White Space Implementation: A Regulator's Perspective James R. Watson Industry Canada LS telcom Summit June 10, 2015
TV White Space Frequency Range 1
Non-Broadcasting Applications in the TV Spectrum Radio Astronomy Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory Algonquin Radio Observatory Medical Telemetry Operates within hospitals and healthcare facilities (e.g., heart monitors) Remote Rural Broadband Systems (RRBS) Point-to-multipoint fixed wireless access Low Power Apparatus (LPA) Wireless microphone and camera systems 2
Summary of Canada s Approach to TV White Space Policy decision released October 2012 Rules and procedures released February 2015 TVWS devices permitted on a no-protection, no interference basis Licence-exempt TVWS devices will require certification Initial focus on geo-location database concept Spectrum sensing is permitted by policy but initial implementation of rules will focus on a geo-location database LPA users require a licence to receive protection from TVWS devices No limits on number of database administrators 3
Rules and Procedures Audience: Database Administrators DBS-01, White Space Database Specifications CPC-4-1-01, Application Procedures for White Space Database Administrators Audience: Manufacturers RSS-222, White Space Devices RSS-210 (Amendment), TV Bands Licence-exempt Low-power Radio Apparatus RSS-123 (Amendment), Licensed Low-power Radio Apparatus Audience: End Users CPC-2-1-28, Voluntary Licensing of Licence-exempt Low-power Radio Apparatus in the TV Bands CPC-2-1-11, Licensed Low-power Radio Apparatus http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf10934.html 4
DBS-01 - White Space Database Specifications Retrieve updated Industry Canada licensing information at least every 24 hours Analog and digital TV broadcasting stations RRBS Base Stations Low Power Apparatus Provide registration facilities for systems/services not in the IC licence database Fixed WSD registrations TV receive-site registrations LPA geographic location/time of use Maintain a list of devices which are not authorized to operate Prohibit operation in vicinity of radio astronomy observatories Return available channels according to certain protection criteria Retain logs for IC to respond to reports of interference 5
RSS-222 - White Space Devices (WSDs) Display identified available channels and its selected operating channel(s) Use transmit power control Have a test mode to perform the certification compliance tests Software to perform the WSDB interface certification tests Daily access to a white space database (WSDB) over the Internet to determine available channels at their geographic coordinates and antenna height A formal letter or agreement identifying that the WSD is able to operate with at least one WSDB* * There are no WSDBs in Canada yet 6
Developmental Licensing Radiocommunication Regulations authorize the Minister to issue developmental licences No pre-defined process for applying IC has a great deal of flexibility, depending on what is requested Typically short term, limited in area/frequencies Technical compatibility/interference avoidance is a key consideration Applications should be directed to any IC District Office May take form of a letter Include specific details of what is sought No implication of ongoing tenure For contact information, see RIC-66: http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf01742.html 7
CPC-2-1-28 Voluntary Licensing of Licence- Exempt Low-Power Radio Apparatus in the TV Bands If protection from potential interference caused by WSDs is desired, users of licence-exempt LPA should voluntarily obtain radio licences. All licensees (except ENG) systems must register their geographical coordinates, operating parameters and intended period(s) of operation with a WSDB. For ENG, register if possible. Consider using the first-adjacent channels within the protected contours of any TV station, since this is not used by WSDs. Same-site frequency coordination by multiple ENG operators will be solely the responsibility of the ENG community. 8
Major Milestones Consultation and Decision Technical and Operational Rules Database Approval Device Certification Deployment We are here 9
White Space Questions Questions pertaining to white space in Canada may be forwarded to Arthur Guibord at: arthur.guibord@ic.gc.ca 10
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