GL-10

In June 2019, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), on behalf of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, published a Decision on Releasing Millimetre Wave Spectrum to Support 5G (“the Decision”) through Canada Gazette notice SLPB-003-19. Furthermore, in April 2021, ISED released SAB-002-21, Moratorium on the Licensing of Earth Stations in the Frequency Bands 26.5-28.35 GHz and 37.5-40.0 GHz in Certain Areas. Through the Decision, ISED indicated that it will consult on the licensing framework for flexible use, update earth station licensing rules and develop coordination rules in the future. As well, ISED stated that until the earth station licensing rules and coordination rules are finalized, earth stations in the millimetre wave bands will be licensed in accordance with an interim licensing guideline. Therefore, ISED will be applying the interim rules specified in this document to facilitate the licensing of Earth exploration-satellite service (EESS) and space research service (SRS) earth stations in the frequency band 26.5-27.0 GHz, and fixed-satellite service (FSS) earth stations in the frequency bands 27.0-27.5 GHz and 37.5-40.0 GHz.

This guideline will be used in all cases where prospective licensees apply to ISED to seek authorizations for EESS and SRS earth stations in the frequency band 26.5-27.0 GHz, and FSS earth stations in the frequency bands 27.0-27.5 GHz and 37.5-40.0 GHz.

This guideline will remain in effect until ISED adopts earth station licensing and coordination rules to facilitate sharing between EESS/SRS/FSS earth stations and flexible use systems. Other licensing requirements for earth station applications (such as those specified in CPC-2-6-01, Procedure for the Submission of Applications for Spectrum Licences and Site Approvals for Earth Stations Requiring Site Approval) and all the relevant provisions of the Radiocommunication Act and Radiocommunication Regulations continue to apply.

As indicated in the Decision, ISED recognizes the important and often critical role of satellite communications in providing connectivity in rural and remote areas such as the North. To facilitate earth station deployment in these areas, ISED intends to consult, through the licensing framework consultation, on a set of specific areas that could be afforded some flexibility when applying the licensing and coordination rules. In GL-10, issue 3, flexibility is provided to earth stations operating in certain areas. Annex A contains a preliminary list of Tier 4 service areas in which earth stations are exempted from certain provisions. Given that this list is subject to future consultation, the flexibility provided to earth stations operating in these service areas (including relaxation of certain rules or exemption from certain provisions; see section 3) is on a provisional basis. Depending on the result of the consultation, these earth stations may be required to comply with additional provisions, including those from which they are currently exempt. Note that although Tier 4 service areas are used throughout this document, the decision on flexible use licence areas will be developed through an upcoming licensing framework consultation.

Authorization for an earth station obtained under GL-10, issue 3, may also be subject to the licensing and coordination rules to be established in the future. ISED intends to gather experience on the use of this guideline to develop the licensing and coordination rules, and may modify this guideline as required. The terms used in GL-10, issue 3, are defined in table 1 below.

An application for a receiving EESS, SRS and FSS earth station licence in the frequency bands 26.5-27.0 GHz and 37.5-40.0 GHz, or an application for a transmitting FSS earth station licence in the frequency band 27.0-27.5 GHz must include a receive contour or a transmit contour. A contour is required for each relevant frequency block in the 26.5-27.5 GHz and 37.5-40.0 GHz. The band plans are illustrated in figures 1 and 2, respectively. For the purpose of applying this guideline, the frequency band 37.5-37.6 GHz shall be treated as an individual 100 MHz frequency block.

Figure 1: Fixed and mobile services band plan for the frequency band 26.5-27.5 GHz

Figure 2: Fixed and mobile services band plan for the frequency band 37.6-40.0 GHz

As indicated in the Decision, ISED will develop coordination rules using a population-impact based approach to enable coexistence between flexible use stations and satellite earth stations in the millimetre wave bands. Specifically, this approach will set limits on earth station deployment such that its deployment would not affect a material amount of the population in a given flexible use licence area.

For transmitting earth stations, ISED could establish exclusion zones where flexible use systems would not be able to claim protection unless an agreement is reached between the licensees.

For receiving earth stations, protection zones could be established where flexible use systems would only be able to deploy upon successful coordination with earth station licensees.

In order to establish these zones, the transmit/receive contours described below could be used. Additional coordination rules could also be developed. ISED will develop proposed coordination rules through consultation with stakeholders.

