GL-10

Interim Guideline for Licensing of Earth Stations in the Fixed-Satellite, Earth Exploration-Satellite and Space Research Services in the Frequency Bands 26.5-28.35 GHz and 37.5-40.0 GHz

Issue 2
April 2021

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Preface

Interim guideline GL-10, Interim Guideline for Licensing of Earth Stations in the Fixed-Satellite, Earth Exploration-Satellite and Space Research Services in the Frequency Bands 26.5-28.35 GHz and 37.5-40.0 GHz, is hereby modified to clarify the technical criteria used in generating earth station contours and improve rules related to geographic restrictions of satellite earth stations. These updates are based on experience gathered applying this guideline since its adoption.

Modifications include:

  • Updating the single earth station population limit
  • Replacing the limit on the number of earth stations with an aggregate earth station population limit
  • Clarifying technical criteria used to generate contours
  • Adding a requirement to submit technical parameters and assumptions used to generate contours

The above modifications do not change the total population that could be affected by all earth stations licensed in a Tier 4 service area that was indicated in GL-10, issue 1.

In addition, issue 2 provides details on the new geographic restrictions imposed in 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.

As stated in the background of this document, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) will consult on the licensing framework for flexible use, update earth station licensing rules and develop coordination rules in the future. Until the earth station licensing rules and coordination rules are finalized, earth stations in the millimetre wave bands will be licensed in accordance with the interim licensing guideline GL-10, issue 2.

This interim guideline, GL-10, issue 2, replaces GL-10, issue 1.

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

Martin Proulx
Director General
Engineering, Planning and Standards Branch

1. Background

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 27.0-28.35 GHz and 37.5-40.0 GHz.

2. Intent

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 27.0-28.35 GHz and 37.5-40.0 GHz, and where current licensees request amendments to existing satellite earth station licences as listed in annexes A and B of this document. This guideline also describes the requirements for existing licensees who must provide information on their operations relating to their transmit contours as discussed in the Decision.

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 to License Fixed Earth Stations and to Approve the Use of Foreign Satellites in Canada) 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 2, flexibility is provided to earth stations operating in certain areas. Annex C 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 2, 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 2, are defined in table 1, below.

Table 1: List of definitions
Term Definition
Census metropolitan area (CMA) For the purposes of applying this guideline, the Statistics Canada definition of census metropolitan area (CMA) applies.

For details refer to Dictionary, Census of Population, 2016.
Co-located earth station For the purposes of applying this guideline, an earth station is considered co-located with existing earth station(s) if the transmit/receive contour of the proposed earth station overlaps the transmit/receive contour of the existing earth station(s), regardless of whether these earth stations are located at the same site.
Incremental contour For a scenario where the proposed earth station location is not co-located with any existing authorized earth stations, the incremental contour is the same as the transmit/receive contour of the proposed earth station.

For a scenario where the proposed earth station is co-located with existing authorized earth stations, the incremental contour is the portion of the proposed earth station's transmit/receive contour that is not already covered by the transmit/receive contour of the existing authorized earth stations.

For more information, refer to annex G.
Incremental population The incremental population is the population within the incremental contour.

For more information, refer to annex G.
Large population centres (LPC) For the purposes of applying this guideline, the Statistics Canada definition for a large urban population centre applies: a centre with a population of 100,000 or more.

For details, refer to Dictionary, Census of Population, 2016.
Major infrastructure See annex F.
Major roadway See annex F.
Maximum radius of the transmit/receive contour The maximum radius of the transmit/receive contour is the maximum distance between the location of the earth station and the edge of the transmit/receive contour.
Medium population centre (MPC) For the purposes of applying this guideline, the Statistics Canada definition for a medium population centre applies: a centre with a population between 30,000 and 99,999.

For details, refer to Dictionary, Census of Population, 2016.
Receive contour The receive contour is intended to represent a region within which there is a potential that the operation of a flexible use service system may cause harmful interference to the operation of the earth station.
Simple polygon A simple polygon is a shape consisting of straight, non-intersecting line segments or “sides” that are joined pair-wise to form a closed shape with no holes.
Spectrum grid cell As defined in Service areas for competitive licensing, issue 4, October 2015: The minimum size of the grid cell is 1 minute latitude × 1 minute longitude. Larger square grid cells, e.g. 3 minute × 3 minute cells or 15 minute × 15 minute cells, are implemented for interiors of service areas where fine granularity is not required.
Transmit contour The transmit contour is intended to represent a region within which flexible use service systems may experience harmful interference from the emissions of the proposed earth station.

3. Licensing guidelines for new earth stations

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 27.0-28.35 GHz must include a receive contour or a transmit contour. A contour is required for each relevant frequency block in the 26.5-28.35 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 26.5-28.35 GHz

Fixed and mobile services band plan for the frequency band 26.5-28.35 GHz (the long description is located below the image)
Description of figure 1

This figure shows the fixed and mobile services band plan for the 26.5 GHz to 28.35 GHz frequency band. It shows that the frequency range 26.5 GHz to 28.3 GHz is divided into 18 consecutive blocks of 100 MHz (labelled as frequency blocks A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, P, Q, R, S and T), with one remaining block of 50 MHz in the frequency range 28.3 GHz to 28.35 GHz (labelled as frequency block U).

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

Fixed and mobile services band plan for the frequency band 37.6-40.0 GHz (the long description is located below the image)
Description of figure 2

This figure shows the fixed and mobile services band plan for the 37.6-40.0 GHz frequency band. It shows that the frequency range 37.0 GHz to 37.6 GHz is labelled as “To be determined.” The frequency range from 37.6 GHz to 40.0 GHz is divided into 24 consecutive blocks of 100 MHz (labelled as frequency blocks A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z).

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 D.

Contours submitted to ISED must be in electronic format (e.g. .kmz, .kml, .shp). The applicant must also complete and attach the table in annex E, 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 D.

Contours submitted to ISED must be in electronic format (e.g. .kmz, .kml, .shp). The applicant must also complete and attach the table in annex E, 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 C, 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 C, 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 F.
  • 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 G, 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.
Table 2: Incremental and aggregate population limits in each flexible use frequency block and Tier 4 service area
Population of the Tier 4 service area where the proposed earth station is located Incremental earth station population limit that could be affected by the authorization of the proposed earth station (see note below), per flexible use frequency block in the Tier 4 service area where the proposed earth station is located Maximum permitted aggregate population that could be affected by the authorization of the proposed earth station (see note below), per flexible use frequency block in the Tier 4 service area where the proposed earth station is located
Greater than 500,000 people 2,500 people 25,000 people
Between 100,000 and 500,000 people 2,500 people 5% of the Tier 4 population
Less than 100,000 people 2,500 people 5,000 people

Note: A description of the Tier 4 service areas with corresponding aggregate population limits per flexible use frequency block is provided in annex H 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 I1 and I2 of annex I. In addition, examples demonstrating compliance with requirements described in this guideline are included in annex J.

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

3.3 Meeting the requirements

All applicants for an earth station licence who meet the requirements outlined in GL-10, issue 2 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.

