ARCHIVED—Gazette Notice DGTP-008-09

Department of Industry
Radiocommunication Act

Notice No. DGTP-008-09 – Release of Radio System Policy 25 for Public Safety Radio Interoperability

Intent

The purpose of this notice is to announce the release of the above-mentioned document to facilitate radio interoperability in the development and deployment of public safety radiocommunication systems.

Background

Public safety agencies rely heavily on the ability to communicate with each other by radio, or to be interoperable. In recent years, the need for radio interoperability has been identified in the public safety community. The issue of radio interoperability is a broad and complex matter. The above-mentioned radio system policy addresses only the issue of radio interoperability as it relates to the area of technology, including radio frequency spectrum issues.

In June 2006, the Department released a consultation paper on public safety radio interoperability through Canada Gazette Notice SMSE-005-06. This consultation proposed radio interoperability definitions and sought comments on methods the Department could use to facilitate and enable radio interoperability.

Discussion

Comments in response to the consultation generally supported the Department's proposals. Subsequent to the consultation, the Department participated at many meetings of the Canadian Interoperability Technology Interest Group, a group dedicated to furthering Canadian public safety interoperability. With the support of Public Safety Canada, this group is facilitating the development of the Canadian Communication Interoperability Plan. Taking this into account, the Department considers it timely to release its policy principles on this subject.

It is understood that there is a need for public safety radio interoperability. This release of Radio Systems Policy represents an example of the Department's commitment to assist the public safety community in advancing radio interoperability.

Details of the Radio System Policy include definitions of radio interoperability and other associated terms, descriptions of certain radio technology solutions for inter-agency communications, and descriptions of the Department's policy principles with respect to facilitating and enabling radio interoperability.

Obtaining copies

Copies of this notice and documents referred to herein are available electronically on Industry Canada's Spectrum Management and Telecommunications Web site at www.ic.gc.ca/spectrum.

Official versions of Canada Gazette notices can be viewed at www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/index-eng.html. Printed copies of the Canada Gazette can be ordered by telephoning the sales counter of Canadian Government Publishing at 613-941-5995 or 1-800-635-7943.

June 24, 2009