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Spectrum Management and Telecommunications Gazette Notices and Petitions 2006 Gazette Notices and Comments Received | ||
Gazette Notice DGTP-002-06Department of Industry Radiocommunication Act Notice No. DGTP-002-06 — Policy Provisions for the Band 2500-2690 MHz to Facilitate Future Mobile Service. A. Intent The purpose of this notice is to announce the Department's policy on the use of the spectrum in the band 2500-2690 MHz. On November 16, 2001, fixed and mobile services were allocated throughout the band 2500-2690 MHz. At that time, Industry Canada indicated that the use of the mobile service would be subject to the development of appropriate licensing considerations. On April 30, 2004, the Department initiated a public consultation on the use of the band 2500-2690 MHz through Canada Gazette notice DGTP-004-04, that considered the ongoing spectrum planning activities and the licensing approach for all services allocated in the band. B. Consultation Comments received indicated that technology is evolving rapidly with the promise of converged fixed and mobile services. There remains some uncertainty on the timing and amount of spectrum required to implement mobile services. Some operators indicated a desire to pursue new wireless opportunities, including mobile, while others were uncertain as to the timing for the implementation of new services. As a result, the Department is not prepared to launch a spectrum re-farming exercise at this time that would require displacement of incumbents and changes to their spectrum assignments. Nonetheless, enabling the mobile service gives effect to the fundamental reallocation of the spectrum made in 2001. There is an overriding policy need to accommodate the introduction of new services, such as mobile and broadband Internet access and to encourage the most efficient use of the spectrum. Consequently, the development of licensing considerations appropriate to the mobile service are important. C. Conclusion and Decision In the formulation of this policy, it is recognized that: market demand should play a role in the development of new services for Canadians; mobile spectrum is very valuable; and there are numerous technological advances occurring in the 2500 MHz band. Several interested parties have asked for a flexible licensing approach to allow the implementation of new services. The Department agrees that a flexible approach to the use of the spectrum is desirable as it allows market forces to play a greater role in determining its best use. The added regulatory flexibility to permit the mobile service, together with the greater spectrum efficiencies associated with mobile technologies and the increased value associated with mobile spectrum, constitute a significant material change. The implementation of the mobile service justifies a re-assessment of the licensing requirements including the amount of spectrum retained by incumbent licensees. The Department is therefore adopting the following policy provisions:
D. Future action This policy does not bind or prevent the Minister from taking any action in the future under the powers conferred to the Minister under the Radiocommunication Act. Obtaining Copies Copies of this notice and documents referred to are available electronically on the Spectrum Management and Telecommunications Web site at: http://strategis.gc.ca/spectrum.
Official printed copies of Canada Gazette notices can
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Web site at: http://canadagazette.gc.ca/publication-e.html
or by calling the sales counter of Canadian Government
Publishing at March 30, 2006 ___________________________ |
Created: 2006-03-30 Updated: 2006-09-28 |
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