4. Contour information requirement for existing licensees listed in annexes A and B

As discussed in the Decision, to balance the need to ensure the spectrum is used efficiently and to recognize the infrastructure investments made by existing earth station licensees listed in annexes A and B, ISED will allow their continued operations for an extended period of time.  

All existing earth station licensees listed in annexes A and B were required to submit their transmit contour described in section 3.1.2 above by December 2019 as stated in GL-10, issue 1.

ISED may review the material and work with licensees to ensure the submitted contours are generated in conformance with the method described in annex D.

5. Earth stations licensed or submitted prior to the publication of GL-10, issue 2

Earth stations licensed in accordance with GL-10, issue 1, are not required to submit new applications to show compliance with GL-10, issue 2.  

Applications for earth stations operating millimetre wave bands submitted but not authorized prior to the publication of GL-10, issue 2 will be licensed in accordance with this interim licensing guideline.

6. Applications to modify an existing licence

Modifications to any existing licences, including the earth stations licensed in accordance with section 3, earth stations licensed in accordance with GL-10, issue 1, and those listed in annexes A and B that are located in Tier 4 service areas listed in annex C, may be authorized, provided that licensees submit updated transmit/receive contours as appropriate (described in section 3.1 and 3.2) and are otherwise in compliance with their current conditions of licence.

Modifications to any existing licences, including the earth stations licensed in accordance with section 3, earth stations licensed in accordance with GL-10, issue 1, and those listed in annexes A and B that are not located in Tier 4 service areas listed in annex C, may be permitted, provided that licensees submit updated transmit/receive contours as appropriate (described in section 3.1 and 3.2), are otherwise in compliance with their current conditions of licence, and their 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 I3 of annex I.

Annex A: List of earth stations licensed prior to June 5, 2017, or earth stations with applications pending approval as of June 5, 2017

List of earth stations licensed prior to June 5, 2017, or earth stations whose applications were pending approval as of June 5, 2017
Company name Licence # Tier 4 service area Location Longitude Latitude Frequency (GHz) Flexible use frequency block(s)
Hughes Network Systems Canada 010308797-002 4-086: London/Woodstock/St. Thomas London, ON 81°W12’0.4” 42°N55’23.9” 27.52763-27.76363,
27.76388-27.99988,
28.00013-28.23613,
28.23638-28.47238
L, M, N, P, Q, R, S, T, U
Hughes Network Systems Canada 010311081-001 4-124: Regina White City, SK 104°W23’24.7” 50°N26’57.7” 27.52763-27.76363,
27.76388-27.99988,
28.00013-28.23613,
28.23638-28.47238
L, M, N, P, Q, R, S, T, U
Inmarsat Solutions (Canada) Inc. 010304770-001 4-111: Winnipeg Winnipeg, MB 97°W02’44” 49°N51’32” 27.5-27.6,
27.625-27.725,
27.75-27.85,
27.875-27.975,
28.00425-28.00975,
28.024-28.056,
28.064-28.096,
28.104-28.136,
28.144-28.176,
28.184-28.216,
28.224-28.256,
28.264-28.296,
28.304-28.336,
28.344-28.376
L, M, N, P, Q, R, S, T, U
Telesat Canada 010000233-001 4-146: Fort McMurray Fort McMurray, AB 111°W19’59” 56°N40’16” 28.0985-28.164,
28.35-28.4125
R, S, U
Telesat Canada 010000809-001 4-125: Saskatoon Saskatoon, SK 106°W40’11” 52°N05’09” 28.0985-28.164,
28.1-28.1625,
28.1625-28.225,
28.225-28.2875,
28.2875-28.35
R, S, T, U
Telesat Canada 010001551-001 4-001: St. John’s St. John's, NL 52°W47’36” 47°N32’34” 28.10565-28.15685,
28.16815-28.21935,
28.23065-28.28185,
28.29315-28.34435
S, T, U
Telesat Canada 010740878-001 4-081: Kincardine Allan Park, ON 80°W56’08” 44°N10’29” 27.4998-27.5042,
28.3478-28.3522
K, L, U
WildBlue Communications Canada 010001269-001 4-111: Winnipeg Winnipeg, MB 97°W02’43” 49°N51’32” 28.10000-29.10000 S, T, U
Xplornet 010735923-001 4-141: Edmonton Sherwood Park, AB 113°W17’07.6” 53°N30’44.9” 27.8575-28.0925,
28.1075-28.3425
P, Q, R, S, T, U
Xplornet 010687383-001 4-124: Regina Regina, SK 104°W28’42.5” 50°N26’46.8” 27.8575-28.0925,
28.1075-28.3425
P, Q, R, S, T, U
Source: Based on tables A1 and A2 in annex A of SLPB-003-19, Decision on Releasing Millimetre Wave Spectrum to Support 5G.

Annex B: List of earth stations with applications submitted after June 5, 2017, and before the release of the Decision

List of earth stations with applications submitted after June 5, 2017, and before the release of the Decision
Company name Licence # Tier 4 service area Location Longitude Latitude Frequency (GHz) Flexible use frequency block(s)
Telesat 010762264-001 4-125: Saskatoon Saskatoon, SK 106°W40’08” 52°N05’09” 27.625165-27.758165,
27.62528-27.72628,
27.726565-27.796865,
27.758305-27.812905,
27.796845-27.919845,
27.81288-27.91288,
27.912895-27.961095,
27.919795-28.042795,
27.96112-28.01392,
28.013935-28.057935,
28.042775-28.113075,
28.057985-28.147185,
28.11308-28.13808,
28.138075-28.161375,
28.147245-28.195445,
28.161515-28.322515,
28.195465-28.230665,
28.230675-28.275775,
28.275755-28.318055
28.375015- 28.504015
M, N, P, Q, R, S, T, U
Telesat 010776769-001 4-125: Saskatoon Hague, SK 106°W24’0” 52°N31’18” 27.625165-27.758165,
27.62528-27.72628,
27.726565-27.796865,
27.758305-27.812905,
27.796845-27.919845,
27.81288-27.91288,
27.912895-27.961095,
27.919795-28.042795,
27.96112-28.01392,
28.013935-28.057935,
28.042775-28.113075,
28.057985-28.147185,
28.11308-28.13808,
28.138075-28.161375,
28.147245-28.195445,
28.161515-28.322515,
28.195465-28.230665,
28.230675-28.275775,
28.275755-28.318055,
28.378015-28.501015
M, N, P, Q, R, S, T, U
WorldVu (1021823 B.C.) 010746495-001 4-172: Northwest Territories Inuvik*, NT 133°W3637.35 68°N1934.14 27.5245-27.5255,
27.5285-27.5295
L
Northwestel Inc. 010765286-001 4-171: Nunavut Iqaluit*, NU 68°W30’52” 63°N44’44” 27.624985-27.675385,
27.675355-27.725755,
27.725725-27.776125,
27.776725-27.827125,
27.826465-27.876865,
27.876835-27.927235
M, N, P, Q
Northwestel Inc. 010765285-001 4-171: Nunavut Qikiqtarjuaq*, NU 64°W01’13” 67°N33’41” 28.02501-28.06501 R
Northwestel Inc. 010765284-001 4-171: Nunavut Kimmirut*, NU 69°W52’07” 62°N50’35” 27.98799-28.02499 Q, R
Northwestel Inc. 010765283-001 4-171: Nunavut Grise Fiord*, NU 82°W54’53” 76°N25’12” 27.958355-27.987955 Q
Northwestel Inc. 010765282-001 4-171: Nunavut Clyde River*, NU 68°W35’30” 70°N28’30” 27.869445-27.958345 P, Q
Northwestel Inc. 010765244-001 4-171: Nunavut Pond Inlet*, NU 77°W58’21” 72°N41’43” 27.77315-27.86945 N, P
Northwestel Inc. 010758611-001 4-171: Nunavut Pangnirtung*, NU 65°W42’26” 66°N08’42” 27.625075-27.773075 M, N
*These stations are located in Tier 4 areas listed in annex C.

