SRSP-513 — Technical Requirements for Advanced Wireless Services in the Bands 1710–1755 MHz and 2110–2155 MHz

Issue 2
February 2009

Spectrum Management and Telecommunications
Standard Radio System Plan

Preface

Issue 2 of SRSP-513 is hereby released.

Changes include:

  • Maximum permissible equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) limits for base stations with channel bandwidth greater than 1 MHz are defined by a power spectral density model.

The e.i.r.p. limit modification better accommodates wideband systems by employing a more technology neutral approach to defining e.i.r.p. limits.

This Standard Radio System Plan (SRSP) replaces SRSP-513, Issue 1.

Issued under the authority of the Minister of Industry

____________
Marc Dupuis
Director General
Spectrum Engineering Branch

Contents

  1. Intent
  2. General
  3. Related Documents
  4. Band Plan
  5. Technical Criteria
  6. General Guidelines for Co-existence of Systems Operating in Same Blocks and in Adjacent Areas
  7. General Guidelines for Co-existence of Systems Operating in Adjacent Blocks
  8. Fixed System Operators in the Bands 1710-1755 and 2110-2155 MHz
  9. Co-existence with Terrestrial Radio Systems in Adjacent Bands

SRSP-513 - Technical Requirements for Advanced Wireless Services in the Bands 1710-1755 MHz and 2110-2155 MHz
(PDF, 130 KB, 11 pages)

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1. Intent

1.1 This SRSP sets out the minimum technical requirements for the efficient utilization of the bands 1710-1755 MHz and 2110-2155 MHz for Advanced Wireless Services (AWS).

1.2 This SRSP specifies the technical characteristics relating to efficient spectrum usage only and is not to be regarded as a comprehensive specification for equipment design and/or selection.

2. General

2.1 This SRSP is based on the current or planned modulation schemes of technologies considered by the service providers to implement cellular-type services in Canada.

2.2 Notwithstanding the fact that a system satisfies the requirements of this SRSP, Industry Canada shall require adjustment to radio and auxiliary equipment in radio stations whenever harmful interference1 is caused to any licensed radio station.

2.3 Radio systems conforming to these technical requirements will be given priority in licensing over non-standard radio systems operating in these bands. The arrangements for non-standard systems are outlined in the document entitled Spectrum Utilization Policies, General Information Related to Spectrum Utilization and Radio Systems Policies (SP-Gen).

2.4 Revisions to this SRSP will be made as required.

3. Related Documents

3.1 The following documents, as amended from time to time, outline the policy framework and radio licence application requirements for AWS.

3.1.1 Radiocommunication Regulations (RR)
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf01265.html

3.1.2 SP-Gen
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf01049.html

3.1.3 Sharing Arrangement Between the Department of Industry of Canada and the Federal Communications Commission of the United States of America Concerning the Use of the Frequency Bands 1710 to 1755 MHz and 2110 to 2155 MHz by Advanced Wireless Services Along the Canada-United States Border
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf08961.html

3.1.4 Canadian Table of Frequency Allocations
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/h_sf01678.html

3.1.5 Radio Standards Procedure, Application Procedures for Planned Radio Stations Above 960 MHz in the Fixed Service (RSP-113)
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf00025.html

3.1.6 Client Procedures Circular, Radiocommunication and Broadcasting Antenna Systems (CPC-2-0-03)
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf08777.html

3.1.7 Client Procedures Circular, Licensing Procedure for Spectrum Licences for Terrestrial Services (CPC-2-1-23)
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf04589.html#sect5

3.1.8 Safety Code 6, Limits of Human Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields in the Frequency Range from 3 kHz to 300 GHz
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/pubs/radiation/radio_guide-lignes_direct-eng.php

3.1.9 Canada Gazette Notice DGTP-002-07, Consultation on a Framework to Auction Spectrum in the 2  GHz Range including Advanced Wireless Services
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf08733.html

3.1.10 Canada Gazette Notice DGTP-007-07, Policy Framework for the Auction for Spectrum Licences for Advanced Wireless Services and Other Spectrum in the 2 GHz Range
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf08837.html

3.1.11 Canada Gazette Notice DGRB-011-07, Licensing Framework for the Auction for Sprectrum of Spectrum Licences for Advanced Wireless Services and other Spectrum in the 2 GHz Range
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf08854.html

3.1.12 Radio Standards Specification, Advanced Wireless Services Operating in the Bands 1710-1755 MHz and 2110-2155 MHz (RSS-139)
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf08887.html

3.2 Information Documents

The following documents may be of interest for the implementation of AWS related to this SRSP.

