Industry Canada reviewing its approach to spectrum management

Many times each year, Industry Canada makes changes to the standards and procedures that govern the use of radio systems in Canada. Almost always, the proposed changes are discussed with spectrum users via the Radio Advisory Board of Canada (RABC), and occasionally the changes are also discussed with the general public, as was the case with their recent review of tower policies.

However, every few years an in-depth review is conducted, to look at the department’s policies and priorities, and decide if changes are needed to the way they make decisions, and how they manage the radio frequency spectrum. As with day-to-day rule changes, spectrum users are consulted, and their comments taken into account.

After a stable period of about 10 years, Industry Canada began a preliminary review in 2002 of its Spectrum Policy Framework, asking for comments on ideas for change. RAC participated, both through the RABC and through a direct letter to the department. Now, three years later, the full review is underway, and Industry Canada has published a draft set of changes on their web site. Over the summer, RAC and the RABC will be studying the proposals and preparing their comments and suggestions. RAC likely will respond both directly and through the RABC.

In general, the proposed changes would have most impact on commercial spectrum users. Most refer to how frequency assignments are made within the bands allocated to the fixed, broadcast and mobile services. However, there is also a continuing trend towards more license exempt devices, which share spectrum with authorized services at the discretion of the Minister, and towards a more “hands off” approach to spectrum management, both of which may be of concern to radio amateurs. Watch for further developments on this web site, and in articles in TCA

Source: Radio Amateurs of Canada

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