Source: Based on table A3 in annex A of SLPB-003-19, Decision on Releasing Millimetre Wave Spectrum to Support 5G.

Annex C: Preliminary list of Tier 4 service areas exempted from certain provisions

For a detailed explanation, see section 3.

Preliminary list of Tier 4 service areas exempted from certain provisions
Tier Service area name
4-005 Labrador
4-062 Val-d'Or
4-066 Chibougamau
4-103 Kapuskasing
4-104 Kenora/Sioux Lookout
4-105 Iron Bridge
4-107 Marathon
4-109 Fort Frances
4-112 Lac du Bonnet
4-115 Portage la Prairie
4-117 Creighton/Flin Flon
4-118 Thompson
4-130 Northern Saskatchewan
4-147 Peace River
4-157 Powell River
4-161 Ashcroft
4-164 Williams Lake
4-165 Quesnel/Red Bluff
4-166 Skeena
4-168 Smithers
4-169 Dawson Creek
4-170 Yukon
4-171 Nunavut
4-172 Northwest Territories

Annex D: Method for generating earth station contours

D.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:

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

D.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 D1 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 D1 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 D1: Example depicting the emissions of four co-located earth stations operating in the same frequency block

Earth station emissions

Figure D1: Example depicting the emissions of four co-located earth stations operating in the same frequency block (the long description is located below the image)
Description of figure D1

This figure is an example that illustrates how to select the technical parameters 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.

This example shows four co-located earth stations, called earth stations A through D, operating on the same 100 MHz flexible use service frequency block. The emissions of each earth station span different portions of the 100 MHz frequency block:

  • earth station A operates two emissions, designated A1 and A2
  • earth station B operates two emissions, designated B1 and B2
  • earth station C operates two emissions, designated C1 and C2
  • earth station D operates one emission, designated D1

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, there is a 10 MHz segment where emissions B1, C1 and D1 overlap in frequency, as well as a 5 MHz segment where emissions A2, B2 and C1 overlap in frequency. 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.

Annex E: Required information for describing the list of parameters and assumptions used to generate the contour

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 E1a-b or E2a-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.

Table E1a: Earth station parameters used to generate transmit contour*

Earth station parameter Value (unit) Justification/Comments
Company     
Earth station name/city    
Latitude (deg, min, sec)    
Longitude (deg, min, sec)     
Flexible use frequency block(s)    
Channel bandwidth (MHz)     
Transmit power (dBW)     
Height of the antenna centre above ground level (m)     
Antenna gain (dBi)     
Antenna elevation angle (deg)     
Antenna azimuth (deg)     
Antenna radiation pattern     
Loss in + dB (e.g. waveguide)      
Other parameters (relevant for the simulation/calculation)     
Indicate if the parameters or values of the parameters above are identical to those provided in the licence application(s). If not, provide explanation.

*For technical models, include the version number, where applicable.

Table E1b: Technical assumptions used to generate transmit contour*
Assumption Value (unit) Justification/Comments
Simulation tool/software    
PFD limit (dBm/m2/MHz)    
Time percentage not to exceed the PFD limit (%)    
Height above ground level for which the PFD was calculated (m)    
Propagation model    
Resolution of terrain and/or surface data (at least 90 m resolution or better)    
Clutter model    
Shielding model    
Resolution between grid points used to model the contour    
Other assumptions (relevant for the simulation/calculation)    

*For technical models, include the version number, where applicable.

Table E2a: Earth station parameters used to generate the receive contour*
Earth station parameter Value (unit) Justification/Comments
Company     
Earth station name/city    
Latitude (deg, min, sec)     
Longitude (deg, min, sec)     
Flexible use frequency block(s)    
Channel bandwidth (MHz)     
Receiver system noise (dBm)    
Protection criterion (e.g. I/N) (dB)     
Height of the antenna centre above ground level (m)      
Antenna gain (dBi)     
Antenna elevation angle (deg)     
Antenna azimuth (deg)     
Antenna radiation pattern     
Loss in + dB (e.g. waveguide)     
Other parameters (relevant for the simulation/calculation)    
Indicate if the parameters or values of the parameters above are identical to those provided in the licence application(s).  If not, provide explanation.

*For technical models, include the version number, where applicable.

Table E2b: Technical assumptions used to generate the receive contour*
Assumption Value (unit) Justification/Comments
Simulation tool/software    
Description of flexible use system deployment (e.g. location, number of stations, type of stations, pointing of stations relative to earth station location)    
Propagation model    
Resolution of terrain and/or surface data (at least 90 m resolution or better)    
Clutter model    
Shielding model     
Resolution between grid points used to model the contour    
TDD activity factor    
Other assumptions (relevant for the simulation/calculation)    

*For technical models, include the version number, where applicable.

Table E2c: Base station parameters used to generate the receive contour*
Base station parameter Value (unit) Justification/Comments
Height above ground (m)    
Channel bandwidth (MHz)    
EIRP or TRP (dBm)    
Antenna pattern model    
Antenna downtilt (deg)    
Antenna peak gain (dB)    
Number of antenna elements and horizontal/vertical spacing
(if applicable)
   
Ohmic losses (dB)    
Any other assumptions (relevant for the simulation/calculation)    

*For technical models, include the version number, where applicable.

Table E2d: User equipment parameters used to generate the receive contour*
User equipment (e.g. portable device or consumer premises equipment) parameter Value (unit) Justification/Comments
Height above ground (m)    
Channel bandwidth (MHz)    
EIRP or TRP (dBm)    
Power control model    
Antenna pattern model    
Antenna pointing (e.g. at serving base station)    
Antenna peak gain (dB)    
Number of antenna elements and horizontal/vertical spacing
(if applicable)
   
Ohmic losses (dB)    
Any other assumptions (relevant for the simulation/calculation)    

*For technical models, include the version number, where applicable

Annex F: Description of major infrastructure

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 F1)
  • 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.