3.2.1 Spectrum Utilization Policy, Amendments to the Microwave Spectrum Utilization Policies in the 1-3 GHz Frequency Range (SP 1-3 GHz)
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf01918.html

3.2.2 Canada Gazette Notice DGTP-002-95, Revisions to Microwave Spectrum Utilization Policies in the Range of 1-20 GHz
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf01533.html

3.2.3 Standard Radio System Plan, Technical Requirements for Fixed Line-of-Sight Radio Systems Operating in the Band 1700-1850 MHz (SRSP-301.7)
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf01268.html

3.2.4 Standard Radio System Plan, Technical Requirements for Fixed Line-of-Sight Radio Systems Operating in the Bands 2025-2110 MHz and 2200-2285 MHz (SRSP-302.0)
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf02145.html

3.2.5 Standard Radio System Plan, Technical Requirements for Stations in Fixed Service Operating in the 2150 to 2160 MHz and 2500 to 2690 MHz Bands (SRSP-302.5)
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf00032.html

3.2.6 TIA/EIA Telecommunications Systems Bulletin (TSB10), Interference Criteria for Microwave Systems as amended
This link is provided solely for the convenience of Industry Canada Web site users. Industry Canada is not responsible for the information found through this link. http://www.tiaonline.org/

4. Band Plan

4.1 The bands 1710-1755 and 2110-2155 MHz are divided into two sub-bands: the lower sub-band 1710-1755 MHz and the upper sub-band 2110-2155 MHz. These sub-bands are further divided into six paired blocks with a frequency separation of 400 MHz. See Figure 1 and Table 1 for the band plan and block sizes respectively.

Diagram of AWS Band

Figure 1: AWS Band Plan

Table 1: Block Pairs
Block Total Spectrum Lower Sub-band Upper Sub-band
Block A 20 MHz 1710-1720 MHz 2110-2120 MHz
Block B 20 MHz 1720-1730 MHz 2120-2130 MHz
Block C 10 MHz 1730-1735 MHz 2130- 2135 MHz
Block D 10 MHz 1735-1740 MHz 2135-2140 MHz
Block E 10 MHz 1740-1745 MHz 2140-2145 MHz
Block F 20 MHz 1745-1755 MHz 2145-2155 MHz

4.1.1 If frequency division duplexing (FDD2) techniques are applied in the sub-bands mentioned in section 4.1, radio systems should use the lower sub-band for mobile transmit operations and the upper sub-band for base transmit operations.

Systems using time division duplexing (TDD3) techniques may operate in both the lower and upper sub-bands. However, these systems must operate within the technical rules of FDD systems and must be engineered to co-exist with FDD systems.

Nothwithstanding the duplexing techniques used, all systems shall conform to the technical requirements set forth in this SRSP.

4.2 Usage of the bands 1710-1755 and 2110-2155 MHz within the Canada-United States border area is subject to the provisions of the Sharing Arrangement Between the Department of Industry of Canada and the Federal Communications Commission of the United States of America Concerning the Use of the Frequency Bands 1710 to 1755 MHz and 2110 to 2155 MHz by Advanced Wireless Services Along the Canada-United States Border.

5. Technical Criteria

5.1 Radiated Power and Antenna Height Limits

5.1.1 2110-2155 MHz Sub-band

For fixed or base stations operating in this sub-band with a channel bandwidth equal to or less than 1 MHz, the maximum equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is limited to 3280 watts with an antenna height above average terrain (HAAT) up to 300 metres. Fixed or base stations operating in urban areas4 are limited to a maximum allowable e.i.r.p. of 1640 watts. Base station antenna heights above average terrain may exceed 300 metres with a corresponding reduction in e.i.r.p. according to the following table:

HAAT5 (in metres) Maximum e.i.r.p. (watts)
≤300 3280 or 16406
≤500 1 070
≤1 000 490
≤1 500 270
≤2 000 160

For fixed or base stations operating in this sub-band with a channel bandwidth greater than 1 MHz, the maximum e.i.r.p. is limited to 3280 watts/MHz e.i.r.p. (i.e., no more than 3280 watts e.i.r.p. in any 1 MHz band segment) with an antenna height above average terrain (HAAT) up to 300 metres. Fixed or base stations operating in urban areas are limited to a maximum allowable e.i.r.p. of 1640 watts/MHz e.i.r.p. Base station antenna heights above average terrain may exceed 300 metres with a corresponding reduction in e.i.r.p. according to the following table:

HAAT5 (in metres) Maximum e.i.r.p. (watts per MHz)
≤300 3280 or 16406
≤500 1 070
≤1 000 490
≤1 500 270
≤2 000 160

Base stations transmitting in the lower sub-band shall comply with the power limits set forth in section 5.1.2.

The service area boundary limit specified in section 6 applies.

5.1.2 1710-1755 MHz Sub-band

Fixed, mobile and portable (hand-held) stations transmitting in this sub-band are limited to a maximum e.i.r.p. of 1 W. Mobile and portable stations shall employ means to limit the power to the minimum necessary for successful communication.

6. General Guidelines for Co-existence of Systems Operating in Same Blocks and in Adjacent Areas

In the event that an AWS system using the same frequency block is authorized to different operators in adjacent service areas, coordination of any transmitter installations that are close to the boundary shall be required to eliminate any harmful interference that might otherwise exist and ensure continuance of equal access to the frequency block by both operators.

To protect stations operating in adjacent service areas from co-channel interference, base stations must not generate a power flux density that exceeds -106 dBW/m2 in any 1 MHz outside the operator's service area unless agreed otherwise by the affected operator.

