GSMA Report Calls for Canadian Telecom Policy Overhaul to Drive Future Digital Growth

Image: GSMA · Source

The GSMA's Mobile Economy Canada 2026 report highlights the telecom sector's significant economic impact and urges policy reforms to support investment, innovation, and Canada's AI and 5G/6G ambitions.

The GSMA’s latest Mobile Economy Canada 2026 report reveals that Canada’s mobile industry contributed approximately $120 billion to the country's economy in 2025. Central to this impact are productivity increases driven by mobile technologies. The report underscores the crucial role that the telecom sector plays in providing high-quality digital services and supporting employment.

However, GSMA emphasizes that Canada’s existing telecom policy framework requires a reset to fully leverage the upcoming wave of digital transformation. The report calls for a renewed focus on fostering investment and innovation within the telecom sector to enable advancements in artificial intelligence, as well as the deployment of next-generation connectivity technologies like 5G and forthcoming 6G networks.

According to GSMA, such efforts will be vital for Canada to maintain and grow its competitive edge in the global digital economy, creating high-value jobs and expanding digital services accessible across the country. The policy revision should aim to create an environment conducive to rapid network expansion and technological development.

This report aligns with broader global trends emphasizing the importance of robust telecom infrastructure as a foundation for economic growth and technological leadership. By implementing strategic reforms, Canada could unlock significant new opportunities linked to AI deployment, digital innovation, and enhanced connectivity.

While specific recommended policy changes were not detailed in the report summary, GSMA’s findings strongly suggest that regulatory frameworks encouraging investment, spectrum availability, and innovation incentives will be key to supporting Canada’s digital future.