Table F1: Core highway networks within the boundaries of Canadian CMAs
Province CMA List of roadways
Alberta Calgary HWY 1 (TCH), HWY 1A, HWY 2, HWY 2A, HWY 8, HWY 9, HWY 22, HWY 22X, HWY 66, HWY 68, HWY 72
Edmonton HWY 2, HWY 2A, HWY 14, HWY 15, HWY 16 (TCH), HWY 16A, HWY 19, HWY 21, HWY 22, HWY 28, HWY 31, HWY 37, HWY 38, HWY 39, HWY 43, HWY 44, HWY 60
Lethbridge HWY 3, HWY 3A, HWY 4, HWY 5, HWY 23, HWY 25
British Columbia Kelowna HWY 33, HWY 97, HWY 97C, HWY 97c, HWY Coquihalla Connector HWY, Okanagan HWY, Old Okanagan HWY
Vancouver HWY 1 (TCH), HWY 1A, HWY 10, HWY 17, HWY 91, HWY 91A, HWY 91 Conn, HWY 99, Burnet HWY, Dollarton HWY, Fraser HWY, Garibaldi HWY, Grandview HWY, Lougheed HWY, Mountain HWY, Scenic HWY, Steveston HWY, Upper Levels HWY, Westminster HWY
Victoria HWY 1 (TCH), Island HWY, Old Island HWY, Patricia Bay HWY
Manitoba Winnipeg PTH 1(TCH), PTH 2, 3, 4, 6,7, 12, 26, 59, Perimeter 100, 101, Centerport Canada Way, Henderson, Oak Point, Old Henderson, Pembina
New Brunswick Moncton HWY 2, HWY 11, HWY 15
Saint John HWY 1, HWY 7
Nova Scotia Halifax HWY 101, HWY 102, HWY 103, HWY 107, HWY 111, HWY 118
Ontario Barrie HWY 11, HWY 20, HWY 26, HWY 89, HWY 400
Belleville HWY 2, HWY 37, HWY 62, HWY 401
Brantford HWY 24, HWY 403
Greater Sudbury HWY 17 (TCH), HWY 69 (TCH), HWY 144
Guelph HWY 6, HWY 7, HWY 401
Hamilton HWY 5, HWY 6, HWY 8, HWY 403, HWY 407, Queen Elizabeth Way, Lakeshore Rd
Kingston HWY 2, HWY 15, HWY 33, HWY 38, HWY 401
Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo HWY 7, HWY 8, HWY 24, HWY 85, HWY 401
London HWY 4, HWY 7, HWY 401, HWY 402
Oshawa HWY 7, HWY 12, HWY 35, HWY 115, HWY 401, HWY 407, HWY 412
Ottawa HWY 7 (TCH), HWY 174, HWY 416, HWY 417
Peterborough HWY 7 (TCH), HWY 7A, HWY 28, HWY 115
St. Catharines-Niagara HWY 3, HWY20, HWY 58, HWY 58A, HWY 140, HWY 405, HWY 420, Queen Elizabeth Way
Thunder Bay HWY 11 (TCH), HWY 17 (TCH), HWY 61, HWY 102, HWY 130
Toronto HWY 2A, HWY 7, HWY 9, HWY 10, HWY 11, HWY 27, HWY 48, HWY 89, HWY 400, HWY 401, HWY 403,
HWY 407, HWY 409, HWY 410, HWY 427, Don Valley PWKY, Gardiner Expressway, Allen Rd, Queen Elizabeth Way, Lakeshore Rd
Windsor HWY 3, HWY 77, HWY 401, E.C. Row Expressway
Quebec Gatineau AUT 5, AUT 50
Montréal AUT 10, AUT 13, AUT 15, AUT 19, AUT 20, AUT 25, AUT 30, AUT 31, AUT 35, AUT 40, AUT 50, AUT 440, AUT 520, AUT 540, AUT 640, AUT 720, AUT 730, AUT 930
Québec AUT 20, AUT 40, AUT 73, AUT, 440, AUT 540, AUT 740, AUT 573, AUT 973
Saguenay AUT 70
Sherbrooke AUT 10, AUT 55, AUT 410, AUT 610
Trois-Rivières AUT 30, AUT 40, AUT 55
Saskatchewan Saskatoon Circle Drive, HWY 2, HWY 5, HWY 7, HWY 11, HWY 12, HWY 14, HWY 27, HWY 41, HWY 45, HWY 60, Yellowhead HWY
Regina Ring Rd, Trans-Canada HWY, HWY 6, HWY 10, HWY 11, HWY 20, HWY 33, HWY 39, HWY 46, HWY 48, HWY 49

Annex G: Method for determining the incremental population affected by the authorization of a proposed earth station

The population affected by the authorization of a proposed earth station in a particular Tier 4 service area is calculated based on the incremental number of people (population) that could be affected through the licensing of the proposed earth station. The incremental population is assessed by determining the number of individuals that would be covered by the incremental contour resulting from the authorization of the earth station.

For a scenario where the proposed earth station location is not co-located with any existing authorized earth stations, the incremental contour is the same as the transmit/receive contour of the proposed earth station.

For a scenario where the proposed earth station is co-located with existing authorized earth stations, the incremental contour is the portion of the proposed earth station's transmit/receive contour that is not already covered by the transmit/receive contour of the existing authorized earth stations. 

Spectrum grid cells (as defined by ISED) with associated census data will be used to calculate the incremental population contained in the incremental contour. An applicant must use the most recently available version of ISED’s grid cell data when demonstrating compliance with the requirements of this licensing guideline. ISED intends to publish all spectrum grid cell census information on the Spectrum Management and Telecommunications website. Until then, applicants should contact the local district office for a list of spectrum grid cells for area(s) around the proposed earth station in order to carry out the calculation required.

The incremental population affected by the authorization of the proposed earth station is computed assuming that the population is distributed uniformly within a particular grid cell. The incremental population affected by the proposed earth station is calculated by summing the fractional areas of each grid cell that are overlapped by the incremental contour. That is,

\[P_{inc} = \sum_{j=1}^{N_{GC}}POP(j)\frac{AO_{IC}(j)}{AO_{GC}(j)}\]

where

j
is the range of grid cells overlapped by the incremental contour
Pinc
is the incremental population that is affected by the authorization of the proposed earth station
POP(j)
is the population in grid cell j
AOIC(j)
is the area defined by the portion of incremental contour that overlaps grid cell j
AGC(j)
is the area of grid cell j
NGC
is the number of grid cells overlapped by the incremental contour

Figure G1 below shows an example of a proposed transmitting earth station that is co-located with two existing authorized co-located earth stations. In this figure, the blue contour is the transmit contour for the two existing authorized co-located earth stations. The orange contour is the transmit contour of the two existing authorized earth stations and the proposed earth station.

Figure G1: Proposed earth station transmit contour

Proposed earth station transmit contour (the long description is located below the image)
Description of figure G1

This figure is a map that illustrates the transmit contour of a proposed earth station co-located with two existing authorized co-located earth stations.

The map is divided into grid cells in a checkerboard fashion. These are identified using alphanumeric indicators: A through D (vertically) and 1 through 6 (horizontally). Each grid cell includes the population for that area.

The map includes:

  • Two earth station icons representing the locations of the two existing authorized co-located earth stations (in grid cells B3 and B4)
  • One earth station icon representing the location of the proposed earth station (in grid cell B3)
  • Two major roadways to the east (which fall outside of the grid cells identified and are not overlapped by the transmit contour)

The transmit contour of the two existing authorized co-located earth stations is a polygon that covers portions of grid cells B2, B3, B4, B5, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5 and C6.

