SRSP-517 — Technical Requirements for Broadband Radio Service (BRS) in the Band 2500-2690 MHz

Standard Radio System Plan SRSP-517, issue 2, Technical Requirements for Broadband Radio Service in the Band 2500-2690 MHz, replaces SRSP-517, issue 1, dated July 17, 2014. Issue 2 of SRSP-517 incorporates technical rules for active antenna systems (AAS).

The following are the main changes:

1. Incorporated technical rules to facilitate the deployment of AAS.
2. Made editorial updates throughout the document.

Issued under the authority of
the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

___________________________________

Martin Proulx
Director General
Engineering, Planning and Standards Branch

1. This Standard Radio System Plan (SRSP) sets out the minimum technical requirements for the efficient use of the band 2500-2690 MHz by broadband radio service (BRS).

2. This SRSP is intended to be used in the design of radio systems and specifies the technical characteristics related to efficient spectrum usage only; it is not to be regarded as a comprehensive specification for equipment design and/or selection.

3. This SRSP is based on the current or planned technologies being considered by the service providers to implement BRS in Canada. Revisions to this SRSP will be made as required.

4. Even if a system satisfies the requirements of this SRSP, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) may require modifications to radio and auxiliary equipment in radio stations whenever harmful interference is caused to other radio stations or systems. The term “harmful interference,” as defined in the Radiocommunication Act, means an adverse effect of electromagnetic energy from any emission, radiation or induction that:

1. endangers the use or functioning of a safety-related radiocommunication system; or
2. significantly degrades or obstructs, or repeatedly interrupts, the use or functioning of radio apparatus or radio-sensitive equipment.

5. Radio systems complying with these technical requirements will be given priority in licensing over non-standard radio systems operating in the band 2500-2690 MHz. The arrangements for non-standard systems are outlined in the document Spectrum Utilization Policies SP Gen, General Information Related to Spectrum Utilization and Radio Systems Policies.

6. ISED should be advised when potential conflict between radio systems cannot be resolved in a timely fashion. After consultation with the parties concerned, ISED will determine the modifications to be made and the implementation schedule to be followed in order to resolve the conflict.

7. ISED may require licensees to use system receiver selectivity characteristics that provide improved rejection of harmful interference.

8. BRS equipment must be certified in accordance with Radio Standards Specification RSS-199, Broadband Radio Service (BRS) Equipment Operating in the Band 2500-2690 MHz.

9. Licensees are required to provide to ISED, upon request, information on certain technical parameters of their radio systems.

10. All ISED publications related to spectrum management and telecommunications are available on the Spectrum Management and Telecommunications website. Refer to the following documents as needed:

11. The following terms are used in this document:

Active antenna system (AAS)
An antenna system where the amplitude and/or phase between antenna elements is dynamically adjusted, resulting in an antenna pattern that varies in response to short-term changes in the radio environment. An AAS may be integrated into a fixed or base station. An antenna system used for long term beam shaping, such as fixed electrical down tilt, is not considered an AAS.

Antenna height above average terrain (HAAT)
The height of the centre of radiation of the antenna above the average elevation of the terrain between 3 and 16 km from the antenna, for an individual radial. The final antenna HAAT (also known as the effective height of the antenna above average terrain (EHAAT)) is the average of the antenna HAATs for 8 radials spaced every 45 degrees of azimuth starting with true north.

Non-active antenna system (Non-AAS)
An antenna system that does not meet the definition of AAS.

12. The band plan consists of both paired and unpaired spectrum. The paired portion consists of the lower sub-band 2500-2570 MHz and the upper sub-band 2620-2690 MHz, totaling seven 10+10 MHz paired blocks; the unpaired portion consists of the band 2570-2620 MHz and is divided into two 25 MHz unpaired blocks. The unpaired blocks each include a 5 MHz restricted band (RB) separating the paired and unpaired spectrum (i.e. 2570-2575 MHz and 2615-2620 MHz). See figure 1 for the band plan and block sizes respectively. Frequency blocks can be aggregated.

