Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Radiocommunication Act
Notice No. SMSE-016-18 — Consultation on the Utilization of the Bands 18.8-19.3 GHz and 28.6-29.1 GHz, and the Bands 17.3-17.7 GHz, 19.3-19.7 GHz and 29.1-29.25 GHz by the Fixed-Satellite Service
Intent
This notice invites comments on proposals for a new spectrum utilization policy for the use of the frequency bands 18.8-19.3 GHz and 28.6-29.1 GHz by the fixed-satellite service (FSS), and on subsequent changes to licensing in the bands. Comments are also sought on changes to the spectrum utilization policy for the use of the frequency bands 17.3-17.7 GHz, 19.3-19.7 GHz and 29.1-29.25 GHz by the FSS.
The spectrum utilization policy for these bands was last revised in 2014 in SP 3-30 GHz—Revisions to Spectrum Utilization Policies in the 3-30 GHz Frequency Range and Further Consultation. Currently, both geostationary and non-geostationary FSS operators are authorized to provide services in the bands 18.8-19.3 GHz and 28.6-29.1 GHz on a non-standard basis while use of the bands 17.3-17.7 GHz, 19.3-19.7 GHz and 29.1-29.25 GHz by the FSS is limited to feeder links for the mobile-satellite and broadcast satellite services. In the past few years, there has been renewed interest in using these bands by both geostationary and non-geostationary operators in the fixed satellite services to provide ubiquitous broadband and Internet services in the fixed and mobility markets.
Updates to the spectrum utilization policies are required in order to standardize operations and to accommodate new uses by the FSS.
As well since 2014, the fixed service operates on a no-interference basis with respect to the FSS in the bands 18.8-19.3 GHz and 28.6-29.1 GHz. This consultation proposes to update the Canadian Table of Frequency Allocations to reflect this secondary status.
This consultation discusses these issues and makes proposals for revisions to the spectrum utilization policy for these bands.
Submitting comments
Interested parties are requested to submit their comments electronically (Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF) within 60 days of the date of publication of this notice by email. Soon after the close of the comment period, all comments received will be posted on Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s (ISED) Spectrum Management and Telecommunications website. Interested parties will also be provided with an opportunity to reply to comments from other parties. Reply comments will be accepted for 30 days after the publication of the comments.
All submissions should cite the Canada Gazette, Part I, the publication date, the title and notice reference number (SMSE-016-18).
Obtaining copies
Copies of this notice and documents referred to herein are available electronically on ISED’s Spectrum Management and Telecommunications website.
Official versions of Canada Gazette notices can be viewed on the Canada Gazette website.
October 25, 2018
MARTIN PROULX
Director General
Engineering, Planning and Standards Branch