The transmit contour of the proposed earth station is a polygon that includes the transmit contour of the two existing authorized co-located earth stations, as well as an area that extends beyond the transmit contour of the two existing authorized co-located earth stations. It covers portions of grid cells A3, A4, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, D2, D3 and D4.

Figure G2 below shows the incremental transmit contour, which is created by removing the sections of the orange contour that are overlapped by the blue contour.

Figure G2: Incremental contour of the proposed earth station

Figure G2: Incremental contour of the proposed earth station  (the long description is located below the image)
Description of figure G2

This figure is a map that illustrates the incremental contour of a proposed earth station co-located with two existing authorized co-located earth stations.

It shows the same map as described in figure G1; however in this figure, the transmit contour of the two existing authorized co-located earth stations (which overlaps portions of grid cells B2, B3, B4, B5, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5 and C6) has been removed.

The incremental contour of the proposed earth station is the portion of the proposed earth station transmit contour that remains once the transmit contour of the existing authorized co-located earth stations has been removed. In other words, the incremental contour of the proposed earth station is the area that extends beyond the area already covered by the transmit contour of the existing authorized earth stations. This includes portions of grid cells A3, A4, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, D2, D3 and D4.

Annex H: Tier 4 service area aggregate population limits per flexible use frequency block

Tier 4 service area aggregate population limits per flexible use frequency block
Tier # Service area name Tier population (2016) Aggregate population limit per flexible use frequency block, by number of people Aggregate population limit per flexible use frequency block, by
percent of tier population
4-077 Toronto 7,030,750 25,000 0.36%
4-051 Montréal 4,352,037 25,000 0.57%
4-152 Vancouver 2,731,567 25,000 0.92%
4-055 Ottawa 1,452,852 25,000 1.72%
4-136 Calgary 1,416,856 25,000 1.76%
4-141 Edmonton 1,325,857 25,000 1.89%
4-030 Québec 904,330 25,000 2.76%
4-111 Winnipeg 830,151 25,000 3.01%
4-079 Guelph/Kitchener 707,534 25,000 3.53%
4-086 London/Woodstock/
St. Thomas
678,149 25,000 3.69%
4-154 Victoria 458,861 22,943 5.00%
4-010 Halifax 435,820 21,791 5.00%
4-090 Windsor/Leamington 401,719 20,086 5.00%
4-151 Kelowna 362,815 18,141 5.00%
4-094 Barrie 352,290 17,615 5.00%
4-084 Niagara-St. Catharines 349,283 17,464 5.00%
4-125 Saskatoon 306,824 15,341 5.00%
4-037 Trois-Rivières 265,152 13,258 5.00%
4-124 Regina 260,382 13,019 5.00%
4-001 St. John's 255,012 12,751 5.00%
4-042 Sherbrooke 250,227 12,511 5.00%
4-028 Chicoutimi-Jonquière 218,377 10,919 5.00%
4-137 Red Deer 206,387 10,319 5.00%
4-155 Nanaimo 194,922 9,746 5.00%
4-132 Lethbridge 189,709 9,485 5.00%
4-081 Kincardine 185,818 9,291 5.00%
4-100 Sudbury 178,872 8,944 5.00%
4-018 Moncton 178,500 8,925 5.00%
4-070 Kingston 177,314 8,866 5.00%
4-074 Peterborough 165,516 8,276 5.00%
4-017 Fredericton 164,871 8,244 5.00%
4-050 Joliette 161,106 8,055 5.00%
4-019 Miramichi/Bathurst 156,025 7,801 5.00%
4-072 Belleville 154,982 7,749 5.00%
4-003 Gander/Grand Falls/
Windsor
144,229 7,211 5.00%
4-015 Saint John 142,898 7,145 5.00%
4-009 Bridgewater/Kentville 139,289 6,964 5.00%
4-087 Brantford 138,535 6,927 5.00%
4-014 Sydney 131,379 6,569 5.00%
4-128 Prince Albert 130,446 6,522 5.00%
4-078 Alliston 129,279 6,464 5.00%
4-092 Sarnia 123,953 6,198 5.00%
4-108 Thunder Bay 121,061 6,053 5.00%
4-134 High River 120,208 6,010 5.00%
4-156 Courtenay 118,732 5,937 5.00%
4-044 Drummondville 112,390 5,620 5.00%
4-023 Matane 112,039 5,602 5.00%
4-148 Grande Prairie 110,027 5,501 5.00%
4-131 Medicine Hat/Brooks 107,233 5,362 5.00%
4-160 Kamloops 106,972 5,349 5.00%
4-047 Granby 105,440 5,272 5.00%
4-097 North Bay 104,524 5,226 5.00%
4-114 Brandon 103,743 5,187 5.00%
4-127 Battleford 99,433 5,000 5.03%
4-006 Charlottetown 95,350 5,000 5.24%
4-167 Prince George 94,607 5,000 5.29%
4-048 St-Hyacinthe 92,092 5,000 5.43%
4-082 Listowel/Goderich 84,257 5,000 5.93%
4-143 Bonnyville 83,631 5,000 5.98%
4-026 Rivière-du-Loup 82,869 5,000 6.03%
4-056 Pembroke 82,200 5,000 6.08%
4-106 Sault Ste. Marie 80,833 5,000 6.19%
4-150 West Kootenay 78,941 5,000 6.33%
4-004 Corner Brook/
Stephenville
77,974 5,000 6.41%
4-052 Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts 77,087 5,000 6.49%
4-116 Dauphin 75,508 5,000 6.62%
4-158 Squamish/Whistler 74,365 5,000 6.72%
4-146 Fort McMurray 73,953 5,000 6.76%
4-013 Antigonish/
New Glasgow
71,445 5,000 7.00%
4-032 Saint-Georges 71,425 5,000 7.00%
4-068 Brockville 70,563 5,000 7.09%
4-067 Cornwall 69,729 5,000 7.17%
4-089 Chatham 68,885 5,000 7.26%
4-073 Cobourg 65,180 5,000 7.67%
4-110 Steinbach 64,764 5,000 7.72%
4-053 Hawkesbury 64,131 5,000 7.80%
4-123 Yorkton 63,024 5,000 7.93%
4-096 Gravenhurst/
Bracebridge
61,892 5,000 8.08%
4-149 East Kootenay 60,371 5,000 8.28%
4-049 Sorel 58,740 5,000 8.51%
4-063 Roberval/
Saint-Félicien
58,438 5,000 8.56%
4-029 Montmagny 56,808 5,000 8.80%
4-040 Victoriaville 56,684 5,000 8.82%
4-011 Truro 56,649 5,000 8.83%
4-025 Rimouski 56,619 5,000 8.83%
4-008 Yarmouth 55,609 5,000 8.99%
4-121 Moose Jaw 55,141 5,000 9.07%
4-138 Wetaskiwin/Ponoka 54,340 5,000 9.20%
4-031 Sainte-Marie 53,258 5,000 9.39%
4-113 Morden/Winkler 51,609 5,000 9.69%
4-133 Camrose 51,420 5,000 9.72%
4-088 Stratford 51,339 5,000 9.74%
4-162 Salmon Arm 51,024 5,000 9.80%
4-142 Edson/Hinton 49,814 5,000 10.04%
4-095 Midland 49,059 5,000 10.19%
4-054 Mont-Laurier/
Maniwaki
48,488 5,000 10.31%
4-007 Summerside 47,557 5,000 10.51%
4-065 Port-Cartier/Sept-Iles 46,983 5,000 10.64%
4-093 Strathroy 46,727 5,000 10.70%
4-122 Swift Current 46,219 5,000 10.82%
4-119 Estevan 46,006 5,000 10.87%
4-075 Lindsay 45,902 5,000 10.89%
4-135 Strathmore 45,478 5,000 10.99%
4-064 Baie-Comeau 43,675 5,000 11.45%
4-058 Rouyn-Noranda 43,108 5,000 11.60%
4-071 Napanee 42,993 5,000 11.63%
4-102 Timmins 42,086 5,000 11.88%
4-034 Thetford Mines 42,019 5,000 11.90%
4-139 Camrose 40,145 5,000 12.45%
4-024 Mont-Joli 37,788 5,000 13.23%
4-129 Lloydminster 37,539 5,000 13.32%
4-085 Haldimand/Dunnville 37,398 5,000 13.37%
4-012 Amherst 33,373 5,000 14.98%
4-144 Whitecourt 32,669 5,000 15.31%
4-101 Kirkland Lake 32,402 5,000 15.43%
4-057 Arnprior/Renfrew 31,367 5,000 15.94%
4-083 Fort Erie 31,072 5,000 16.09%
4-091 Wallaceburg 30,983 5,000 16.14%
4-080 Fergus 30,010 5,000 16.66%
4-039 Asbestos 29,744 5,000 16.81%
4-046 Farnham 29,593 5,000 16.90%
4-099 Elliot Lake 29,520 5,000 16.94%
4-045 Cowansville 29,083 5,000 17.19%
4-027 La Malbaie 28,193 5,000 17.73%
4-126 Watrous 27,288 5,000 18.32%
4-022 Campbellton 26,776 5,000 18.67%
4-021 Edmundston 26,504 5,000 18.87%
4-153 Hope 26,093 5,000 19.16%
4-061 Amos 25,096 5,000 19.92%
4-016 St. Stephen 25,087 5,000 19.93%
4-020 Grand Falls 24,936 5,000 20.05%
4-033 Lac-Mégantic 24,223 5,000 20.64%
4-145 Barrhead 23,437 5,000 21.33%
4-120 Weyburn 22,877 5,000 21.86%
4-035 Plessisville 22,772 5,000 21.96%
4-038 Louiseville 21,708 5,000 23.03%
4-098 Parry Sound 21,123 5,000 23.67%
4-076 Minden 20,813 5,000 24.02%
4-060 La Sarre 19,349 5,000 25.84%
4-043 Windsor 16,777 5,000 29.80%
4-036 La Tuque 16,219 5,000 30.83%
4-059 Notre-Dame-du-Nord 16,023 5,000 31.21%
4-159 Merritt 15,649 5,000 31.95%
4-140 Vegreville 15,396 5,000 32.48%
4-002 Placentia 15,304 5,000 32.67%
4-069 Gananoque 13,150 5,000 38.02%
4-041 Coaticook 12,981 5,000 38.52%
4-163 Golden 6,854 5,000 72.95%

