Canadian Industrial Outlook: Telecommunications—Spring 2017

Industry Growth—Although it provides the foundation for today’s golden age for digital technologies, the industry’s contribution to the overall economy has been flat in recent years due to slow growth in consumer spending, declining wireline phone usage, and a mature paid–TV segment. However, this trend is by no means restricted to Canada.

5G Networks—The next generation of wireless networks is nearly a reality, with deployment of 5G technologies starting in 2020. 5G networks will allow self-driving cars and Internet of Things (IoT) applications to become mainstream and will create new opportunities for the industry.

Employment—The industry’s labour force has contracted by 20 per cent since 2012, which can be partly explained by the outsourcing of call centre activities to other firms in Canada. Moving forward, industry employment will gradually recover.