Consultation on the Use of the Band GHz

Transcription

1 May 2010 Spectrum Management and Telecommunications Consultation on the Use of the Band GHz Aussi disponible en français

2 Contents 1. Intent Background Policy First-Come, First-Served (FCFS) Spectrum Structure Band Plan Spectrum Access Licensing Licensing Options Service Areas Licence Fees Equipment Frequency Coordination Interim Licensing Process...11 Annex A Spectrum Allocation Bands GHz...11 Annex B Technical Parameters for Interim Licences...14 i

3 1. Intent As per Canada Gazette notice, Industry Canada is releasing this consultation to seek comments on a proposed policy for the use of the band GHz. Respondents who would like the Department to consider alternative proposals are requested to provide a rationale, supporting information, and address any related issues. The Department is also taking this opportunity to announce an interim licensing process pending the establishment of a formal licensing process. 2. Background In February 1996, Industry Canada issued a call for applications, which announced that the Department would use a comparative process to select licensees for two 500 MHz frequency blocks in the 28 GHz band for Local Multipoint Communication Systems (LMCS): Block A from to GHz and Block B from to GHz. The spectrum designated for LMCS applications was intended for high capacity multipoint communications systems that provide coverage over local areas and offer wide access to residential and business customers. Canadian Band Plan ( GHz) In October 1996, the Department announced the winners of the comparative process and issued licences to three companies. It also announced that the remaining four 500 MHz blocks (C, D, E, and F) would be reserved. Limited deployment took place, but eventually, all licences were returned to the Department by January RESERVED LMCS (Blocks C-F) LMCS (Blocks A-B) Not Defined Block F Block E Block D Block C Block B Block A GHz GHz GHz GHz GHz GHz GHz GHz Figure LMCS Band Plan 1

4 3. Policy The Department is hereby consulting on the band GHz while reserving the GHz range because of the use of Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS). This would open up 1250 MHz of spectrum in the lower half of the band and 850 MHz in the upper half of the band as follows: 1250 MHz RESERVED (TDRS) 850 MHz GHz 26.5 GHz 27.5 GHz GHz Figure 2 Proposed General Band Plan The rationale is provided below, using the Canada/U.S. (Figure 3) and European (Figure 4) band plans from to 29.5 GHz. Canada/U.S. Band Plan Auctioned Spectrum Inter-Satellite Radionavigation Auctioned Spectrum Not defined CANADA LMCS (reserved) U.S. Government CANADA LMCS (reserved) U.S. Government CAN LMCS / U.S. LMDS FSS FSS GHz GHz 26.5 GHz GHz GHz 29.5 GHz Figure 3 Combined Current Canada/U.S. Band Plan to be reserved formerly part of Canadian LMCS Block B In both Canada and the United States, the situation is similar in the case of the band GHz, with auctioned spectrum in the bands GHz and GHz, and inter-satellite and radionavigation systems in the band GHz. The range GHz is currently designated for LMCS in Canada, whereas in the United States, it is designated for government use. The band GHz has similar designations in both countries, with LMCS in Canada and Local Multipoint Distributions Systems (LMDS) in the United States. Finally, the band GHz aligns with the United States through Spectrum Utilization Policy SP 3-30 GHz. Refer to Annex A for related footnotes contained in the Canadian Table of Frequency Allocations. 2

