CanWISP is a national advocacy organization representing independent and regional ISPs (wireless, fibre/hybrid providers) across Canada. Founded in 2013 by a group of wireless ISPs, CanWISP focuses on advancing broadband access in rural, remote, and exurban communities, where big national carriers often under-serve. Our core mission includes ensuring all Canadians have reliable, high-quality connectivity for voice, video, and data services, while promoting efficient use of public resources like spectrum.

Key Advocacy Initiatives and Focus Areas

CanWISP’s advocacy centres on regulatory, policy, and legislative engagement to level the playing field for smaller/independent operators. We actively participate in processes with key bodies like:

• Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) — Spectrum management, auctions, and licensing frameworks (Advocating for set-asides, smaller geographic blocks and shared or access licensing models in mid-band spectrum like 3500 MHz to benefit rural providers).
• Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) — Telecom policy, broadband funding, measurement programs, and competition rules.

Specific examples of our work include:

• Spectrum Advocacy — Advocating for policies that give regional providers better access to spectrum bands crucial for fixed wireless access 
• Broadband Funding and Universal Service — Supporting expansions to the Universal Broadband Fund (UBF) 
• Regulatory Proceedings — Submitting interventions/comments on CRTC/ISED consultations, such as:
• Responses to RFIs on mandating participation in the Measuring Broadband Canada (MBC) project, highlighting voluntary involvement challenges for WISPs.
• Input on Broadband Fund policy reviews, including operational funding, mobile road coverage, satellite-dependent communities, and Indigenous-specific streams.
• Legislative Engagement — Appearing before parliamentary committees (on Bill S-242 to amend the Radiocommunication Act) and securing meetings with MPs, MLAs, MPPs, and officials to address member-specific needs.
• Collaboration and Broader Efforts — Working with other industry groups, promoting best practices, and expanding our mandate to include fibre networks for hybrid broadband solutions. CanWISP also lobby for measures to reduce build-out roadblocks and emphasize community-driven, customer-centric approaches.

CanWISP often highlights how independent providers leverage existing networks with government funding to close connectivity gaps faster than incumbents alone.

How We Carry Out Advocacy

• Direct Representation — Submitting formal comments, interventions, and responses to consultations 
• Annual Conferences — Events like the CanWISP Conference  feature policy panels, CRTC/ISED speakers, and updates on regulatory landscapes.
• Member Support — Helping individual members arrange meetings with policymakers and providing resources/tools for advocacy.
• Lobbying  — To engage on telecom issues.