The one-day event will examine the policy, investment and security challenges shaping Canada's digital future.
OTTAWA, ON – May 20, 2026 – As Canada's telecommunications sector continues to deliver strong value to consumers while supporting the country's economy, productivity, security and resilience, a deteriorating investment environment is creating growing tension between growing demands on networks and the investment needed to sustain them. In this context, the Canadian Telecommunications Association and the GSMA are holding a one-day conference focused on The future of connectivity, investment and digital infrastructure in Canada..
The event, Connecting Canada: Performance, pressures and policy priorities for Canada's telecommunications sector will provide a forum for critical discussions on the political, regulatory, spectrum and investment decisions that will shape Canada's digital future in the years ahead. The event will highlight critical areas of focus for telecommunications operators, governments and regulators to ensure Canada remains on track to position itself as a global digital leader, with the ability to capitalize on leading digital infrastructure for the benefit of Canadian citizens, businesses and the broader economy.
Additional information and the event agenda are available at
“Canada's telecommunications sector is at an inflection point,” said Robert Ghiz, president and CEO of the Canadian Telecommunications Association. “Canada is more reliant on connectivity than ever and providers continue to deliver faster speeds, stronger networks and lower prices. But at the same time, the pressures facing our sector are intensifying. Telecommunications providers are expected to continue making substantial investments to expand and improve their network infrastructure, defend against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, strengthen network resilience, and support Canada's economic and security priorities, all while operating in an environment of slower growth and increasing regulatory pressure.”
Ghiz added: “The discussions taking place at Connecting Canada come at a crucial time and will help determine whether our country continues to be a leader in connectivity, innovation and digital infrastructure, or risks falling behind.”
The event will include discussions on the state of Canada's telecommunications sector, the investment environment, coverage and connectivity, future spectrum capacity, next-generation wireless technologies, and the changing role telecommunications infrastructure plays in supporting Canada's economic and national priorities, among others.
It will also examine the challenge of digital fraud, scams and cybersecurity threats targeting consumers and businesses around the world. As mobile and digital connectivity become more embedded in everyday life, industry leaders will discuss the importance of coordinated action, international collaboration and investment in technologies that help protect Canadians and strengthen trust in digital networks.
“Countries around the world are recognizing that advanced connectivity infrastructure is essential for economic competitiveness, innovation and digital resilience,” said Lara Dewar, chief marketing officer at the GSMA. “Canada has earned a strong reputation for high-quality networking and innovation, but maintaining that leadership requires the right conditions for sustained investment and collaboration. Connect Canada will bring together leaders from across the ecosystem to address the challenges and opportunities that will shape the future of connectivity, including strengthening trusted networks, delivering a roadmap to increase spectrum capacity in the 2030s, and combating the growing threat of scams and digital fraud.”
The Canadian Telecommunications Association and GSMA look forward to welcoming attendees from across government, industry and the broader digital ecosystem for an important and timely conversation on the future of Canadian connectivity.
About the Canadian Telecommunications Association
The Canadian Telecommunications Association is dedicated to building a better future for Canadians through connectivity. Our members include service providers, equipment manufacturers and other telecommunications ecosystem organizations that invest, build, maintain and operate Canada's world-class telecommunications networks. Through our advocacy efforts, research and events, we work to advance the importance of telecommunications to Canada's economic growth and social development and advocate for policies that encourage investment, innovation and positive consumer outcomes. We also facilitate industry initiatives such as Mobile Giving Foundation Canada, Canadian Common Short Codes, STAC and wirelessaccessibility.ca.
About the GSMA
The GSMA is a global organization that unifies the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop and deliver critical innovation for positive business environments and social change. Our vision is to unlock the full power of connectivity so that people, industry and society thrive. Representing mobile operators and organizations across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries, the GSMA offers its members three broad pillars: connectivity for good, industry services and solutions, and outreach. This activity includes advancing policy, addressing today's biggest societal challenges, supporting the technology and interoperability that make mobile devices work, and providing the world's largest platform to convene the mobile ecosystem at the MWC and M360 series of events.
Media contacts
Canadian Telecommunications Association
Nick Kyonka
[email protected]
GSMA
GSMA Press Office
press [email protected]