5 European Band Plan Fixed Fixed Government FSS Fixed FSS Fixed GHz 26.5 GHz 27.5 GHz 29.5 GHz Figure 4 Current European Band Plan In Europe, the two paired bands to GHz and to GHz have been designated to the fixed service. This designation does not currently align with Canadian or U.S. band plans in the range to 26.5 GHz. Europe has designated the 26.5 to 27.5 GHz range for government use. The European plan differs from the current Canada/U.S plan in the GHz range, where designations are made to the fixed service in the bands GHz and GHz, mostly paired. In addition, the Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) designations are made for the bands GHz and GHz. Decision Taking into consideration the above band plans, it is the intent of the Department to make available portions of the spectrum GHz, which includes removing the reservation on the band GHz as originally announced in the paper entitled Local Multipoint Communication Systems (LMCS) in the 28 GHz Range: Policy, Authorization Procedures and Evaluation Criteria. The Department intends to also make available the GHz band that was not previously identified for use. The band GHz will be held in reserve given that it is used for TDRS and other systems in the United States and Europe. Decision: The Department is opening the lower and upper portions of the band GHz ( GHz and GHz respectively) for fixed systems. Given the use of Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) systems and other systems in other administrations, use of the band GHz will be reserved subject to a future policy review. 4. First-Come, First-Served (FCFS) FCFS licensing is typically used for point-to-point applications for backhaul or similar applications and is based on the amount of spectrum needed for immediate implementation. 3

6 In March 2009, the Department released DGRB , Decisions on the Renewal of 24 and 38 GHz Spectrum Licences and Consultation of Spectrum Licence Fees for 24,28 and 38 GHz Bands. At that time, the Department decided that it would implement an FCFS process for the unassigned and returned 24, 28 and 38 GHz spectrum. The Department decided that an FCFS licensing process would be implemented for the unassigned and returned 28 GHz spectrum. In this consultation, the Department proposes to review the use of the band GHz and extend the band to include GHz. The Department is of the view that the FCFS approach in the bands GHz and GHz is appropriate at this time given that demand is not anticipated to exceed supply. However, the Department reserves the right to review the use of the process and consider a competitive process at any time. FCFS Reserved FCFS GHz 26.5 GHz 27.5 GHz GHz Figure 5 FCFS Proposal The Department seeks comments on implementing an FCFS licensing process in the bands GHz and GHz. 5. Spectrum Structure 5.1 Band Plan In the United States, Local Multipoint Distribution Systems (LMDS) operate in the band GHz, using 25 and 50 MHz blocks. Government LMDS (25 and 50 MHz blocks) GHz 27.5 GHz GHz Figure 6 Current U.S. Blocks In Europe, fixed licences in the GHz and GHz ranges are assigned in 112 MHz, 56 MHz, 28 MHz, 14 MHz, 7 MHz and 3.5 MHz blocks. The GHz range is made up of paired bands assigned to the fixed service, with a duplex spacing of 1008 MHz. In the GHz range, the GHz unpaired segment, as well as the GHz and GHz paired bands, are assigned to the fixed service. The remainder of the GHz spectrum is assigned to the FSS and the GHz range is assigned for government systems, as shown in the following diagram: 4

7 Fixed (32x28 MHz) Fixed (32x28 MHz) Government FSS Fixed (22x28 MHz) FSS Fixed (18x28 MHz) GHz 26.5 GHz 27.5 GHz 29.5 GHz Figure 7 Current European Spectrum Blocks In Canada, the band GHz is currently divided into six frequency blocks of 500 MHz each, based on Standard Radio System Plan SRSP (see Figure 1). In order to meet demand for various applications, the Department is soliciting comments on a new band plan for GHz and GHz, which would accommodate point-to-point and point-to-multipoint systems. Considering the different band plans in Europe and the United States, the Department has provided two options for a new Canadian band plan to include elements of both, as shown below. Option 1 Option 1 harmonizes with the European band plan in the GHz range to the maximum extent possible, providing six paired channels with a duplex spacing of 1008 MHz (same as in the European plan). The remainder of the spectrum (28 x 28 MHz) in the GHz range would be aligned with European channeling, but would be limited to time division duplex (TDD) operation. In the GHz range, Option 1 would provide the possibility of aligning with the European 28 MHz channels or the U.S. 25 and 50 MHz channels, but would be limited to TDD operation. 6 X 28 MHz (FDD) 28 x 28 MHz (TDD) 6 X 28 MHz (FDD) Reserved 28 x 28 MHz or 17 x 50 MHz/34 x 25 MHz (TDD) Option GHz 26.5 GHz 27.5 GHz GHz Option 2 Figure 8 Proposed Canadian Band Plan Option 1 (1008 MHz Duplex Spacing) Option 2 is based on a duplex spacing of 756 MHz in the lower block (compared to 1008 MHz in the European plan). The GHz band can then accommodate 15 paired 28 MHz channels for frequency division duplex (FDD) operation. The remainder of the spectrum in this band (10 x 28 MHz) would be unpaired. In the GHz range, Option 2 is identical to Option 1, providing the possibility to align with the European 28 MHz channels or the U.S. 25 and 50 MHz channels. 5

