Industry Canada proposes licence-exempt status for vehicle radio systems

Canada is hoping to fuel a new market for short-range radar systems that attach to cars, buses and other vehicles. Industry Canada is seeking comments on a proposed new spectrum policy for licence-exempt wireless devices in the bands 46.7-46.9 GHz, 57-64 GHz and 76-77 GHz – DGTP-009-00. Comments are due Jan. 8. The U.S. and European countries have already taken steps to open up this millimetre-wave spectrum, which operates at much higher frequencies than previous bands set aside for intelligent transportation systems (ITS). Until recently, millimetre-wave technology was used exclusively by the scientific and military communities for applications such as guidance systems and "smart bombs". The U.S. is now using the technology for radar systems that would give drivers advance warning of objects in their path, or other hazards around them. Vehicle mounted sensors are designed to give drivers audible and/or visual warnings of objects in their blind spots or in front of them. The technology is able to measure the velocity and range to other vehicles on a busy highway. The data can then be used to compute and maintain a safe headway to the vehicle in front by controlling the throttle and brakes via the cruise control system. Other possible applications of vehicle radar systems include "smart" cruise control which ensures a safe distance between the car in front, automatic braking, lane position guidelines, or pre-impact airbags. Vehicle radiolocation or radar applications are expected to play a key role in the roll out of ITS around the world. The technology is identified in reports from the Steering Committee for the development of an ITS Architecture in Canada. Industry Canada is proposing to use the bands 46.7-46.9 GHz and 76-77 GHz for commercial vehicles equipped with disturbance sensors. "These devices, which will be exempt from the radio apparatus licensing requirement of the Radiocommunication Act, will be required to operate in accordance with parameters selected to permit compatible co-existence between users in the same frequency," Industry Canada writes. Frequencies in the lower band have already been allocated to the mobile, mobile satellite, radionavigation and radionavigation satellite services on a primary basis. This band was made available for vehicle radar systems in the U.S. in 1995, and Canada hopes to follow suit. However, "given the nature of the proposed applications and the limited practical experience with interference between devices in this spectrum, operation of radio devices in this band will be restricted to vehicle mounted field disturbance sensors used in vehicle radar applications," the department states. "Hence, the Department will only certify equipment intended for these applications." The 76-77 GHz band has already been designated for radiolocation services on a primary basis and for the amateur, amateur satellite and space research services on a secondary basis. Devices that will operate in this band will also be restricted to vehicle radar applications. 57-64 GHz for rich media The department is also seeking comments on a proposal to open up the spectrum in the 57-64 GHz frequency range for use in short-range licence-exempt communications devices. The band can be used for high-speed broadband data links between road site units and a vehicle, wireless LANs and campus-wide links. In Canada, the band is currently allocated to the fixed, mobile, radiolocation and inter-satellite services. "This spectrum is deemed to be suitable for short-range high-capacity wireless radio devices capable of providing a wide range of broadband digital distribution applications such as high-speed computer connections for voice, video and data services," it writes. If approved, the new 57-64 GHz allocation will create the largest spectrum pool for licence exempt devices in Canada. Given that the U.S. and Europe have already allocated spectrum for these types of licence-exempt devices, Industry Canada says it expects to move quickly on this issue.

Industry Canada proposes licence-exempt status for vehicle radio systems

News | 12/11/2000 5:00 am EST

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