Figure 1: BRS Band plan

13. Various channel sizes may be used within a frequency block or frequency block groups based on the technology choices of the licensee.

14. Frequency division duplexing (FDD) is a technology that permits transmission and reception of signals on two different frequencies separated in the frequency spectrum by a predeterminated value (120 MHz in the case of BRS). If FDD techniques are applied, radio systems should use the lower paired sub-band for subscriber-to-base links, and the upper paired sub-band for base-to-subscriber links.

15. Time division duplexing (TDD) is a technology that permits transmission and reception of signals on the same frequency by alternating time slots for transmission and reception. Systems using TDD techniques may operate in the unpaired blocks, in the band range 2570-2620 MHz.

16. Non-FDD operations by licensees within the bands 2500-2570 MHz and 2620-2690 MHz must be engineered to coexist with FDD systems. The operation of these non-FDD systems is subject to the operation and displacement policy in Decision 1-3 within section 1.9 of SMSE 005-11, Decisions on a Band Plan for Broadband Radio Service (BRS) and Consultation on a Policy and Technical Framework to License Spectrum in the Band 2500–2690 MHz.

17. TDD operations by licensees within the restricted bands 2570-2575 MHz and 2615-2620 MHz are permitted on a no-interference, no-protection basis with respect to FDD operations in the paired spectrum. In accordance with the decisions announced in SMSE-005-11, licensees operating in the restricted bands (RB) may be required to modify or cease operation if they cause interference to FDD operations in the bands 2500-2570 MHz or 2620-2690 MHz.

18. This section covers technical criteria that must be met related to power, unwanted emission limits and antenna height, including criteria for the use of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antennas.

6.1 Fixed and base stations using non-active antenna systems

19. This section describes how equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is calculated for fixed and base stations using non-active antenna systems (non-AAS).

6.1.1 E.i.r.p. for non-AAS correlated transmission

20. In non-AAS correlated transmission, multiple non-AAS antennas can be used at a station to transmit the same digital data in a given symbol period (even with different coding or phase shifts) for transmit diversity or to steer signal energy towards a particular direction for enhanced directional gain (i.e. beamforming), or to devise any other transmission mode where signals from different antennas are correlated. For these uses, the e.i.r.p. shall be calculated based on the aggregate power conducted across all antennas and resulting directional gain 10 log₁₀(N) + G_max dBi, where, N is the number of antennas and G_max is the highest gain in dBi among all antennas.

6.1.2 E.i.r.p. for non-AAS uncorrelated transmission

21. In non-AAS uncorrelated transmission, multiple non-AAS antennas can be used at a station to each transmit different digital data in a given symbol period (i.e. space-time codes) or independent parallel data stream over the same frequency bandwidth in order to increase data rates (i.e., spatial multiplexing), or to form any other transmission mode where signals from different antennas are completely uncorrelated. For these uses, the e.i.r.p. shall be calculated based on the aggregate power conducted across all antennas and the maximum antenna gain (G_max).

6.1.3 E.i.r.p. limits and antenna height limits for non-AAS systems

22. For fixed and base stations operating in the band 2500-2690 MHz with a channel bandwidth equal to or less than 1 MHz, the maximum permissible e.i.r.p. is 1640 W, with an antenna height above average terrain (HAAT) of up to 300 m.

23. For fixed and base stations operating in the band 2500-2690 MHz with a channel bandwidth greater than 1 MHz, the maximum permissible e.i.r.p. is 1640 W/MHz (i.e. no more than 1640 W e.i.r.p. in any 1 MHz band segment), with an antenna HAAT of up to 300 m.

24. Fixed and base stations with an antenna HAAT exceeding 300 m shall apply a reduction in e.i.r.p. according to table 1:

25. The HAAT of a fixed or base station with multiple antennas shall be calculated based on the measurements of the highest antenna.

