June 2012
This spectrum advisory bulletin is addressed to radio equipment suppliers and users of low-power licensed radiocommunication devices, including wireless microphones, capable of operating in the frequency range 698-806 MHz . These devices are licensed on a no-protection, no-interference basis in accordance with Client Procedures Circular CPC -2-1-11, Low-power Licensed Radio Apparatus.
In January 2010, Industry Canada released Spectrum Advisory Bulletin SAB-001-10, which announced that the Department would no longer accept certification and authorization applications for low-power licensed radiocommunication devices operating in the 698-806 MHz range. SAB -001-10 also prohibited the usage and operation of low-power licensed radiocommunication devices in the public safety bands, 764-776 MHz and 794-806 MHz , beyond March 31, 2011, while those devices already licensed for operation in the remaining portion of the band ( i.e. 698-764 MHz and 776-794 MHz ) would be allowed to operate until a later specified date.
As indicated in SMSE -002-12, Policy and Technical Framework — Mobile Broadband Services (MBS) — 700 MHz Band — Broadband Radio Service (BRS) — 2500 MHz Band (published in March 2012), continued operation of low-power radiocommunication devices, including wireless microphones, currently licensed to operate in the bands 698-764 MHz and 776-794 MHz , will be permitted until March 31, 2013. After this date, the entire 698-806 MHz band will be used for mobile broadband systems and public safety. Consequently, licences for use of the above-noted devices will not be renewed beyond March 31, 2013.
As a result of decisions in SAB-001-10 and SMSE-002-12, further operation of these systems in the entire 698-806 MHz band will be prohibited beyond March 31, 2013. Manufacturers, importers, retailers and current users of low-power licensed radiocommunication devices, including wireless microphones, are asked to carefully note this impending prohibition and take appropriate transition measures.
It should be noted that there are other low-power radiocommunication devices for which a radio licence is not required. These devices are approved for use in Canada in accordance with technical specifications outlined in RSS -210, Licence-exempt Radio Apparatus (All Frequency Bands): Category I Equipment, or RSS -310, Licence-exempt Radio Apparatus (All Frequency Bands): Category II Equipment. This spectrum advisory bulletin does not apply to these licence-exempt devices.
Issued under the authority
of the Radiocommunication Act
Marc Dupuis
Director General
Engineering, Planning and Standards Branch
Fiona Gilfillan
Director General
Spectrum Management Operations Branch