8 15 x 28 MHz (FDD) 10 X 28 MHz (TDD) 15 x 28 MHz (FDD) Reserved 28 x 28 MHz or 17 x 50 MHz/34 x 25 MHz (TDD) Option GHz 26.5 GHz 27.5 GHz GHz Figure 9 Proposed Canadian Band Plan Option 2 (756 MHz Duplex Spacing) A possible variation to Option 2 is to further reduce the amount of unpaired spectrum in the GHz range, resulting in more FDD channels and smaller duplex spacing. Given the very different European and U.S. band plans, the Department seeks comments on the two band plan options provided above. Comments are also sought on point-to-point versus point-to-multipoint systems, i.e. is one expected to be more heavily deployed than the other? Are both systems compatible in the same frequency range? Is there greater interest in deploying FDD or TDD systems in this band? Other than the two options provided, is there another band plan that Industry Canada should be considering? If yes, provide supporting information/rationale and address any related issue outlined herein. Specifically, for the band GHz: Are channel bandwidths of 28 MHz appropriate? Is it beneficial to align with the European band plan in terms of duplex spacing given that FDD operation will be limited to six paired channels? Is there interest in making equipment to support Option 2, with the same channeling plan as in Europe, but with a different duplex spacing for FDD operation? Specifically, for the band GHz: Is it preferable to have channel bandwidths of 25 or 50 MHz, or channel bandwidths of 28 MHz? 5.2 Spectrum Access As discussed, the Department is of the view that the FCFS approach in the bands GHz and GHz is the most appropriate, at this time, as long as the demand does not exceed supply. This approach would accommodate a greater number of licensees in a given geographical area. 6

9 In order to keep the band available on an FCFS basis, the Department proposes to apply the following principles: (a) Assignments of blocks will be on an as needed basis. Licensees will be required to demonstrate their need for spectrum for each request. (b) A second block will only be assigned to a licensee in the same service area when the original block assignment cannot be reused. (c) Assignments will be brought into service within a period not greater than six months from receipt of an approval-in-principle/licence. (d) A licensee will be assigned the same frequency blocks, to the extent possible, in all authorized service areas. (e) Requests for wide area authorization, for example, large regions of a province, will not be considered. (f) Point-to-point systems may have shared access where it is determined that their usage requirements are low. (g) Should demand exceed supply in a particular area, the Department reserves the right to review the use and consider a competitive process at any time. The Department seeks comments on these principles. 6. Licensing 6.1 Licensing Options Industry Canada is considering two licensing options. Spectrum Licensing Industry Canada could issue a spectrum licence to authorize the use of frequency assignments in a spectrum block(s) within the defined geographic service area and may require that the licensee deploy the licensed system within a set time period. To minimize the administrative burden for both the licensee and Industry Canada, the Department would expect applicants to apply for service areas that would meet their projected requirements for a reasonable length of time, enabling them to react quickly to market conditions through rapid deployment of necessary radio links. 7