Annex I: Checklist for licensing guideline requirements

The checklists in tables I1 and I2 are intended to help applicants demonstrate compliance with the requirements specified in sections 3.1 and 3.2 of GL-10, issue 2 for each flexible use frequency block overlapped by the operation of the proposed earth station.

Table I1: Checklist to demonstrate compliance with sections 3.1 and 3.2 for earth stations located in a Tier 4 service area listed in annex C
Requirement Description Requirement satisfied?
Transmit/receive contour The applicant has submitted a transmit/receive contour using the method described in annex D. Yes/No
Maximum radius and area of the transmit/receive contour The maximum radius and area of the transmit/receive contour are less than the values specified in section 3.2. If not, the applicant has submitted rationale justifying the need for any exceedance. Yes/No
Table I2: Checklist to demonstrate compliance with sections 3.1 and 3.2 for earth stations located in a Tier 4 service area not listed in annex C
Requirement Description Requirement satisfied?
Transmit/receive contour The applicant has submitted a transmit/receive contour using the method described in annex D. Yes/No
Maximum radius and area of the transmit/receive contour The maximum radius and area of the transmit/receive contour are less than the values specified in section 3.2. If not, the applicant has submitted rationale justifying the need for any exceedance. Yes/No
Siting restrictions The proposed earth station is not located within the boundaries of Tier 4 service area 4-051 (Montreal), 4-077 (Toronto) or 4-152 (Vancouver); an LPC; or an MPC. Yes/No
Avoidance of some Tier 4 service areas and LPCs The proposed earth station's transmit/receive contour does not overlap Tier 4 service area 4-051 (Montreal), 4-077 (Toronto) or 4-152 (Vancouver), and/or an LPC in another tier. Yes/No
Avoidance of major infrastructure The applicant has demonstrated that the transmit/receive contour does not overlap any major infrastructure as described in annex F. Yes/No
Incremental population limit The applicant has demonstrated that the incremental population limit of 2,500 people is not exceeded for the Tier 4 service area in which the proposed earth station is located using ISED-published grid cell data. Yes/No
Aggregate population limit Licensing the proposed earth station would not result in the aggregate population limit, as specified in table 2 of section 3, being exceeded in all Tier 4 service areas overlapped by the earth station contour. Yes/No

The checklist in table I3 is intended to help applicants demonstrate compliance with section 6 of GL-10, issue 2 (applicable to applications for a modification to an earth station licensed in accordance with section 3, or earth stations listed in annex A or B that are not located in a Tier 4 area listed in annex C) for each flexible use frequency block overlapped by the operation of the proposed earth station.

Table I3: Checklist to demonstrate compliance with section 6
Requirement Description Requirement satisfied?
Requirement to submit contours The applicant has already submitted transmit/receive contours, as appropriate, describing the impact of the earth station. Yes/No
Frequency required The overlapped flexible use frequency block is the same as those in their existing licence for the corresponding earth station. Yes/No
Potential increase in interference The proposed modification of the earth station does not increase the shape or size of the transmit/receive contour, as appropriate, and as calculated using the method described in annex D. Yes/No

Annex J: Examples demonstrating compliance with GL-10, issue 2 requirements

This annex provides two examples that illustrate how compliance with GL-10, issue 2 requirements could be demonstrated in an application for an earth station licence:

  1. An example where the proposed earth station is not co-located with any existing authorized earth stations
  2. An example where the proposed earth station is co-located with two existing authorized earth stations
  3. Example A: No existing authorized earth stations co-located with proposed earth station

    The applicant submits the contour for a proposed transmitting earth station that operates within a particular flexible use frequency block, as illustrated in figure J1. Figure J1 shows the surrounding major roadways (in black and yellow), as well as the population in each grid cell. For the purpose of discussion, the grid cells have been divided into tiles that are enumerated A through D (vertically) and 1 through 6 (horizontally).