6.2 Technical requirements and antenna height limits for active antenna systems

26. For fixed and base stations operating in the band 2500-2690 MHz with a channel bandwidth equal to or less than 1 MHz, the maximum permissible e.i.r.p. is 1640 W, with an antenna height above average terrain (HAAT) of up to 300 m.

27. For fixed and base stations operating in the band 2500-2690 MHz with a channel bandwidth greater than 1 MHz, the maximum permissible e.i.r.p. is 1640 W /MHz (i.e. no more than 1640 W e.i.r.p. in any 1 MHz band segment), with an antenna HAAT of up to 300 m.

28. Fixed and base stations with an antenna HAAT exceeding 300 m shall apply a reduction in e.i.r.p. as specified above (see table 1).

29. The following equation shall be used to determine the e.i.r.p. for fixed and base stations operating in the band 2500-2690 MHz to ensure compliance with the maximum permissible e.i.r.p. specified in paragraph 26 and 27:

where:

• TRP is the total radiated power
• G_e is the gain of one antenna element in dBi
• N_TX is the number of transmit antenna elements

30. The maximum permissible TRP limits are specified in RSS-199.

6.3 Subscriber equipment

31. Maximum e.i.r.p. limits for subscriber equipment (e.g. mobile, portable and fixed subscriber equipment) are specified in RSS-199. This equipment should use automatic transmit power control such that stations operate on the minimum required power.

6.4 Power measurement settings

32. The specified power values in sections 6.1 and 6.2 shall be measured during any continuous transmission time using a measurement instrument calibrated in terms of root-mean-square equivalent voltage.

6.5 Transmitter unwanted emission limits

33. The unwanted emissions of equipment transmitting in the band 2500-2690 MHz shall comply with the limits specified in RSS-199.

34. In accordance with the document entitled Decisions on a Band Plan for Broadband Radio Service (BRS) and Consultation on a Policy and Technical Framework to License Spectrum in the Band 2500-2690 MHz, all site-specific multipoint communication service (MCS) licences in Manitoba are grandfathered. In addition, certain CRTC licence-exempt broadcasting stations are subject to transition. Furthermore, fixed-service licensees (non-BRS licensees) in Alberta, British Columbia and Québec are subject to displacement. The specific policy provisions and information, including the locations of these systems, are provided in the aforementioned document. Also, an updated list of these systems can be found in the document entitled Licensing Framework for Broadband Radio Service (BRS) – 2500 MHz Band.

35. The coordination requirements in this section apply to all BRS base and fixed stations. A station that requires coordination shall not be placed in operation until an agreement has been reached.

36. Unless a sharing agreement is already in place, a licensee must coordinate with other licensees before deployment of its station if:

1. the shortest distance between neighbouring licensed service area boundaries is less than 120 km; and
2. the power flux density (pfd) produced by the licensee’s station at ground level anywhere in the neighbouring service areas exceeds -116 dBW/m²/MHz.

In this case, the deployment of BRS base or fixed stations is subject to successful coordination between affected licensees in accordance with the process laid out from paragraph 37 to 46.

37. The licensee must notify the other licensee(s) of its intention to deploy the facility(ies), and submit the information necessary to conduct an interference analysis. A list of suggested data elements is given in annex A.

38. Pfd is calculated using accepted engineering practices, taking into account factors such as propagation loss, antenna directivity toward the service area boundary, and curvature of the Earth.

39. Licensees are encouraged to arrive at mutually acceptable sharing agreements that would allow for the provision of service by each licensee within its service area to the maximum extent possible.

40. Licensees are expected to take full advantage of interference mitigation techniques, such as antenna discrimination, polarization, frequency offset, shielding, site selection, frequency selection and power control, to facilitate the coordination of systems.

41. If a licence is transferred, assigned or reissued, any existing agreement(s) that formed the basis of coordination shall continue to apply with respect to the new licensee unless a new agreement is reached.

42. In the event that a mutually acceptable agreement cannot be concluded between licensees, the licensee seeking coordination may ask ISED to facilitate resolution of the case. A station that requires coordination shall not be placed in operation until an agreement has been reached.