10 Radiocommunication Station Licensing Industry Canada could issue a radiocommunication station licence for each radio station installation (i.e. site). 6.2 Service Areas Due to the nature of licensing on an FCFS basis, if spectrum licensing is adopted, the Department is proposing that requests for wide area authorization (e.g. large regions of a province) not be entertained. The Department proposes that, for spectrum licensees, the service area be user-defined. With this approach, licensees would be granted spectrum licence authority to use specific frequencies within user-defined service areas. Service area boundaries would be clearly defined by using standard geographical coordinates or other technically verifiable means (e.g. 25 km radius of specific latitude/longitude coordinates). To facilitate confirmation of service area boundaries and coverage populations, licensees would also provide Industry Canada with electronic copies of proposed service areas in an acceptable Graphical Interface System (GIS) format. Such formats include MapInfo, ESRI Shapefile, AutoCAD Map or GML. Raster image formats, such as BMP, JPEG or TIFF, are also acceptable provided that raster images contain landmarks (e.g. rivers, roads, etc.) to allow sufficient geo-referencing of service area images. The Department seeks comments on the licensing options and the use of a user-defined service area. 6.3 Licence Fees DGRB indicated that, in the comments received, there was general agreement on having the same fee apply to FCFS licences in the unassigned spectrum in the 24 and 38 GHz bands and in the 28 GHz LMCS spectrum. The Department has previously requested comments on the proposed fee, which is based on a per MHz per population basis, to ensure flexibility in issuing licences in the future, particularly in the 28 GHz band where a decision has yet to be made on the band plan. The Department intends to continue with the process to implement a fee for the indicated bands under the User Fees Act. Should Industry Canada adopt the concept of issuing a radiocommunication station licence for each site, fees would be charged per radio link and based on telephone channel equivalencies in accordance with Section 65 of the Radiocommunication Regulations and the fee proposed in DGRB would not be applied to the 28 GHz band. Regardless of which licensing concept is adopted, licensees would be required to pay the annual licence fee before March 31 of each year for the subsequent year (April 1 to March 31). 8

11 7. Equipment Radio equipment must comply with the latest Radio Standards Specification 191 (RSS-191), Local Multipoint Communication Systems in the Band GHz; Point-to-Point and Point-to-Multipoint Broadband Communication Systems in the Bands GHz and GHz; and Point-to-Multipoint Broadband Communications in the Band GHz. 8. Frequency Coordination Use of the band GHz near the Canada-United States border is subject in part to the provisions of the Interim Arrangement Concerning the Sharing between Canada and the United States of America on Local Multipoint Communication Systems, the Local Multipoint Distribution Service and Other Systems in the Fixed Service in Parts of the Frequency Bands GHz, GHz, and GHz. The licensee must respect the technical and operational requirements for LMCS, including inter-system coordination in relation to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) requirements for the band GHz, as outlined in SRSP Interim Licensing Process Given that there may be immediate need for spectrum, the Department is now accepting applications for radiocommunication station licences, to be issued on a non-standard basis, in parts of the bands GHz and GHz. Authority will be granted on an FCFS, non-standard basis for deployment in a specific site, in accordance with the minimum spectrum necessary to support demonstrated requirements. Requests for additional spectrum may be considered, based on the implementation, development and reasonable loading of the initial assigned frequencies. The technical parameters that may be applicable to a station licensed on an interim basis in this band can be found in Annex B. A radiocommunication station licence will be issued for each site. Fees will be charged per radio link and based on telephone channel equivalencies in accordance with Section 65 of the Radiocommunication Regulations. Licensees must pay the annual licence fee before March 31 of each year for the subsequent year (April 1 to March 31). For more information on the conditions of licence and technical parameters for these interim licences, contact the nearest Industry Canada spectrum management office. 1 It is anticipated that this interim licensing process will continue pending completion of this consultation process, the publication of a revised Spectrum Policy (SP), Standard Radio System Plan (SRSP), and Radio Standards Specifications (RSS) and the establishment of a formal licensing process. The details of the formal licensing process will be established through a future consultation. 1 RIC-66 Addresses and Telephone Numbers of Regional and District Offices 9

