Governor-in-Council. It also provides advice on broadcasting and convergence issues.
• The Industry Framework Policy directorate develops and maintains telecommunications framework policies for trade negotiations, implementation of the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), foreign ownership and investment, consumer-related policy issues, submarine cables, rights-of-way, network interconnection, electronic numbering, lawful access and public procurement of telecommunication services. It also generates market intelligence and policy analysis.
• The International Telecommunications Policy and Coordination directorate supports the development of Canada’s international telecommunications policy and strategies. It negotiates multilateral and bilateral treaty agreements for Canada, especially as they pertain to the International Telecommunication Union. The directorate promotes and defends Canadian interests and objectives in international negotiations and discussions of telecommunications and spectrum policy. It also coordinates and develops Canadian policies on Internet governance, and ensures that Canada's views on Internet policy, particularly as associated with the Internet Domain Name System, are put forward.
• The Spectrum and Radio Policy directorate develops spectrum allocation, utilization service and general licensing policies to support the full range of wireless services used by the Canadian government, industry and the public. Its mandate includes developing policies on services and radio facilities, such as advanced mobile telephones, satellites, microwave systems, public safety communications, subscriber wireless access and consumer products.