43. A pfd level of -116 dBW/m²/MHz may be exceeded at or beyond a licensee’s service area boundary on a provisional basis where there is no neighbouring licensee within 120 km from its service area boundary. However, in the event that a new licensee is authorized within 120 km of the service area boundary of an existing licensee, the latter will be required to meet the pfd at the new licensee’s service area boundary, unless otherwise agreed with the new licensee.

44. Any BRS base station or fixed station will require further coordination with relevant licensees where any proposed modifications:

1. result in a pfd at or beyond the other service area boundary exceeding a pfd level of -116 dBW/m²/MHz
2. involve operation on frequencies not previously coordinated
3. change the polarization

45. System expansion measures such as the addition of cells, cell splitting and sectorization must not force major changes in the system of other licensees, except by mutual agreement between the affected parties. Changes that would have potential impacts on other licensees, including cell site locations, cell sectorization and cell splitting, require consultation with the other licensees.

46. All results of the analyses concerning the pfd and the agreements made between licensees must be retained by the licensees and made available to ISED upon request.

47. Where an interference conflict resulting from the operation of two BRS systems operating in adjacent blocks occurs (even though the technical specifications of this SRSP and RSS-199 are being met), licensees are directed to resolve the conflicts through mutual arrangements between the affected parties following consultation and coordination.

48. When potential conflicts between systems cannot be resolved, ISED shall be so advised, whereupon, following consultations with the parties concerned, the Department will determine the necessary modifications and/or schedule of modifications.

49. Coordination may be required with licensees in adjacent bands. In this context, coordination involves consultation between licensees to ensure coexistence between systems in adjacent bands.

50. Where an interference conflict resulting from the operation of systems in the band 2500-2690 MHz and radio systems in adjacent bands occurs, licensees are directed to resolve the conflicts through mutual arrangements between the affected parties following consultation and coordination.

51. When potential conflicts between systems cannot be resolved in a timely fashion, ISED shall be so advised. Following consultations with the parties concerned, ISED will determine the necessary course of action.

10.1 Radio systems operating below 2500 MHz in the mobile-satellite service (MSS)

52. It is noted that there are mobile-satellite service (MSS) downlink operations in the band 2483.5-2500 MHz. Licensees in the band 2500-2690 MHz may be required to coordinate with licensed facilities of the mobile-satellite service.

10.2 Radio systems operating above 2690 MHz

53. This section outlines the services operating above 2690 MHz with which BRS licensees must coexist.

10.2.1 Radio astronomy service

54. Canada has two radio astronomy observatories: one in Penticton, British Columbia, and the other in Algonquin Park, Ontario. The radio astronomy service (RAS) has primary allocation in the band 2690-2700 MHz. Although technical requirements are not needed at this time to safeguard Canadian radio astronomy observatories operating in the band 2690-2700 MHz, BRS licensees in the band 2500-2690 MHz must ensure that these sites are protected from harmful interference should any future requirements emerge (e.g., BRS licensees may be required to coordinate with any fixed or base station within a specified distance from the observatories).

10.2.2 Radiodetermination services

55. It is noted that ground-based radar operations for aeronautical radionavigation services or meteorological purposes are allowed in the band 2700-2900 MHz. Shore-based radar operations for maritime radionavigation services are allowed in the band 2850-2900 MHz. Licensees in the band 2500-2690 MHz may be required to coordinate with licensed radar facilities.

56. Canadian licensees in the frequency band 2500-2690 MHz which operate stations near the Canada-United States border are subject to requirements to coordinate with U.S. licensees. The current requirements are stated below. These requirements are subject to change from time to time in accordance with international agreements and arrangements.

57. The coordination procedure is set out in annex B of this SRSP. Licensees must carry out the coordination procedure with respect to any new station if:

1. it is located at a distance less than 120 km from the Canada-United States border; and
2. the pfd produced by the station at ground level anywhere in the other country’s territory exceeds -116 dBW/m²/MHz.