12 It is proposed that once a formal licensing process has been established, interim licensees will be provided an opportunity to apply for a licence under the new process providing that they can meet all of the technical and licensing requirements established. Where interim licensees are not granted a licence under the new process, they will likely be subject to a transition policy as follows: Where a licence has been issued for the same spectrum and geographic area as an interim licence, and the new licensee has informed the Department that the interim licensee s presence precludes access to the authorized spectrum, the interim licensee upon receiving this written notice from Industry Canada will be given one year from the date of the notice to vacate the band. Licensees authorized through this interim process may be required to adjust the parameters of their stations in accordance with the forthcoming standards, procedures and policies. Applications may be submitted to the nearest Industry Canada spectrum management office effective immediately. May 14, 2010 PAMELA MILLER Director General Telecommunications Policy Branch MARC DUPUIS Director General Engineering, Planning and Standards Branch FIONA GILFILLAN Director General Spectrum Management Operations Branch 10

13 Annex A Spectrum Allocation Bands GHz This subsection describes the allocation and usage of the bands GHz. These bands are allocated to the following services in accordance with the Canadian Table of Allocations: FIXED INTER-SATELLITE MOBILE Earth Exploration-Satellite (space-to-earth) Standard Frequency and Time Signal-Satellite (Earth-to-space) C47B EARTH EXPLORATION-SATELLITE (space-to-earth) FIXED INTER-SATELLITE MOBILE SPACE RESEARCH (space-to-earth) Standard Frequency and Time Signal-Satellite (Earth-to-space) 5.536A C47B FIXED FIXED-SATELLITE (Earth-to-space) INTER-SATELLITE MOBILE C47A C47B FIXED FIXED-SATELLITE (Earth-to-space) 5.484A 5.516B MOBILE C16F C47A 5.484A The use of the bands GHz (space-to-earth), GHz (space-to-earth), GHz (space-to-earth) in Region 2, GHz (space-to-earth) in Region 3, GHz (space-to-earth) in Region 1, GHz (Earth-to-space), GHz (space-to-earth), GHz (space-to-earth), GHz (Earth-to-space), GHz (Earth-to-space) by a non-geostationary-satellite system in the 2 Canadian Table of Frequency Allocations 9 khz to 275 GHz (2009 Edition): 11

14 fixed-satellite service is subject to application of the provisions of No for coordination with other non-geostationary-satellite systems in the fixed-satellite service. Non-geostationary-satellite systems in the fixed-satellite service shall not claim protection from geostationary-satellite networks in the fixed-satellite service operating in accordance with the Radio Regulations, irrespective of the dates of receipt by the Bureau of the complete coordination or notification information, as appropriate, for the non-geostationary-satellite systems in the fixed-satellite service and of the complete coordination or notification information, as appropriate, for the geostationary-satellite networks, and No. 5.43A does not apply. Non-geostationary-satellite systems in the fixed-satellite service in the above bands shall be operated in such a way that any unacceptable interference that may occur during their operation shall be rapidly eliminated. (WRC-2000) 5.516B The following bands are identified for use by high-density applications in the fixed-satellite service (HDFSS): GHz (space-to-earth) in Region GHz (space-to-earth) in Region GHz (space-to-earth) in all Regions GHz (space-to-earth) in Region GHz (space-to-earth) in all Regions GHz (space-to-earth) in Region GHz (space-to-earth) in Region GHz (space-to-earth) in Region GHz (space-to-earth) in Region 1 and GHz (Earth-to-space) in Region GHz (Earth-to-space) in Region GHz (Earth-to-space) in all Regions GHz (Earth-to-space) in Region 2 and GHz (Earth-to-space) in Region GHz (Earth-to-space) in all Regions GHz (Earth-to-space) in Region 2 This identification does not preclude the use of these bands by other fixed-satellite service applications or by other services to which these bands are allocated on a co-primary basis and does not establish priority in these Regulations among users of the bands. Administrations should take this into account when considering regulatory provisions in relation to these bands. See Resolution 143 (WRC-03). (WRC-03) Use of the GHz band by the inter-satellite service is limited to space research and Earth exploration-satellite applications, and also transmissions of data originating from industrial and medical activities in space A Administrations operating earth stations in the Earth exploration-satellite service or the space research service shall not claim protection from stations in the fixed and mobile services operated by other administrations. In addition, earth stations in the Earth exploration-satellite service or in the space research service should be operated taking into account Recommendations ITU-R SA.1278 and ITU-R SA.1625, respectively. (WRC-03) 12

