Spectrum policy framework overhaul in the works, comments due this fall

Industry Canada plans to overhaul its spectrum policy framework and spectrum management program in light of technological and industry changes. While most of the department’s proposals for the re-working are slight modifications of previously adopted measures, there are a number of significant new provisions that could vastly improve the country’s spectrum management processes and system overall. Published late last week, Gazette Notice DGTP-001-05 Consultation on a Renewed Spectrum Policy Framework for Canada and Continued Advancements in Spectrum Management is two consultations in one. Part A sets out proposed revised policy guidelines regarding the department’s spectrum policy framework with the goal of updating it to reflect technological changes, an evolving competitive landscape and other social objectives. Part B looks to the future five to seven years down the road, considering how the government could more effectively manage the country’s spectrum resources. "Further change to the framework is required so that it will continue to provide an effective policy basis for the program and accommodate substantive changes in the delivery of telecommunications, broadcasting and new media," states DGTP-001-05. The department will review a number of spectrum management framework guidelines, including the facilitation of access to licensed and licence-exempt spectrum, ensure priority access to spectrum for public safety and national security, and allow greater flexibility in the application of frequency allocations. "Where feasible, the department will seek to maximize reliance on market forces and economic incentives to determine who uses spectrum and how much they use. However, the department will continue to facilitate access to spectrum for certain societal needs, which would not be achieved by economic factors alone," continues the Gazette Notice. Industry Canada is also preparing to enhance its overall spectrum management program and has identified a number of spectrum management tools that it will study to determine their applicability to Canada’s spectrum management needs. The department will look at the implementation of secondary market trading for spectrum as part of a larger proposal on enhanced spectrum privileges. Industry Canada will also explore the adoption of new technologies such as software-defined radio or cognitive radio and how they could improve the management of Canada’s limited spectrum resources. Other proposals to enhance and improve the spectrum management program include new spectrum lease agreements where parties don’t have to apply to the department. The department notes some other countries have addressed this by increasing the flexibility of licensees to allow third party uses without having to transfer it outright. Issues of providing advanced wireless communications to rural and remote Canada, and addressing the need not only for spectrum for public safety, but also the need for interoperable communications system for public safety agencies such as fire and police departments, are also on the table. On the public safety front, the department is considering how to release new spectrum for public safety that would seek the development of highly integrated and interoperable national/regional networks that can progressively accommodate common public safety requirements." Report on Wireless will have reaction from the country’s wireless operators to the proposed spectrum management policy changes and potential modifications to the government’s spectrum management program in an upcoming issue.

Spectrum policy framework overhaul in the works, comments due this fall

News | 05/17/2005 4:00 am EDT

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