SP 30-896 MHz, Part II — Spectrum Utilization Policy for the Mobile, Broadcasting and Amateur Services in the Frequency Range 30–896 MHz (sf09095)

5.1.10 216–220 MHz

Domestic Allocations

Fixed
Maritime Mobile
Land Mobile (reserved)

Utilization Policy

The recent policy document entitled Revisions to the Canadian Table of Frequency Allocations (1994) allocated the band 216–220 MHz for land mobile service which is being held in reserve for future mobile applications. Current maritime mobile use of this band is light and will continue to be permitted.Fixed radio applications are permitted in the band with appropriate separation between maritime mobile assignments 170 km away from navigable waterways and TV channel 13 to prevent interference to television reception.

In addition to the uses previously-stated, there are radio technology and service applications developments being implemented in the United States for Interactive Video Data Services (IVDS) at 218–219 MHz. Although no interest exists to provide such a service in Canada, accommodating this type of service in the band 216–220 MHz may be given further consideration subject to public interest.

5.1.11 402–403 MHz

Domestic Allocations

Meteorological Aids
Earth Exploration Satellite (Earth-to-space)
Fixed
Mobile except aeronautical mobile

Utilization Policy

Utilization of the band 402–403 MHz includes a few meteorological aids assignments for use by weather balloons and a number of fixed assignments concentrated mostly in the central region of Canada. Such assignments are permitted with meteorological applications taking precedence in the band. Mobile assignments will be permitted in the band on a non-protection, noninterference basis similar to fixed assignments and to the extent that they can be accommodated without causing interference to meteorological aids which have a primary status in the band.

5.1.12 403–406 MHz

Domestic Allocations

Meteorological Aids
Fixed
Mobile except aeronautical mobile

Utilization Policy

Utilization of the frequency band 403–406 MHz is available for meteorological aids. Mobile assignments will be permitted in the band on a non-protection, noninterference basis similar to fixed assignments and to the extent that they can be accommodated without causing interference to meteorological aids which have a primary status in the band. Use of the band for fixed systems in the gathering of non-telemetry data and in-hospital telemetry is permitted in this band on a non-protection, non-interference basis.

5.1.13 406.1–410 MHz

Domestic Allocations

Radio Astronomy
Mobile except aeronautical mobile
Fixed

Utilization Policy

In the band 406.1–410 MHz land mobile systems, including GLMRS like the AURORA public mobile system in Alberta that uses mobile station channels in the band portion 409–410 MHz paired (1+1 MHz) with base station frequencies at 420–421 MHz, are permitted. In addition, a significant portion of the band 406.1–410 MHz is used by municipal safety services in simplex and duplex modes. Utilization of the band for the mobile service is permitted subject to the radio astronomy protection zones established in Spectrum Utilization Policy - SP 450 MHz (Figure b-1), for the Algonquin Radioastronomy Observatory.Radio Systems Policy RP-004 of October 1, 1983, entitled, Policy for the Licensing of Very Low Capacity Point-to-Point Links in the Band 30–890 MHz, applies to radio systems in this band. For the band portion 409–410 MHz, Spectrum Utilization Policy SP 450 MHz of May 1986 applies.

A re-deployment plan for the mobile service bands will be developed through wide consultation with industry. The principles set-out in section 3.3 will guide the development of a re-deployment plan for further public consultation.

5.1.14 410–414 MHz and 415–419 MHz

Domestic Allocations

410–414 MHz
Mobile except aeronautical mobile
Fixed
Space Research (space-to-space)

415–419 MHz
Mobile except aeronautical mobile
Fixed
Space Research (space-to-space)

Utilization Policy

The bands 410–414 MHz and 415–419 MHz are paired based on a 5 MHz duplex spacing and are available for mobile services. These bands are assigned on a 25 kHz channel spacing and include users of provincial and municipal mobile and fixed radio systems.

A re-deployment plan for the mobile service bands will be developed through wide consultation with industry. The principles set-out in Section 3.3 will guide the development of a re-deployment plan for further public consultation.

5.1.15 414–415 MHz and 419–420 MHz

Domestic Allocations

414–415 MHz
Fixed
Mobile except aeronautical mobile
Space Research (space-to-space)

419–420 MHz
Fixed
Mobile except aeronautical mobile
Space Research (space-to-space)

Utilization Policy

The bands 414–415 MHz and 419–420 MHz are paired based on a 5 MHz duplex spacing and available for fixed services. These bands are assigned on 25 kHz channel spacing. The need to protect the primary use of these bands for fixed service precludes extensive mobile use. However, assignments may be made in accordance with Radio Systems Policy RP-004 of October 1, 1983, entitled, Policy for the Licensing of Very Low Capacity Point-to-Point Links in the Band 30–890 MHz.

5.1.16 420–430 MHz and 450–470 MHz

Domestic Allocations

420–430 MHz
Mobile except aeronautical mobile
Fixed

450–470 MHz
Mobile
Fixed

Utilization Policy

In the bands 420–430 MHz and 450–470 MHz mobile systems, including GLMRS like the AURORA public mobile system in Alberta that uses base station frequencies in the band portion 420–421 MHz paired (1+1 MHz) with mobile station channels at 409–410 MHz, are permitted.

A re-deployment plan for the mobile service bands will be developed through wide consultation with industry. The principles set-out in Section 3.3 will guide the development of a re-deployment plan for further public consultation.

