ISED Published a consultation on the policy and technical framework for more than 21 GHz of spectrum for licence-exempt use between 95 GHz and 275 GHz (known as above 95 GHz), more specifically in the 116-122.25 GHz, 122.25-123 GHz, 174.8-182 GHz, 185-190 GHz and 244-246 GHz bands.
Through this consultation, ISED is also seeking views on W and D bands, including other potential bands, for backhaul applications above 95 GHz.
As the network evolution from 4G to 5G and the massive growth in wireless data traffic require that backhaul capacity must also continue to increase substantially, ISED is cognizant of the importance of timely and flexible access to the backhaul spectrum as more backhaul capacity is needed to support the evolving needs of increasing 5G traffic and number of connected devices. Spectrum above 95 GHz supports wider channels and has higher backhaul capacities. ISED also notes that other administrations made spectrum available for the development of new communication technologies in bands between 95 GHz and 275 GHz. Innovators are interested in making use of this spectrum range for new services and technologies in Canada, particularly for radar, manufacturing and sensing, supporting Industry 4.0 applications, i.e. the next generation of industrial Internet of Things. To foster innovation and allow access to the spectrum to support various application use cases in different vertical markets, ISED is seeking comments on opening up access to certain bands above 95 GHz for licence-exempt use. Additionally, through this consultation, ISED is seeking comments on whether any spectrum above 95 GHz should be identified for backhaul applications.
ISED is seeking comments on the following proposals:
– Timelines for the development of an equipment ecosystem in frequency bands above 95 GHz. In particular:
- low-power equipment ecosystem
- backhaul equipment ecosystem
– Views on the potential new use cases in spectrum above 95 GHz.
– To allow the use of licence-exempt devices in the 116-122.25 GHz, 122.25-123 GHz, 174.8-182 GHz, 185-190 GHz and 244-246 GHz bands on a no-protection, no-interference basis.
– The proposed footnote Cxx and the changes to the CTFA as shown in table 3.
– Whether the technical rules for the bands contemplated in this consultation should be similar to those of the 57-71 GHz band (as set forth in RSS-210).
– The proposed rules for low-power licence-exempt devices in the 116-122.25 GHz, 122.25-123 GHz, 174.8-182 GHz, 185-190 GHz and 244-246 GHz bands:
- both indoor and outdoor operations would be permitted
- the maximum permitted e.i.r.p. would be 82 dBm (average) and 85 dBm (peak) for fixed point-to-point systems operating outdoors
- the maximum permitted e.i.r.p. would be 40 dBm (average) and 43 dBm (peak) for all other applications
– Whether the W and D bands should be identified for licensed backhaul applications, and if so, which specific portions of those bands and under what timeline?
– Whether any other bands above 95 GHz should be identified for licensed backhaul applications, and if so, what bands should be considered and under what timeline?
– A possible licensing mechanism for backhaul bands above 95 GHz, specifically, whether to use a site-based radio licence approach or an area-based spectrum licensing approach.
– If a spectrum licensing approach is preferable,
- whether the licensing should be on a first-come, first-served or shared use basis
- any conditions of licence that should be considered in order to effectively manage interference and to provide information to assist in coordination between stations and managing interference
Parties should submit their comments NO later than April 29, 2022, to ensure consideration, After that, ISED will also provide interested parties with the opportunity to reply to comments from other parties. Reply comments will be accepted until June 3, 2022.