Gazette Notice No. DGTP-008-04

Department of Industry

Radiocommunication Act

Notice No. DGTP-008-04 - Revisions to Spectrum Utilization Policies in the 3-30 GHz Frequency Range and Further Consultation

This Notice announces the publication of a document on revisions to the spectrum utilization policies for services in certain bands in the frequency range 3-30 GHz, including revisions to the Canadian Table of Frequency Allocations adopted on a provisional basis. The document also initiates further consultation on proposals for policy revisions for services in certain bands in the frequency range 3-95 GHz.

In 2002, the department launched a broad consultation with proposals to introduce new services and system applications in a number of bands as well as to reconcile the spectrum use of fixed and fixed-satellite services in shared bands. This was in response to a number of changes in technology and the Canadian telecommunications infrastructure, as well as new opportunities in this spectrum range. Among the interests is the provision of new broadband services using multimedia satellite and new terrestrial wireless access including license-exempt applications.

The spectrum utilization policies established in this document are based on the extensive public comment received in response to the consultation of 2002 as well as broad discussion with industry. The decisions focus on increasing flexibility of service offerings for both fixed and fixed-satellite services, recognizing the importance of harmonizing spectrum use in a North American market, particularly for satellite services and commercial consumer devices.

Invitation to Comment

Provisional Changes

In the policy document, Industry Canada has adopted a few allocation changes on a provisional basis. In the absence of compelling arguments to the contrary, these changes will be adopted in the Canadian Table of Frequency Allocations. The Department invites interested parties to provide their views and comments by November 2, 2004 regarding these provisional changes.

Further Consultation

Industry Canada raises a number of issues in the frequency range 3-95 GHz for public comment. The Department invites interested parties to provide their views and comments by January 14, 2005 for the items of further consultation.

Shortly after the close of the comment period, all comments received will be posted on Industry Canada's Spectrum Management and Telecommunications Web site at: http://strategis.gc.ca/spectrum.

Respondents are requested to provide their comments 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 of Spectrum and Radio Services, Industry Canada, Room 1611A, 300 Slater Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0C8.

All submissions should cite the Canada Gazette, Part I, the publication date, the title, and the notice reference number (DGTP-008-04).

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 gazette notices can be obtained at the Canada Gazette Web site at: http://canadagazette.gc.ca/index-e.html or by calling the sales counter of Canadian Government Publishing at
(613) 941-5995 or 1-800-635-7943.

October 1, 2004

____________________________
Larry Shaw
Director General
Telecommunications Policy Branch