In 2011, a number of frequency bands that were previously used for analogue television (512-608 MHz and 614-698 MHz - TV channels 21 to 51) were re-allocated by Industry Canada to be used for Remote Rural Broadband Systems (RRBS).
Industry Canada considers license applications for RRBS:
“...on a case-by-case basis for advanced communications services in remote rural communities on television channels that are unallotted and unassigned to the broadcasting service:
at sufficient distance from major population centres to avoid causing interference to local broadcasting facilities and their service contours; and
on the condition that they not constrain the provision of existing and new broadcasting services.”
Licenses are issued for a one year term, and are subject to the spectrum availability within a particular geographic area.127
Dr. Gregory Taylor, a spectrum policy researcher and professor at the University of Calgary, is currently studying RRBS adoption across Canada. His early insights suggest that RRBS deployments are highest in Alberta: they occur mainly in sparsely populated areas, and are deployed largely by passionate, self-taught individuals.
Some RRBS operators have expressed apprehension about how a future repurposing and potential auction of the 600 MHz band would affect their business, as it could potentially eliminate free use of the unlicensed spectrum. Dr. Taylor expects to publish the findings of his study in the Fall of 2016.
References
127. Industry Canada. CPC-2-1-24 — Licensing Procedure for Remote Rural Broadband Systems (RRBS) Operating in the Band 512-698 MHz (TV channels 21 to 51), section 6.3. Accessed 29 May 2016.