Industry Canada allocates additional licence-exempt spectrum in 24 GHz band

Industry Canada has designated 20 MHz of spectrum in the 24 GHz frequency range to accommodate licence-exempt high-capacity fixed point-to-point communications links. The decision (DGTP-005-03), released on April 26, adds the licence-exempt spectrum to the entire 24.05-24.25 MHz band, which is already being used for radiolocation, amateur radio and earth exploration-satellite services. The move also brings Canadian use of the spectrum into harmony with that in the United States. More spectrum issues on the horizonFern Léger, director of spectrum and radio services at Industry Canada, tells Report on Wireless that there is more spectrum consultation papers coming down the pipe this summer. "We’ll have a number of papers on various things. I don’t know how soon in the summer, but hopefully we’ll have quite a bit on the street," he says. In addition to the licence-exempt spectrum announcement, third-generation wireless will also be discussed.In its ruling, the department noted that portions of the 24 GHz band were already being used for licence-exempt devices such as field disturbance sensors. These devices operated in the 24.075-24.175 GHz range. Industry Canada, therefore, ruled that expanding the range of licence-exempt systems was a reasonable move. It concluded that giving this band licence-exempt status could create opportunities for a wide range of point-to-point transmission facilities to support the rollout of local broadband networks and other applications. "Key objectives of this policy are to facilitate the operation of licence-exempt radio systems, which provide greater choice of backbone and local network technologies, as well as to advance competition in the telecommunications industry," the department stated in its April 15 decision, which was released to the public on April 26. A consultation on potential uses for this band last year didn’t provide the department with the answers it was looking for. In coming to the decision, Industry Canada noted that some respondents had concerns of interference with amateur radio systems and others wanted the band aligned with the U.S. licence-exempt designation. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) amended its rules concerning the 24 GHz band to accommodate licence-exempt systems in December 2001. DGTP-005-03 decision effectively harmonizes the rules for this band on both sides of the 49th parallel. As the FCC has required the use of particular antennas to guard against interference problems, Industry Canada has instituted the same provisions. It stipulated that licence-exempt systems operating in this band would require the use of highly directional antennas to mitigate against potential interference from radiolocation systems. In its ruling, the department noted that using a directional antenna will still be able to maintain the same geographic coverage as traditional isotropic antennas. It also indicated that directional antennas will produce narrow radiation patterns, which reduce the possibility of creating harmful interference to other services within the band. "While signals will travel further in the intended direction of communication, the transmissions will be limited in all other directions," Industry Canada wrote in referring to the FCC’s decision. This is the second time in as many years that the department has created more licence-exempt spectrum. In January 2001, Industry Canada issued DGTP-001-01, which gave three bands licence-exempt status – 46.7-46.9 GHz, 57-64 GHz and 76-77GHz (RoW, Feb. 5/01). The 46 GHz and the 76 GHz band were allocated to intelligent transportation systems, while the 57-64 GHz band was designated for short-haul wireless communications systems.

Industry Canada allocates additional licence-exempt spectrum in 24 GHz band

News | 04/29/2003 4:00 am EDT

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