    In this example, the proposed earth station:

    1. has emissions that overlap one flexible use frequency block;
    2. has a contour that overlaps a single Tier 4 service area that has a population greater than 500,000 people;
    3. is not located within the boundaries of Tier 4 service area 4-051 (Montreal), 4-077 (Toronto) or 4-152 (Vancouver); an LPC; or an MPC.
    4. has a contour that does not overlap Tier 4 service area 4-051 (Montreal), 4-077 (Toronto) or 4-152 (Vancouver), and/or an LPC in another tier; and
    5. the aggregate population counted for all existing authorized in the frequency block in the Tier 4 service area overlapped by the proposed earth station’s contour is 15,000.

    Figure J1: Proposed earth station transmit contour for example A

    Proposed earth station transmit contour for example A (the long description is located below the image)
    Description of figure J1

    This figure is a map that illustrates example A, where a proposed earth station is not co-located with any existing authorized earth stations.

    The map is divided into grid cells in a checkerboard fashion. These are identified using alphanumeric indicators: A through D (vertically) and 1 through 6 (horizontally). Each grid cell includes the population for that area.

    The map includes:

    • an earth station icon representing the location of the proposed earth station location (in grid cell B3)
    • two major roadways to the east (which fall outside of the grid cells identified and are not overlapped by the transmit contour)

    The transmit contour of the proposed earth station is a polygon that covers portions of grid cells B2, B3, B4, C3, C4, D3 and D4. The incremental and transmit contours are the same in this example.

    1. Transmit contour: The transmit contour is generated using the method described in annex D.
    2. Maximum radius and area of the transmit contour: The maximum radius of the transmit contour is 3.1 km. The area of the transmit contour is 6.21 km2. Since the maximum radius is less than 10 km and the area is less than 100 2, the applicant is not required to submit information to justify the size of the contour. 
    3. Siting restrictions: The proposed earth station is not located within the boundaries of Tier 4 service area 4-051 (Montreal), 4-077 (Toronto) or 4-152 (Vancouver); an LPC; or an MPC.
    4. Avoidance of some Tier 4 service areas and LPCs: The transmit contour does not overlap Tier 4 service area 4-051 (Montreal), 4-077 (Toronto) or 4-152 (Vancouver), and/or an LPC in another tier.
    5. Avoidance of major infrastructure within the transmit contour: The transmit contour does not overlap any major infrastructure within a CMA as described in annex F. Therefore, the proposed earth station would meet the conditions of this provision.
    6. Incremental population limit: In this example, the incremental contour is the same as the transmit contour. The incremental population that could be affected by authorization of the proposed earth station is 602.01 people (calculation shown in table J1 below), which is less than the incremental population limit of 2,500 people. Therefore, the proposed earth station would meet the conditions of this provision.
    7. Table J1: Example calculation of population within the incremental contour of the proposed earth station depicted in figure J1
      Grid cell tile label Area of grid cell overlapped by contour (km2) Percent of grid cell area* Population of grid cell Population affected in grid cell
      B2 0.0312 1.52% 200 3.04
      B3 1.332 64.85% 500 324.25
      B4 0.9485 46.18% 400 184.71
      C3 1.738 84.62% 50 42.31
      C4 1.171 57.01% 50 28.51
      D3 0.664 32.33% 40 12.93
      D4 0.3218 15.67% 40 6.27
            TOTAL 602.01

      *Calculated assuming a grid cell area of 2.054 km2 and rounded to the nearest one hundredth of a percent for the purpose of presentation. The calculation that produces the population affected in a grid cell uses the precise fraction and not the “percent of grid cell area” value presented in the table.

      1. Aggregate population limit: The population overlapped by the incremental contour represents an increase in the population within the Tier 4 service area of 602.01 people on the particular frequency block. Adding the incremental population to aggregate population impacted by existing earth stations would increase the aggregate population impacted in the Tier 4 service area to 15,602.01 people for this frequency block, which is less than the aggregate limit of 25,000. Therefore, the proposed earth station would meet the conditions of this provision.

      In summary, using the checklist provided in table I2 in annex I, the following evaluation (see table J2) is made to demonstrate compliance with the requirements described in this guideline:

      Table J2: Example A — Evaluation demonstrating compliance with sections 3.1 and 3.2 for earth stations located in a Tier 4 service area not listed in annex C
      Requirement Description Requirement satisfied?
      Transmit/receive contour The applicant has submitted a transmit/receive contour using the method described in annex D. Yes
      Maximum radius and area of the transmit/receive contour The maximum radius and area of the transmit/receive contour are less than the values specified in section 3.2. If not, the applicant has submitted rationale justifying the need for exceeding limits. Yes
      Siting restrictions The proposed earth station is not located within the boundaries of Tier 4 service area 4-051 (Montreal), 4-077 (Toronto) or 4-152 (Vancouver); an LPC; or an MPC. Yes
      Avoidance of some Tier 4 service areas and LPCs The proposed earth station's transmit/receive contour does not overlap Tier 4 service area 4-051 (Montreal), 4-077 (Toronto) or 4-152 (Vancouver), and/or an LPC in another tier. Yes
      Avoidance of major infrastructure The applicant has demonstrated that the transmit/receive contour does not overlap any major infrastructure within a CMA as described in annex F. Yes
      Incremental population limit The applicant has demonstrated that the incremental population limit of 2,500 people is not exceeded using ISED-published grid cell data. Yes
      Aggregate population limit Authorizing the proposed earth station would increase the aggregate population impacted in the Tier 4 service area to 15,602.11 people for this frequency block, which is less than the aggregate limit of 25,000 for this Tier 4 service area. Yes

      In the above example, the applicant has demonstrated that they meet all the requirements specified in this guideline.

      Example B: Two existing authorized earth stations co-located with proposed earth station

      The applicant submits a transmit contour for a proposed transmitting earth station (drawn as a dark orange icon in figure J2) that operates within one flexible use frequency block. The earth station is co-located with two existing authorized earth stations (drawn as light blue icons in figure J2.) The transmit contour for the proposed earth station, which is drawn in orange in figure J2, takes into account the aggregate emissions of the proposed earth station and the two co-located authorized earth stations. The transmit contour of the two existing authorized earth stations are in light blue in figure J2.

      In this example, the applicant’s earth station:

      1. has emissions that overlap one flexible use frequency block;
      2. has a contour that overlaps a single Tier 4 service area that has a population greater than 500,000 people;
      3. is not located within the boundaries of Tier 4 service area 4-051 (Montreal), 4-077 (Toronto) or 4-152 (Vancouver); an LPC; or an MPC;
      4. has a contour that does not overlap Tier 4 service area 4-051 (Montreal), 4-077 (Toronto) or 4-152 (Vancouver), and/or an LPC in another tier; and
      5. the aggregate population counted for all existing authorized earth stations in the frequency block in the Tier 4 service area overlapped by the proposed earth station’s contour is 24,500.

      Figure J2: Proposed earth station transmit contour for example B

      Proposed earth station transmit contour for example B (the long description is located below the image)
      Description of figure J2

      This figure is a map that illustrates example B, where a proposed earth station co-located with two existing authorized earth stations.