5.2 Broadcasting Service Bands

FM broadcasting band 88–108 MHz was reviewed in the Spectrum Utilization Policy 30–896 MHz, Part I. The introduction of digital radio broadcasting in the band 1452–1492 MHz is expected to replace AM and FM broadcasting stations in the long term. This could reduce the need for the 88–108 MHz band for broadcasting.

A full description of the relationship between bands and services, as contained in related international and domestic footnotes, can be found in the Canadian Table of Frequency Allocations.

5.2.1 Television Broadcasting in the VHF and UHF Bands

Domestic Allocations

VHFBands
54–72 MHz
76–88 MHz
174–216 MHz

UHF Bands
470–608 MHz
614–806 MHz

Utilization Policy

In the short to medium term, the UHF broadcasting bands will be utilized for NTSC television broadcasting and future Advanced Television broadcasting (ATV). Initially, NTSC and ATV services will be simulcast. However, as discussed in Section 3.1, under the theme question on "Television Broadcasting in the Digital Era", there is indication that deployment of an ATV channel may take less than a 6 MHz channel and there is mounting interest to use broadcasting spectrum for non-programming radio services. The Department of Industry is of the view that, given these opportunities in these broadcasting bands and others, there is a need to initiate public consultation soon on the use of exclusive broadcasting frequency allocation for non-broadcasting types of services.

5.3 Amateur Service Bands

A full description of the relationship between bands and services as contained in related international and domestic footnotes can be found in the Canadian Table of Frequency Allocations.

5.3.1 50–54 MHz

Domestic Allocations

Amateur

Utilization Policy

Utilization of the band 50–54 MHz is available for the amateur service.

5.3.2 144–148 MHz

Domestic Allocations

Amateur
Amateur-Satellite (144–146 MHz)

Utilization Policy

The band 144–148 MHz is available for the amateur service. The 144–146 MHz portion is also available for the amateur-satellite service.

5.3.3 220–225 MHz

Domestic Allocations

Amateur

Utilization Policy

The level of interest demonstrated by the mobile community was not sufficient at the time of consultation to initiate further consultation on the allocation of 220–222 MHz to the land mobile service. Consequently, the current utilization of the band 220–225 MHz by the amateur service will continue. The Department of Industry encourages the usage for the amateur service to be concentrated in the upper portion of the band until a formal agreement is reached with the U.S. on the designation of frequencies along the Canada/U.S. border. The amateur community has expressed some concerns over the potential for future change to the current amateur service allocation in this band. The Department of Industry will continue to monitor the evolution of uses in this band in other countries and may review the current allocation at an appropriate time in the future.

5.3.4 430–450 MHz

Domestic Allocations

Radiolocation - Amateur

Utilization Policy

The band 430–450 MHz is available for the radiolocation service on a primary basis. Should the need arise in Canada, the Department of Industry may accommodate wind-shear radar/wind-profiler operation in the upper portion of the band 430–450 MHz as a radiolocation type of service.

The amateur-satellite service is permitted in the band portion 435–438 MHz on a secondary, non-protection, non-interference basis. In addition, and on the same secondary basis, the amateur and space operation services and the space research service are permitted in the band portions 440–450 MHz and 449.75-450.25 MHz, respectively.

6. Supplementary Information

7. Implementation

It is suggested that applicants contact the nearest office of the Department of Industry regarding radio licensing in the bands covered in this policy document.General inquiries about the policy provisions contained in this document may be addressed to the Spectrum and Radio Service Directorate, Telecommunications Policy Branch, 300 Slater St., Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0C8 (Phone: 613-998-4470/4010) (Fax: 613-952-0567).

Issued under the authority
of the Radiocommunication Act

Michael Helm
Director General
Telecommunications Policy Branch


Annex 1

Frequency Bands Included in this Document
MHz Domestic frequency Allocations
30.0005-37.5 Mobile, Space Research, Fixed
37.5-38.25 Mobile, Fixed, Radio Astronomy
38.25-39.986 Mobile, Fixed
39.986-41.015 Mobile, Fixed, Space Research
41.015-47 Mobile, Fixed
47-50 Mobile, Fixed
50-54 Amateur
54-72 Broadcasting (VHF)
72-73 Fixed, Mobile
76-88 Broadcasting (VHF)
138-144 Fixed, Land Mobile
Space Research (space-to-Earth)
144-148 Amateur,
Amateur-Satellite
(144–146 MHz)
148-149.9 Fixed, Land Mobile
Mobile-Satellite (Earth-to-space)
150.05-156.7625 Mobile, Fixed
156.7625-156.8375 Maritime Mobile (distress and calling)
156.8375-174 Mobile, Fixed
174-216 Broadcasting (VHF)
216-220 Fixed, Maritime Mobile, Land Mobile
220-225 Amateur
402-403 Meteorological Aids, Earth Exploration
Satellite (Earth-to space), Fixed,
Mobile except aeronautical mobile
403-406 Meteorological Aids, Fixed,
Mobile except aeronautical mobile
406.1-140 Radio Astronomy,
Mobile except aeronautical mobile, Fixed
410-414 Mobile except aeronautical mobile,
Fixed, Space Research (space-to-space)
414-415 Fixed, Mobile except aeronautical mobile,
Space Research (space-to-space)
415-419 Mobile except aeronautical mobile,
Fixed, Space Research (space-to-space)
419-420 Fixed, Mobile except aeronautical mobile,
Space Research (space-to-space)
420-430 Mobile except aeronautical mobile, Fixed
430-450 Radiolocation, Amateur
450-470 Mobile, Fixed
470-608 Broadcasting (UHF)
614-806 Broadcasting (UHF)