58. Existing stations that were successfully coordinated or notified prior to June 25, 2002, shall be permitted to continue operations under the terms and conditions of those coordinations or notifications. Stations more than 80 km from the border that were licensed prior to June 25, 2002, may continue to operate in accordance with the parameters of their existing authorizations without further coordination requirements. However, coordination will be required if any change in polarization or other modifications to such stations increase the potential for interference to other stations.

59. Canadian licensees are encouraged to enter into agreements with U.S. licensees (Agreements) to facilitate coordination which should:

1. allow for the reasonable and timely development of the respective systems of the licensees
2. allow for the provision of services by each licensee within its licensed service area to the maximum extent possible
3. utilize all available interference mitigation techniques where applicable, such as antenna directivity, polarization, frequency offset, shielding, site selection and/or power control
4. continue to apply to any subordinate licensees or transferees

60. ISED requires any licensee that receives a licence by way of transfer or subordination to comply with the terms of any Agreement relating to a station unless a new Agreement is reached.

61. Licensees must retain all data and calculations related to coordination of stations and/or Agreements and must provide ISED with such data and calculations, along with other supporting documentation upon request.

To facilitate coordination, a list of system parameters should be provided, including but not limited to the following:

• licensee information (corporate name/mailing address/telephone number/email)
• licensed service areas
• point of contact
• location of transmitter (community/province/territory)
• geographic coordinates of transmitting antenna
• equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) (dBW/MHz or dBm/MHz)
• ground elevation and antenna height above ground (m)
• centre frequency (MHz)
• antenna polarization
• antenna pattern/tabulation of the pattern
• azimuth of the maximum antenna gain
• bandwidth and emission designation

Notes:

1. These parameters are for the coordination of the base stations.
2. Interference mitigation may involve various techniques including those cited in paragraph 40.

When coordination with U.S. licensees is required, Canadian licensees must complete the process outlined below.

The licensee seeking coordination shall determine the maximum power flux density (pfd) value at and beyond the border that could be produced by any single transmitting station. In making this determination (calculation), the licensee shall use good engineering practices and generally accepted terrain sensitive propagation models.

The licensee must communicate with any affected U.S. licensee and either enter into an Agreement as defined in the Standard Radio System Plan (SRSP) or provide the U.S. licensee with a Coordination Request.

A Coordination Request shall set out information and parameters including but not limited to the following:

• licensee information (corporate name/mailing address/telephone number/email)
• licensed service areas
• point of contact
• location of transmitter (community/province/territory)
• geographic coordinates of transmitting antenna
• equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) (dBW/MHz or dBm/MHz)
• ground elevation and antenna height above ground (m)
• centre frequency (MHz)
• antenna polarization
• antenna pattern/tabulation of the pattern
• azimuth of the maximum antenna gain
• bandwidth and emission designation

The Coordination Request shall be sent by registered mail (or mutually acceptable method) and shall provide notification that the recipient may respond by registered mail (or mutually acceptable method) within 30 days of its receipt to state any objection to deployment of the proposed facilities. It should be noted that the date of postmark shall be taken as the date of response. If no objection is raised by the U.S. licensee within this time period, then the coordination process may be considered complete.

If a recipient of a Coordination Request raises an objection within 30 days of receipt of that request, licensees shall collaborate to develop a mutually acceptable solution to the potential interference problem (an Agreement).

In the event that the Canadian licensee and the U.S. licensee cannot reach an Agreement within 30 days of receipt of an objection, the licensee may request that ISED facilitate resolution of the case with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States.

A station that requires coordination shall not be placed in operation until an Agreement has been reached between the relevant licensees or until ISED and the FCC have agreed on sharing terms.

In cases where there is no licensee within 120 km on the opposite side of the border, no station of the proposed system shall produce a pfd at or beyond the border that exceeds -116 dBW/m²/MHz, unless agreed to by both ISED and the FCC.