      The map is divided into grid cells in a checkerboard fashion. These are identified using alphanumeric indicators: A through D (vertically) and 1 through 6 (horizontally). Each grid cell includes the population for that area.

      The map includes:

      • Two earth station icons representing the locations of the two existing authorized co-located earth stations (in grid cells B3 and B4)
      • One earth station icon representing the location of the proposed earth station (in grid cell B3)
      • Two major roadways to the east (which fall outside of the grid cells identified and are not overlapped by the transmit contour)

      The transmit contour of the two existing authorized co-located earth stations is a polygon that covers portions of grid cells B2, B3, B4, B5, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5 and C6.

      The transmit contour of the proposed earth station is a polygon that includes the transmit contour of the two existing authorized co-located earth stations, as well as an area that extends beyond the transmit contour of the two existing authorized co-located earth stations. It covers portions of grid cells A3, A4, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, D2, D3 and D4.

      Since the proposed earth station is co-located with existing authorized earth stations, an incremental contour is required for calculating the incremental population affected by the authorization of the proposed earth station. The incremental contour is created by deleting the sections of the authorized earth station's transmit contour that overlap the proposed earth station's transmit contour, as illustrated in figure J3. In figure J3, the incremental contour is drawn as a shaded orange contour. Figure J3 also shows the surrounding major roadways (in black and yellow), as well as the population in each grid cell. For the purpose of discussion, the grid cells have been divided into tiles that are enumerated A through D (vertically) and 1 through 6 (horizontally).

      Figure J3: Incremental contour of proposed earth station for example B

      Incremental contour of proposed earth station for example B (the long description is located below the image)
      Description of figure J3

      This figure is a map that illustrates the incremental contour of the proposed earth station in example B.

      It shows the same map as described in figure J2; however in this figure, the transmit contour of the two existing authorized co-located earth stations (which overlaps portions of grid cells B2, B3, B4, B5, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5 and C6) has been removed.

      The incremental contour of the proposed earth station is the portion of the proposed earth station transmit contour that remains once the transmit contour of the existing authorized co-located earth stations has been removed. In other words, the incremental contour of the proposed earth station is the area that extends beyond the area already covered by the transmit contour of the existing authorized earth stations. This includes portions of grid cells A3, A4, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, D2, D3 and D4.

      1. Transmit contour: The transmit contour is generated using the method described in annex D, taking into account the aggregate emissions of the two existing authorized earth stations.
      2. Maximum radius of the transmit contour: The maximum radius of the transmit contour is 3.5 km. The area of the contour is 18.77 km2. Since the radius is less than 10 km and the area is less than 100 km2, the applicant is not required to submit information to justify the size of the contour.
      3. Siting restrictions: The proposed earth station is not located within the boundaries of Tier 4 service area 4-051 (Montreal), 4-077 (Toronto) or 4-152 (Vancouver); an LPC; or an MPC.
      4. Avoidance of some Tier 4 service areas and LPCs: The transmit contour does not overlap Tier 4 service area 4-051 (Montreal), 4-077 (Toronto) or 4-152 (Vancouver), and/or an LPC in another tier.
      5. Avoidance of major infrastructure within the transmit contour: The transmit contour does not overlap any major infrastructure within a CMA as described in annex F. Therefore, the proposed earth station would meet the conditions of this provision.
      6. Incremental population limit: The incremental population that could be affected by the authorization of the proposed earth station is 900.70 people (calculation shown in table J3, below), which is less than the incremental population limit of 2,500 people. Therefore, the proposed earth station would meet the conditions of this provision.
      Table J3: Example calculation of population within the incremental contour of the proposed earth station depicted in figure J3
      Grid cell tile label Area of grid cell overlapped by contour (km2) Percent of grid cell area* Population of grid cell Population affected in grid cell
      A3 0.1993 9.70% 3001 291.19
      A4 0.1246 6.07% 2553 154.87
      B1 0.0371 1.81% 150 2.71
      B2 0.5662 27.57% 200 55.13
      B3 0.2245 10.93% 500 54.65
      B4 0.3273 15.93% 400 63.74
      B5 0.4638 22.58% 700 158.06
      C1 0.3522 17.15% 25 4.29
      C2 0.2954 14.38% 50 7.19
      C3 0.7181 34.96% 50 17.48
      C4 0.6419 31.25% 50 15.63
      C5 0.226 11.00% 100 11.00
      C6 0.2801 13.64% 200 27.27
      D2 0.0111 0.54% 40 0.22
      D3 1.153 56.13% 40 22.45
      D4 0.7612 37.06% 40 14.82
            TOTAL 900.70

      *Calculated assuming a grid cell area of 2.054 km2 and rounded to the nearest one hundredth of a percent for the purpose of presentation. The calculation that produces the population affected in a grid cell uses the precise fraction and not the “percent of grid cell area” value presented in the table.

      1. Aggregate population limit: The population overlapped by the incremental contour represents an increase in the population within the Tier 4 service area of 900.70 people on the particular frequency block. Adding the incremental population to aggregate population impacted by existing earth stations would increase the aggregate population impacted in the Tier 4 service area to 25,400.70 people for this frequency block, which is more than the aggregate limit of 25,000. Therefore, the proposed earth station would not meet the conditions of this provision.

      In summary, using the checklist provided in table I2 in annex I, the following evaluation (see table J4) is made to demonstrate compliance with the requirements described in this guideline:

      Table J4: Example B — Evaluation demonstrating compliance with sections 3.1 and 3.2 for earth stations located in a Tier 4 service area not listed in annex C
      Requirement Description Requirement satisfied?
      Transmit/receive contour The applicant has submitted a transmit/receive contour using the method described in annex D. Yes
      Maximum radius and area of the transmit/receive contour The maximum radius and area of the transmit/receive contour are less than the values specified in section 3.2. If not, the applicant has submitted rationale justifying the need for exceeding limits. Yes
      Siting restrictions The proposed earth station is not located within the boundaries of Tier 4 service area 4-051 (Montreal), 4-077 (Toronto) or 4-152 (Vancouver); an LPC; or an MPC. Yes
      Avoidance of some Tier 4 service areas and LPCs The proposed earth station's transmit/receive contour does not overlap Tier 4 service area 4-051 (Montreal), 4-077 (Toronto) or 4-152 (Vancouver), and/or an LPC in another tier. Yes
      Avoidance of major infrastructure The applicant has demonstrated that the transmit/receive contour does not overlap any major infrastructure within a CMA as described in annex F. Yes
      Incremental population limit The applicant has demonstrated that the incremental population limit of 2,500 people is not exceeded for the Tier 4 service area in which the proposed earth station is located using ISED-published grid cell data. Yes
      Aggregate population limit Authorizing the proposed earth station would increase the aggregate population impacted in the Tier 4 service area to 25,400.70 people for this frequency block, which is more than the aggregate limit of 25,000 for this Tier 4 service area. No

      In the above example, not all requirements specified in this guideline have been met. Therefore, the earth station would not be authorized with a standard licence. See section 3.3 of this guideline for further information.