RCMP and others call for public awareness campaign to get wireless microphones out of emergency band

Police, fire departments and other emergency services are preparing to migrate to a new spectrum band across Canada, but flags are being raised over the potential of wireless microphones and other low-powered devices to interfere with emergency calls. Submissions to an Industry Canada proceeding regarding licensing of the low-power 700Mhz radio band show concerns over both the deadline for shutting off such devices, as well as the need for a widespread public information campaign. “We need to educate people using these devices,” says Frank Pappone, division chief with the City of Toronto’s Emergency Services, referring to potential conflicts as Emergency Service moves into the 700Mhz band, which includes low-power radio transmission but also the spectrum occupied by UHF TV channels 52 through 69 (698 MHz - 806 MHz). “People in film production and in lecture halls are using wireless headsets in this band, and in Toronto we have a high concentration of fast responders,” says Pappone, expressing concern that emergency radio communication may run into interference. Industry Canada is proposing that existing licensees be permitted to continue to operate low-power radio communication devices until March 31, 2011, “provided that their operation does not create harmful interference to public safety systems operating in the bands 764-776 MHz and 794-806 MHz”. However, in its submission the City of Toronto worries that Industry Canada may be underestimating the effort required to clear the market of these devices. Specifically, it asks that the March 31 2011 date be revisited, and recommends an August 31 2010 date. This is a year in advance of the presently scheduled shut down of analog TV signals. “In terms of low power devices, Industry Canada has mirrored the US allocation for public safety,” says Al Ittner, senior manager of spectrum and regulatory strategy for Motorola Inc., speaking from company headquarters in Schaumburg, Illinois. “We are on the Radio Advisory Board of Canada (RABC), and are in agreement with them and Industry Canada. The real issue is with low-powered microphones, point-to-point radio communications, things that you find in lecture theatres, church halls, and on movie shoots. Also, Canada still has high-powered TV broadcasting in this band on channels 63, 64, 68 and 69, whereas the US shut it down on June 12, 2009. In other words, there is a real risk that as emergency services migrate to this band their communications could experience interference. But for current users to clear out they need to get the message, and that’s the challenge. “That’s Industry Canada’s role,” says Roger Poirier, general manager of RABC, who emphasized that RABC is not a lobby group, and that its positions are generated through extensive discussions with stakeholders. “Industry Canada can advise the manufacturers, tell them that people need to know this equipment is licensed. It could be at the point of sale.” The challenge isn’t with the big players like the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, which is already well aware of the issue – it’s getting word out to the general public. “There are certification requirements on the device itself,” says Poirier. “And then the onus is on the individual to get licensed, but many are simply unaware of it. We need to find some way to reach that category of user.” Fortunately, there is widespread belief that after due notice the public will quickly comply – no one wants to interfere with emergency services. As well, Industry Canada has regional and district offices that it can leverage to get the news out. In its submission, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has emphasized the need for a rapid decision and harmonization with United States so that devices won’t be exported to Canada. With the RCMP, too, getting the word out is of prime importance. The RCMP stated that a public awareness campaign may be necessary “in order to reach as many owners of unlicensed devices as possible, including wireless microphones”. RABC also noted that it is likely the majority of devices operating in these bands are unlicensed, and that the interference-reduction impact of the proposed changes could be limited unless Industry Canada “conducts an effective information campaign to inform users, equipment manufacturers and dealers about the actions expected of them.” Industry Canada has not made a decision on the nature of the information campaign, but is taking the submissions under advisement. Recommendations include selecting replacement frequencies that will not conflict with local television allotments or other licensed services operating in spectrum below 698 MHz. “Depending on who you talk to, more than 50% of the wireless microphones out there are unlicensed, and that means public safety interference,” says Ittner from Motorola. “The challenge is to migrate them out of the 700 MHz band, and as quickly as possible.”

RCMP and others call for public awareness campaign to get wireless microphones out of emergency band

News | December 14, 2009

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