Aside from the requirements described in this guideline, to obtain a licence, earth station applicants must satisfy the requirements outlined in CPC-2-6-01.

3.1 Acceptable transmit/receive contours

The following sections describe requirements for acceptable receiver and transmit contours.

3.1.1 Receive contour

For all receiving earth stations regardless of their locations, the applicant must submit a contour in the shape of a simple polygon specifying a region around the receiving earth station using the method described in annex B.

Contours submitted to ISED must be in Well-Known Text (.wkt) electronic format. The applicant must also complete and attach the table in annex C, which describes the assumptions and parameters used to generate the contour.

3.1.2 Transmit contour

For all transmitting earth stations regardless of their locations, the applicant must submit a contour in the shape of a simple polygon specifying a region beyond which the aggregate power flux density (PFD) of the proposed transmitting earth station and any other existing authorized co-located transmitting earth stations does not exceed, for more than 10% of the time, a value of -77.6 dBm/m²/MHz at 10 metres above ground level that is generated using the method described in annex B.

Contours submitted to ISED must be in Well-Known Text (.wkt) electronic format. The applicant must also complete and attach the table in annex C, which describes the assumptions and parameters used to generate the contour.

Where an applicant’s proposed earth station is co-located with one or more other existing authorized or pending earth station, the applicant is encouraged to contact the operator(s) of the existing authorized and/or pending earth stations for information relating to their contours.

Recognizing that the transmit contour is estimated using engineering models, ISED may request a transmitting earth station licensee to demonstrate compliance through field measurements, if necessary.

In the event that the emissions from transmitting earth stations exceed the limit or cause harmful interference to flexible use systems operating in the same area, ISED may also require adjustment to radio and auxiliary equipment in radio stations to enable coexistence. ISED may conduct a review of the transmit contours submitted with earth station authorizations on a case-by-case basis.

3.2 Further requirements for the transmit/receive contours

For proposed earth stations located in a Tier 4 service area listed in annex A, the licence applicant is required to provide an analysis at the time the application is submitted to demonstrate that the following requirements are satisfied for each flexible use frequency block in which the proposed earth station will operate:

• Maximum radius and area of the transmit/receive contour: The maximum radius of the transmit/receive contour (i.e. the maximum distance between the location of the earth station and the edge of the contour) should be less than 30 km. The area of the transmit/receive contour should be less than 315 km². If the maximum radius of the transmit/receive contour is greater than 30 km or the area of the transmit/receive contour is greater than 315 km², authorization may be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration justifications submitted by the applicant that may include, but are not limited to:
  • the engineering calculations and assumptions used to produce the contour
  • the impact on any nearby populated areas
  • the rationale for siting the earth station at the location specified
  • demonstration that the proposed earth station would not unnecessarily encumber future fixed and mobile services operating in the same frequency block(s)

For proposed earth stations located in a Tier 4 service area not listed in annex A, the licence applicant is required to provide an analysis at the time the application is submitted to demonstrate that all the following operational requirements are satisfied for each flexible use frequency block in which the proposed earth station will operate:

• Maximum radius and area of the transmit/receive contour: The maximum radius of the transmit/receive contour (i.e. the maximum distance between the location of the earth station and edge of the contour) should be less than or equal to 10 km. The area of the transmit/receive contour should be less than 100 km². If the maximum radius of the transmit/receive contour is greater than 10 km or the area of the transmit/receive contour is greater than 100 km², authorization may be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration justifications submitted by the applicant that may include, but are not limited to:
  • the engineering calculations and assumptions used to produce the contour
  • the impact on any nearby populated areas
  • the rationale for siting the earth station at the location specified
  • demonstration that the proposed earth station would not unnecessarily encumber future fixed and mobile services operating in the same frequency block(s)
• Siting restrictions: In accordance with SAB-002-21, a proposed earth station cannot be located within the boundaries of Tier 4 service area 4-051 (Montreal), 4-077 (Toronto) or 4-152 (Vancouver); an LPC; or an MPC.
• Avoidance of some Tier 4 service areas and LPCs: In accordance with SAB-002-21, the proposed earth station’s transmit/receive contour must not overlap Tier 4 service area 4-051 (Montreal), 4-077 (Toronto) or 4-152 (Vancouver), and/or an LPC in another tier.
• Avoidance of major infrastructure: The transmit/receive contour must not overlap any major infrastructure within a relevant census metropolitan area (CMA) as described in annex D.
• Incremental population limit: The incremental population that is affected by the authorization of the proposed earth station, as calculated using the transmit/receive contour and the method described in annex E, must be less than or equal to the maximum permitted incremental population limit of 2,500 people, as specified in table 2 below.

