Gazette Notice DGTP-002-07

Department of Industry

Radiocommunication Act

Notice No. DGTP-002-07 - Consultation on a Framework to Auction Spectrum in the 2 GHz Range including Advanced Wireless Services

Comments Received
Reply Comments Received

This notice announces the publication of provisions to support the release of frequency bands in the 2 GHz range. The document outlines the results of the consultation process undertaken in 2003 on Advanced Wireless Services (AWS). It also initiates further consultation on a number of technical, operational and licensing issues in the 2 GHz range including AWS, Personal Communications Services (PCS), and the band 1670-1675 MHz.

Advanced Wireless Services comprise a wide range of applications, such as cellular telephony, data, multimedia, Internet Protocol (IP)-based applications and broadband Internet access using third generation (3G) cellular and other technologies. The industry has supported Industry Canada in its plans to identify prime mobile spectrum for AWS so as to keep Canada in step with developments in North America and Europe which support a modern telecommunications infrastructure.

This paper announces changes to the Canadian Table of Frequency Allocations for bands in the 1710-2200 MHz range, designates spectrum for AWS, and provides for the expansion of the 1900 MHz PCS bands as well as the licensing of the band 1670-1675 MHz. It also outlines a transition process to make the spectrum available for AWS applications when and where required. This paper will also address additional spectrum utilization issues such as the eligibility to access spectrum, competition, a band plan, technical and operational considerations, the licensing process and principles, and the proposed auction design.

Industry Canada invites interested parties to provide their views and comments on the issues raised in the consultation portion of the paper (i.e. Part II) announced through this notice. Parties should submit their comments no later than May 25, 2007 to ensure consideration. Shortly after the close of the comment period, all comments received will be posted on Industry Canada's Spectrum Management and Telecommunications website at http://strategis.gc.ca/spectrum.

The Department will also provide interested parties with the opportunity to reply to comments from other parties. Reply comments will be accepted until June 27, 2007.

Submitting Comments

Respondents are requested to provide their comments in electronic format (WordPerfect, Microsoft Work, Adobe PDF or ASCII TXT) to the following e-mail address: AWS@ic.gc.ca, along with a note specifying the software, version number and operating system used.

Written submissions should be addressed to the Director General, Telecommunications Policy Branch, Industry Canada, 1612A, 300 Slater St., Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0C8.

All submissions should cite the Canada Gazette, Part I, publication date, the title, and the notice reference number (DGTP-002-07).

Obtaining Copies

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

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

February 16, 2007

________________
Leonard St-Aubin
Director General
Telecommunications Policy Branch