Gazette Notice DGTP-006-06

Department of Industry

Radiocommunication Act

Notice No. DGTP-006-06 — Proposed Spectrum Utilization Policy, Technical and Licensing Requirements for Wireless Broadband Services (WBS) in the Band 3650-3700 MHz

Intent

The purpose of this notice is to announce the release of the above-mentioned document which proposes to establish the spectrum policy, technical and licensing provisions to accommodate new Wireless Broadband Services (WBS) in the band 3650-3700 MHz.

Background

In September 2003, the Department released the Policy and Licensing Procedures for the Auction of Spectrum Licences in the 2300 MHz and 3500 MHz Bands and later auctioned 175 MHz in the band 3475‑3650 MHz. At the time, the Department noted that there was a strong possibility that the U.S. would deploy licence-exempt devices in the band 3650-3700 MHz.

In October 2004, the Department released Revisions to Spectrum Utilization Policies in the 3-30 GHz Frequency Range and Further Consultation
(DGTP-008-04). In this paper the Department requested comments on whether to make the band 3650-3700 MHz available for licence-exempt applications. Comments were also sought on the types of systems and services that could be implemented in the band and, noting the availability of licensed spectrum in the adjacent bands, whether there was a requirement to continue the designation for licensed services.

Comments supported general harmonization with the U.S. as being in the best interest of Canadians. In fact, the Department was urged to undertake a full consultative review of the band during which time the specific questions raised could be more adequately addressed.

In March 2005, the Federal Communications Commission adopted rules, different from their original plans of deploying licence-exempt devices, to open access to new spectrum for wireless broadband applications in the band 3650-3700 MHz.

Consequently, the Department is proceeding with this consultation which proposes to establish the spectrum policy, technical and licensing provisions to accommodate new Wireless Broadband Services in the band
3650-3700 MHz. Interested parties are invited to submit comments on the proposals outlined in the consultation.

Submitting Comments

Respondents are requested to submit their comments no later than October 27, 2006, in electronic format (WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, Adobe PDF or ASCII TXT) to the following e-mail address: wireless@ic.gc.ca, along with a note specifying the software, version number and operating system used.

Written submissions should be addressed to the Director, Spectrum and Radio Policy, Telecommunications Policy Branch, Industry Canada, 1604A, 300 Slater Street, 16th Floor, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0C8.

All submissions should cite the Canada Gazette, Part I, publication date, the title, and the notice reference number (DGTP-006-06).

Obtaining Copies

Copies of this notice and documents referred to herein are available electronically on the Spectrum Management and Telecommunications website at: http://strategis.gc.ca/spectrum.

Official printed copies of Canada Gazette notices can be obtained from the Canada Gazette website at: http://canadagazette.gc.ca/publication-e.html or by calling the sales counter of Canadian Government Publishing at
(819) 941-5995 or 1 800 635-7943.

June 23, 2006

___________________________
Leonard St-Aubin
A/Director General
Telecommunications Policy Branch