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Radio frequency spectrum characteristics and their associated policies impact all forms of wireless internet service delivery, including satellite- and WiFi-based technologies. Radio frequency spectrum in Canada is managed by the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development (formerly Industry Canada). Spectrum is a finite public resource utilized by various bodies, including commercial private sector entities and their consumers, as well as public sector entities including defence, police, emergency responders, and researchers. 

Spectrum is periodically divided into frequency bands, which are allocated for one or more specific uses by international voting decisions at the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC), which is supported by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), an agency of the United Nations.

Countries usually adapt global policies developed by the WRC and ITU, and allocate frequency bands on a domestic basis. While the ITU coordinates frequency for different services (broadcasting, mobile, radio, etc.), individual countries determine how those frequencies are subdivided geographically and in terms of channel size. In Canada, these are set out in The Canadian Table of Frequency Allocations (CTFA). Canadian spectrum allocations tend to align with those of the United States, allowing network operators to take advantage of economies of scale achieved by US telecommunications equipment ecosystems specific to each band.

Only a fraction of the complete electromagnetic spectrum can support radio communication, which is why it is important to use the resource as efficiently as possible. As radio communication technology advances, spectrum utilization becomes more efficient. This “spectral efficiency” allows a single block of spectrum to deliver a greater capacity or bits or service more subscribers. 

The Spectrum Management System (formerly Spectrum Direct) is a public database that allows users to view data collected and managed by the Canadian Spectrum Program, and search for spectrum used for communications and broadcasting purposes according to geographic area, frequency, licensee name, and other parameters.  


Table 4. A curated and summarized list of radio frequency spectrum assigned for broadband technologies

 

Radio Frequency Bands (MHz)

Intended Usage

Comments

512 - 608,

614 - 698

  • Previously for
    Remote Rural
    Broadband Systems
    (RRBS).114

  • Recently, the 600 MHz
    band has been repurposed
    for commercial mobile use
    and digital TV.115

  • RRBS service providers can continue to
    operate on a secondary basis (i.e.
    no-interference, no-protection) for 2 years
    following the decision to repurpose the 600
    MHz band, after which the transition plan
    will be finalized.

  • There are 24 RRBS stations in Alberta that
    will be impacted by the repurposing of this
    spectrum.116

763 - 768,

793 - 798

  • Public Safety Broadband
    Block (PSBB).

  • For public safety broadband
    use.

  • The 700 MHz band was formerly used for
    over-the-air television.117

  • This frequency band is favored for delivering
    next-generation wireless services as it
    carries well over long distances and is able
    to penetrate structures well.118

Remaining 700 Mhz band

  • For mobile broadband service
    (MBS).

  • These spectrum licenses were auctioned off
    in 2014.

  • In Alberta, blocks are owned by Rogers,
    Telus, Vidéotron, and Bell.    119

  • In each license area, companies that have
    access to two or more blocks of 700 MHz
    — either through auction or spectrum sharing
    — are required to deploy services to 90% of
    their existing broadband mobile coverage
    area within five years, and 97% within seven
    years of the auction.

  • In Alberta, this applies to Telus and Rogers
    by 2021.

2500 - 2690

  • For broadband radio services
    (BRS).

  • These spectrum licenses were auctioned off
    in 2015.

  • In Alberta, blocks are owned by Telus, Bell,
    Rogers, and Corridor Communications Inc.,
    Videotron, and Bragg Communications.120

  • This spectrum is best suited for expanding
    the capacity of mobile systems in urban
    areas.

  • Not ideally suited for mobile systems
    covering expansive rural and remote areas.     

902 - 928,

2400 -2483.5,

5150 - 5350,

5470 - 5600,

5650 - 5850,

24050 - 24250

  • For wireless broadband services
    (no spectrum license required).

  • License exempt spectrum.121 

  • Devices must adhere to specific Radio
    Standard Specifications.

  • Services operate under a secondary
    allocation basis (i.e. no protection and
    no-interference).

3650 - 3700

  • For wireless broadband services
    (spectrum license required).

  • Licensing is shared wherein all licensees have
    equal access to the spectrum.122

  • Currently no annual spectrum licence fees.

3475 - 3650

  • For fixed wireless access
    (spectrum license required).

  • Spectrum in some Tier 4 localized service
    areas has been made available for licensing.

  • Annual spectrum licence fees apply.123

  • Devices must adhere to specific Radio
    Standard Specifications.124, 125

4940 - 4990

  • For fixed and mobile services in
    support of public safety.

  • The primary uses of this band are designated
    for broadband mobile services for public safety,
    and fixed systems that support these broadband
    mobile systems.126

 

 

References

114. Industry Canada. CPC-2-1-24. 2 August 2011. Accessed 12 June 2016.
115. Industry Canada. Decision on Repurposing the 600 MHz Band. 3 September 2016. Accessed 13 June 2016.
116. Industry Canada. Decision on Repurposing the 600 MHz Band. 3 September 2016. Accessed 13 June 2016.
117. Industry Canada. Policy and Technical Framework. 12 March 2014. Accessed 12 June 2016.
118. Industry Canada. 700 MHz Spectrum Auction FAQs. 19 February 2014. Accessed 12 June 2016.
119. Government of Canada. Archived - 700 MHz Spectrum Auction-Process and Results, 19 February 2014. Accessed 12 June 2016.
120. Industry Canada. 2500 MHz Auction - Final Results, 25 June 2015. Accessed 12 June 2016.
121. Industry Canada. Radio Spectrum Management Update, April 2015. Accessed 12 June 2016.
122. Industry Canada. CPC-2-1-26. November 2010. Accessed 12 June 2016.
123. Industry Canada. Notice No. DGRB-008-99. 2011. Accessed 12 June 2016.
124. Industry Canada. Gazette Notice DGSO-007-14. 3 January 2015. Accessed 12 June 2016.
125. Industry Canada. SRSP-303.4. December 2008. Accessed 12 June 2016.
126. Industry Canada. CPC-2-0-19. 1 November 2008. Accessed 12 June 2016.

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