• Aggregate population limit: For each flexible use frequency block in a Tier 4 service area, the aggregate population overlapped by the contours of all existing licensed earth stations and the proposed earth station must be less than or equal to the maximum aggregate population limit in table 2 below for each Tier 4 service area overlapped by the proposed earth station’s contour.
   

Note: A description of the Tier 4 service areas with corresponding aggregate population limits per flexible use frequency block is provided in annex F using population data available at this time. Going forward, determination of the aggregate Tier 4 population limits for earth station licensing shall be based on the most up-to-date population census data made available by ISED at the time the earth station licence application is submitted.

To assist in the licensing application process, a checklist to help applicants demonstrate compliance with the above requirements is included in tables G1 and G2 of annex G. In addition, examples demonstrating compliance with requirements described in this guideline are included in annex H.

ISED may review the submitted transmit/receive contours and work with operators to ensure the submitted contours are generated in conformance with annex B, if necessary.

3.3 Meeting the requirements

All applicants for an earth station licence who meet the requirements outlined in GL-10, issue 3 will be eligible for a licence with the standard terms and conditions.

Where the proposed transmitting or receiving earth station does not meet all of the conditions in this guideline but does meet the other applicable requirements, ISED may consider authorizing the earth station(s) on a no-interference, no-protection basis with respect to future flexible use licensees operating in the same frequency block on a case-by-case basis. In such instances, ISED may impose certain specific conditions on the authorization.

Earth stations licensed in the 26.5-27.5 GHz frequency range in accordance with GL-10, issue 1 and issue 2, are not required to submit new applications to show compliance with GL-10, issue 3.

Applications for earth stations operating millimetre wave bands submitted but not authorized prior to the publication of GL-10, issue 3 will be licensed in accordance with this interim licensing guideline.

Modifications to any existing licences, including those for earth stations licensed under GL-10, issue 1 and 2 , may be permitted, provided that licensees:

• submit updated transmit/receive contours, as appropriate (described in section 3.1 and 3.2)
• remain in compliance with their current conditions of licence, and
• ensure that the proposed modifications do not result in increased potential for interference to future flexible use licensees.

To demonstrate that there is no increase in potential for interference, an applicant must provide and demonstrate the following:

• Frequency required: The overlapped flexible use frequency block is the same as those listed in the existing licence for the corresponding earth station.
• Updated transmit/receive contour, as appropriate: The transmit/receive contour, as appropriate, resulting from the modification of the earth station licence or addition of a co-located earth station has no part falling outside the area covered by the contour for the original earth station.

To assist in the licensing application process, a checklist to help demonstrate compliance with the above requirements is included in table G3 of annex G.

For a detailed explanation, see section 3.

B.1 Method for generating the receive contour

The receive contour shall be generated for each flexible use frequency block (refer to figures 1 and 2 in section 3) that is overlapped by the proposed earth station’s operating frequencies. The applicant may select the protection criteria (e.g. I/N or C/I) that is appropriate for their particular earth station. Applicants are expected to use best engineering practices that take into account factors such as the effect of terrain and man-made and natural obstructions, to the extent possible.

ISED recognizes that standards for deploying flexible use systems are not yet developed. Therefore, for the purposes of modelling the receive contour, applicants may use the following technical parameters to model flexible use systems in the fixed/mobile service:

• Fixed services: Parameters described in SRSP-338.6, Technical Requirements for Fixed Radio Systems Operating in the Band 38.6-40.0 GHz
• Mobile services:
  • Maximum EIRP* of 55 dBm/MHz or TRP** of 40 dBm for base stations
  • Maximum EIRP of 43 dBm or TRP of 23 dBm for portable (mobile) devices
  • Maximum EIRP of 55 dBm or TRP of 40 dBm for transportable devices

It should be noted that the above technical parameters are offered for guidance and do not necessarily represent technical parameters that will be implemented in future flexible use system technical standards.

