Bell Canada and SaskTel support provisions regarding 3650-3700 MHz

Bell Canada and SaskTel have filed a joint submission to DGTP-006-06, supporting many of the proposals put forth by Industry Canada with respect to the wireless broadband services (WBS) spectrum. Below is an edited excerpt of the submission. Comments are invited on whether point-to-point systems in the band 3650-3700 MHz should be grandfathered or displaced and what conditions should apply in either case.The companies recommend, given the circumstances and considerations outlined, the department displace point-to-point systems in the band 3650-3700 MHz. The companies also support the department’s proposal to implement a transition policy similar to those outlined in Appendix 3 of the Policy and Licensing Procedures for the Auction of Spectrum Licences in the 2300 MHz and 3500 MHz Bands (DGRB-003-03). The department seeks comments on types of wireless broadband applications which may be deployed in Canada in the near future. The companies concur with the Radio Advisory Board of Canada’s view that WBS will be an important resource supporting Internet connectivity for data, voice, video and other value-added services. The RABC noted, in this regard, that the band will be able to directly support consumers, schools and businesses in urban, suburban and rural applications. The companies note that the band is capable of accommodating point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, and backhaul. The department is of the view that the issuance of spectrum licences, as described, would be the appropriate licensing mechanism.The companies strongly support the department’s proposal to employ spectrum licensing, as opposed to radio licences. As the department notes, the spectrum licensing approach has the benefit of a reduction in administrative burden, for licensees, as the applicable spectrum is licensed by geographic area and frequency, rather than through numerous authorizations for the installation and operation of individual radio station apparatus. Comments are invited on the proposed options for exclusive and/or non-exclusive licensing and any other options not outlined in the table, with supporting rationale. The companies note that considerable discussion continues in the US and that US regulatory authorities have yet to determine the final spectrum structure and licensing options for the band. In fact there are several Petitions for Reconsideration before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the US that have the potential to affect the final spectrum structure and licensing options eventually selected in that jurisdiction. While the final spectrum structure and licensing options are yet to be determined in the US, the companies believe that it is in the best interests of all concerned parties to align with the US to the greatest extent possible. Based on the current information available to them, the companies believe that the band should be structured into two blocks consisting of 30 MHz and 20 MHz on an exclusive basis for both rural and urban Tier 4 service areas. The companies believe that this spectrum structure will facilitate the optimal utilization of the band. The Companies also support the view of the RABC that an exception could be made for rural areas where the 20 MHz block could be made available on a FCFS basis for point-to-point systems in those Tier 4 service areas having a population of less than 30,000.

Bell Canada and SaskTel support provisions regarding 3650-3700 MHz

News | November 3, 2006

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