Gazette Notice DGSO-004-12

Department of Industry
Radiocommunication Act

Notice No. DGSO-004-12 — Consultation on a Licensing Framework for Broadband Radio Service (BRS) — 2500 MHz Band

The intent of this notice is to announce the release of the above-mentioned consultation document on a licensing framework related to the upcoming auction for Broadband Radio Service in the 2500 MHz band. In particular, the consultation seeks comments related to the licensing process, auction format and conditions of licence applicable to the 2500 MHz band.

This consultation follows the March 2012 release of the document entitled Policy and Technical Framework: Mobile Broadband Services (MBS) — 700 MHz Band, Broadband Radio Service (BRS) — 2500 MHz Band, which set out Industry Canada’s general policy decisions for both the band 698-806 MHz (known as the 700 MHz band) and the band 2500-2690 MHz (known as the 2500 MHz band).

Industry Canada is now seeking comments on licensing considerations related to auction format, rules and processes, as well as on conditions of licence for spectrum in the 2500 MHz band. Although many of the proposals in this consultation are similar to those presented in the April 2012 Consultation on a Licensing Framework for Mobile Broadband Services (MBS) — 700 MHz Band, the two consultations will involve separate considerations and decisions. The inclusion of similar proposals herein should not be taken as an indication of a decision or direction taken by Industry Canada with respect to the 700 MHz auction.

Submitting comments

Respondents are requested to provide their comments in electronic format (WordPerfect, Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF) to the following e-mail address: spectrum.auctions@ic.gc.ca.

Written submissions should be addressed to the Director General, Spectrum Auctions Branch, Industry Canada, 300 Slater Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0C8.

To ensure consideration, parties should submit their comments no later than November 19, 2012. Soon after the close of the comment period, all comments received will be posted on Industry Canada’s Spectrum Management and Telecommunications Web site at http://www.ic.gc.ca/spectrum.

The Department will also provide interested parties with the opportunity to reply to comments from other parties. Reply comments will be accepted until December 17, 2012.

Following the initial comment period, the Department may, at its discretion, request additional information if needed to clarify significant positions or new proposals. In such a case, the reply comment deadline would be extended.

All submissions should cite the Canada Gazette, Part I, the publication date, the title and the notice reference number (DGSO-004-12).

Obtaining copies

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

Official versions of Canada Gazette notices can be viewed at http://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 Publishing and Depository Services at 613-941-5995 or 1-800-635-7943.

October 9, 2012

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FIONA GILFILLAN
Director General
Spectrum Auctions Branch