Possible interference conflicts resulting from the operation of two AWS systems may occur. The resolution of those conflicts should be arrived at through mutual arrangements between the affected parties following consultation and coordination.

When potential conflicts between systems cannot be resolved in a timely fashion, Industry Canada shall be so advised, whereupon following consultations with the parties concerned, the Department will determine the necessary course of action.

System expansion measures such as addition of cells, cell splitting and sectorization must not force major changes in the system of the other operator, except by mutual agreement between the affected parties. Changes that would have potential impact on the other operator, including cell site locations, cell sectorization and cell splitting, require consultation with the other operator.

7. General Guidelines for Co-existence of Systems Operating in Adjacent Blocks

Out-of-block emission limits are specified in RSS-139, Advanced Wireless Services Equipment Operating in the Bands 1710-1755 MHz and 2110-2155 MHz.

Possible interference conflicts resulting from the operation of two AWS systems operating in adjacent blocks may occur even though the technical specifications of both this SRSP and RSS-139 are met.

The resolution of those conflicts should be arrived at through mutual arrangements between the affected parties following consultation and coordination.

When potential conflicts between systems cannot be resolved, Industry Canada shall be so advised, whereupon following consultations with the parties concerned, the Department will determine the necessary modifications and/or schedule of modifications.

8. Fixed System Operators in the Bands 1710-1755 and 2110-2155 MHz

The treatment of existing fixed point-to-point radio systems is addressed in DGTP-007-02, Consultation on a Framework to Auction Spectrum in the 2 GHz Range including Advanced Wireless Services.

Furthermore, fixed licensees will be afforded a notification period before displacement following the AWS licensing process. The conditions are laid out in the aforementioned document.

9. Co-existence with Terrestrial Radio Systems in Adjacent Bands

Coordination may be required with licensees in adjacent bands. In this context, coordination involves consultation between operators to ensure the co-existence between systems in adjacent bands. Licensees should consult Industry Canada for the most up-to-date list of operators in the area.

Possible interference conflicts resulting from the operation of AWS and radio systems in adjacent bands may occur. The resolution of those conflicts should be arrived at through mutual arrangements between the affected parties following consultation and coordination.

When potential conflicts between systems cannot be resolved in a timely fashion, Industry Canada shall be so advised, whereupon following consultations with the parties concerned, the Department will determine the necessary course of action.

9.1 Fixed Radio Systems Operating Below 1710 MHz

Fixed line-of-sight point-to-point radio systems operate below 1710 MHz in accordance with SRSP-301.7, Technical Requirements for the Fixed Line-of-Sight Radio Systems Operating in the Band 1700-1850 MHz. Coordination may be required between these systems and AWS mobile/subscriber stations operating in block A of the band 1710-1755 MHz.

9.2 Radio Systems Operating Between 1685 and 1710 MHz

The meteorological-satellite service (space-to-Earth) operates between 1685 and 1710 MHz.

AWS licensees in the band 1710-1755 MHz will be required to coordinate with existing licensed facilities of the meteorological satellite service.

9.3 Fixed Radio Systems Operating Between 1755 and 1850 MHz

Fixed line-of-sight point-to-point radio systems operate between 1755 and 1850 MHz in accordance with SRSP-301.7, Technical Requirements for the Fixed Line-of-Sight Radio Systems Operating in the Band 1700-1850 MHz. Coordination may be required between these systems and AWS mobile/subscriber stations operating in block F of the band 1710-1755 MHz.

9.4 Fixed Radio Systems Operating Below 2110 MHz

Fixed line-of-sight point-to-point radio systems operate below 2110 MHz in accordance with SRSP-302.0, Technical Requirements for the Fixed Line-of-Sight Radio Systems Operating in the Band 2025-2110 MHz and 2200-2285 MHz. Coordination may be required between these systems and AWS fixed or base stations operating in block A of the band 2110-2155 MHz.

9.5 Fixed Radio Systems Operating Above 2155 MHz

Fixed line-of-sight point-to-point radio systems operate above 2155 MHz in accordance with SRSP-302.5, Technical Requirements for Stations in the Fixed Service Operating in the 2150 to 2160 MHz and 2500 to 2690 MHz Bands. Coordination may be required between these systems and AWS fixed or base stations operating in the band 2110-2155 MHz.

Footnotes

1 For the purpose of this SRSP, harmful interference means interference that endangers the functioning of a radionavigation service or other safety services, or seriously degrades, obstructs, or repeatedly interrupts a radiocommunication service operating in accordance with regulations and technical requirements laid down byIndustry Canada under the Radiocommunication Act.

2 FDD is a technology that permits transmission and reception of signals on two different frequencies separated in the frequency spectrum by a predeterminated value (400 MHz in the case of AWS).

3 TDD is a technology that permits transmission and reception of signals on the same frequency by alternating time slots for transmission and reception.

4 Urban areas are defined in Statistics Canada Census Dictionary and in A National Overview – Population and Dwelling Counts (Data Products: 1996 Census of Population), Catalogue number 93-357-XPB.

5 HAAT: height above average terrain, determined by subtracting average terrain elevation from antenna height above mean sea level.

6 See paragraphs 1 and 2 of section 5.1.1.