*EIRP: Equivalent isotropically radiated power

**TRP: Total radiated power

B.2 Method for generating the transmit contour (applicable to all earth stations)

The transmit contour shall be generated based on the aggregate emissions of all co-located transmitting earth stations using any portion of the same flexible use service frequency block (refer to figures 1 and 2 in section 3) that is overlapped by the proposed earth station’s operating frequencies. Applicants are expected to use best engineering practices that take into account factors such as the effect of terrain and man-made and natural obstructions, to the extent possible. In addition, the transmit contour shall be modelled:

1. for a PFD value of -77.6 dBm/m² at 10 m above ground level in 1 MHz that is exceeded for no more than 10% of the time
2. using the technical parameters (e.g. transmit power, antenna gain) for each co-located earth station in the 1 MHz portion of the flexible use service frequency block that would produce the maximum peak aggregated PFD

Figure B1 gives an example to illustrate the application criteria b), above. In this example, there are four co-located earth stations operating on different portions of the same flexible use service frequency block. Figure B1 depicts the different emissions for each earth station. Each emission could have different technical characteristics and overlap in different portions of the flexible use service frequency block. The maximum peak aggregated PFD is most likely to occur in the 1 MHz frequency block where multiple emissions overlap. In this example, two candidates are highlighted in yellow for illustration: a 10 MHz and 5 MHz frequency segment. Supposing that the maximum peak aggregated PFD would occur in the 5 MHz segment, the applicant would generate the transmit contour using emissions A2, B2 and C1 in that 5 MHz segment.

Figure B1: Example depicting the emissions of four co-located earth stations operating in the same frequency block

Applicants are required to submit information describing the parameters and assumptions used to generate their contours in each frequency block using the appropriate templates in tables C1a-b or C2a-d below. If the values of the parameters are identical to those that appear in the licence application(s), this should be indicated. Whenever possible, the applicant should use the actual parameters that reflect real operation and provide justification.

Transmit power

The transmit power used to generate the contour should align with the value used during actual operation (i.e. clear-sky conditions). If the transmit power differs from the maximum peak envelope power on the licence application for an earth station, a detailed explanation is required.

Terrain/Clutter/Shielding

Terrain data such as SRTM (refer to NASA – Shuttle Radar Topography Mission) or ASTER GDEM (refer to NASA – ASTER Global Digital Elevation Map) are publicly available. Therefore, an applicant is required to take terrain into account when developing the contour. ISED requires the use of terrain data base with a 90 m resolution or less.

Where land use clutter data is available, the applicant should include the clutter data in the simulation. Otherwise, the applicant should use an appropriate clutter model depending on the environment in which the earth station is located and indicate which of the methods were used in the simulation. When using non-statistical clutter models like ITU-R P.452, relevant parameters such as clutter categories should be provided. When using a statistical model like ITU-R P.2108 in an urban and suburban environment, relevant parameters such as the p value should be provided. The applicant should also explain why the chosen model is appropriate and provide justification for the parameters selected.

If shielding is installed around an earth station, applicants are encouraged to model the effects. The applicant should give a detailed explanation of how the shielding was modeled (i.e. type of shielding, type of material, expected attenuation in dB, etc.)  

Earth station communicating with non-geostationary satellite orbits space station

The applicant should indicate the number of active antennas that their earth station would use to transmit to its associated space stations. For the purpose of generating a contour, the PFD level at a specific location should include the contribution of emissions from all the earth station’s antennas. The tracking strategies used in generating the contour should be specified.

*For technical models, include versions number, where applicable.

*For technical models, include versions number, where applicable.

*For technical models include versions number, where applicable.

*For technical models include versions number, where applicable.

*For technical models include versions number, where applicable.

*For technical models include versions number, where applicable.

For the purposes of applying this guideline, major infrastructure includes, but is not limited to, any of the following that resides inside the boundaries of a census metropolitan area (CMA) (for these purposes, as defined by Statistics Canada):

• major roadways (see table D1)
• stadiums or arenas in which professional sports teams play
• international airports
• urban mass transit routes such as bus rapid or rail transit (e.g. subways, light-rail, Go trains)
• cruise ship ports

The infrastructure listed above is not an exhaustive list. Infrastructure, such as roadways or major event venues, may be added at the discretion of spectrum management officers in district offices who have more detailed knowledge of local infrastructure.