15 5.538 Additional allocation: the bands GHz and GHz are also allocated to the fixed-satellite service (space-to-earth) on a primary basis for the beacon transmissions intended for up-link power control. Such space-to-earth transmissions shall not exceed an equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) of +10 dbw in the direction of adjacent satellites on the geostationary-satellite orbit. (WRC-07) The band GHz may be used by the fixed-satellite service (Earth-to-space) for the provision of feeder links for the broadcasting-satellite service Additional allocation: the band GHz is also allocated to the fixed-satellite service (space-to-earth) on a secondary basis for beacon transmissions intended for up-link power control. C16F C47A C47B (CAN-04) In the bands GHz and GHz, use of the fixed-satellite service has priority over use of the fixed service. Use of the fixed service in this band shall be limited to applications that pose minimal constraints on the deployment of fixed-satellite services. Domestic implementation of fixed-satellite services in the band GHz will be governed by spectrum utilization policies to be developed. These policies will take regional developments into consideration in the designation and authorization of spectrum for particular systems and technologies. (CAN-00) The band GHz is being licensed for Local Multipoint Communication Systems (LMCS) in the fixed service, which will be given priority over fixed-satellite service systems sharing this spectrum on a co-primary basis. Fixed-satellite service implementation in this band will be limited to applications which will pose minimal constraints upon the deployment of fixed service systems, such as a small number of large antennas for feeder links. (CAN-00) The band GHz has been designated for Local Multipoint Communications Systems (LMCS) in the fixed service. Recommendations are under development within the ITU-R on sharing with the inter-satellite service. 13

16 Annex B Technical Parameters for Interim Licences With respect to interim licensing (see section 9), licensees must adhere to the interim technical parameters indicated below: Interim Technical Requirements The interim technical requirements are as follows: (a) The transmitter power into the antenna must not exceed +10 dbw per carrier. (b) The maximum effective isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) of any transmit station shall not exceed +55 dbw per carrier. (c) Transmitting and receiving stations should avoid directing their antennas in the direction of GSO locations (see Note 1 below). (d) Transmitting stations within 80 km of the United States border should avoid directing their antennas in the direction of the border. (e) For point-to-multipoint systems: - the e.i.r.p density shall not exceed +30 dbw/mhz for subscriber stations, and +14 dbw/mhz for hubs; - for hubs having a main beam with an elevation angle θ greater than 5 above the horizontal plane, the e.i.r.p. density limit must be lowered to log 10 (θ/5) dbw/mhz; - if the main beam of the transmitter is within a 1.5 angle (taking into account the effect of atmospheric refraction) of the direction of any geostationary-satellite orbit (GSO) location (see Note 1), the e.i.r.p density limits must be lowered to +24 dbw/mhz for subscriber stations and +8 dbw/mhz for hubs (the e.i.r.p density for hubs must be lowered to log 10 (θ/5) dbw/mhz for elevation angle θ greater than 20 ). (f) For point-to-point systems: - the e.i.r.p. density shall not exceed +30 dbw/mhz; - if the main beam of the transmitter is within a 1.5 angle (taking into account the effect of atmospheric refraction) of the direction of any GSO location (see Note 1), the e.i.r.p. density limit must be lowered to +24 dbw/mhz. (g) In addition, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) requirements described in Appendix A of the Industry Canada SRSP document are applicable. 14

17 (h) The domestic inter-system coordination requirements in Section 6.2 of SRSP apply. Note 1: The ITU-R identifies the following GSO data relay satellite orbital positions: E, 21.5 E, 47 E, 59 E, 85 E, 89 E, E, 95 E, 113 E, 121 E, 133 E, 160 E, E, 12 W, 16 W, 32 W, 41 W, 44 W, 46 W, 49 W, 62 W, 139 W, 160 W, 170 W, 171 W, 174 W. 15