SRSP-522 — Technical Requirements for Non-Competitive Local Licensed Systems, including Fixed and/or Mobile Systems, and Flexible Use Broadband Systems, in the Band 27.5-28.35 GHz

1. This Standard Radio System Plan (SRSP) sets out the minimum technical requirements for the efficient use of the frequency band 27.5-28.35 GHz for non-competitive local licensed systems and applies to flexible use broadband systems (that is, both fixed and mobile systems), operating in the band.

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

3. This SRSP is based on current and planned technologies being considered for non-competitive local (NCL) licensed systems in Canada. Revisions to this SRSP will be made as required.

4. NCL licensee's fixed and base stations are to be professionally installed to ensure the compliance with this SRSP.

5. Notwithstanding the fact that a system satisfies the requirements of this SRSP, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) may require adjustments to radio and auxiliary equipment in radio stations whenever harmful interference is caused to other radio stations or systems. Harmful interference, as defined in the Radiocommunication Act, means an adverse effect of electromagnetic energy from any emission, radiation or induction that

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

6. The arrangements for non-standard systems are outlined in Spectrum Utilization Policy SP Gen, General Information Related to Spectrum Utilization and Radio Systems Policies.

7. Airborne operations (e.g. drones) are not eligible for NCL licensing in the 27.5-28.35 GHz band.

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

9. Equipment operating under NCL licences in the 27.5-28.35 GHz band must be certified in accordance with the latest issues of Radio Standards Specification RSS-193, Flexible Use Broadband Equipment Operating in the Band 27.5-28.35 GHz.

10. Licensees are required to make information on certain technical parameters of their radio systems available to ISED upon request.

11. The current issues of the following documents are applicable and available on the Spectrum Management and Telecommunications website.

TRAA

Treaty Series 1962 No. 15 – Coordination and Use of Radio Frequencies, Exchange of Notes Between Canada and the United States of America

Arrangement between the Department of Industry of Canada and the Federal Communications Commission of the United States of America concerning the use of Fixed and Mobile Services Along the Canada-United States Border in the 27.5-28.35 GHz Frequency Band (forthcoming)

CTFA

Canadian Table of Frequency Allocation

SP Gen

General Information Related to Spectrum Utilization and Radio Systems Policies

SLPB-003-19

Decision on Releasing Millimetre Wave Spectrum to Support 5G

SPB-001-23

Decision on a Non-Competitive Local Licensing Framework, Including Spectrum in the 3900-3980 MHz Band and Portions of the 26, 28 and 28 GHz Bands

SPB-001-25

Addendum to the Non-Competitive Local Licensing Framework to include Spectrum in the 27.5-28.35 GHz Band

RSS-Gen

General Requirements for Compliance of Radio Apparatus

RSS-102

Radio Frequency (RF) Exposure Compliance of Radiocommunication Apparatus (All Frequency Bands)

RSS-193

Flexible Use Broadband Equipment Operating in the band 27.5-28.35 GHz

RSP-100

Certification of Radio Apparatus and Broadcasting Equipment

CPC-2-0-03

Radiocommunications and Broadcasting Antenna Systems

CPC-2-1-23

Licensing Procedure for Spectrum Licences for Terrestrial Services

CPC-2-1-31

Licence Application Procedures under the Non-Competitive Local (NCL) Licensing Framework

SRSP-102

Band-Specific Technical Requirements for Earth Stations in the Fixed-Satellite Service

_____________________________

CPC – Client Procedures Circulars
CTFA – Canadian Table of Frequency Allocations
RSP – Radio Standards Procedures
RSS – Radio Standards Specifications
SLPB – Canada Gazette Notice
SP – Spectrum Utilization Policies
SPB – Canada Gazette Notice
SRSP – Standard Radio System Plans
TRAA – Terrestrial Radiocom Agreements and Arrangements

12. The following terms are used in this document:

Active antenna system (AAS)

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

AAS base station equipment

A base station with an AAS.

Antenna height above average terrain

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

Frequency block group

In the context of this SRSP, a frequency block group is a continuous range of multiple frequency blocks of 50 MHz that contains the equipment's channel bandwidth. For equipment with channel bandwidth smaller than 50 MHz, the frequency block is the frequency range of a 50 MHz block.

Non-active antenna system (Non-AAS)

An antenna system that does not meet the definition of AAS.

Non-AAS base station equipment

A base station with a non-AAS.

Time division duplexing (TDD) synchronization

The operation of two or more different TDD systems where timeframes of all systems are synchronized in regards to start of the frame and uplink and downlink transmission durations.

13. The block structure for the NCL licensed systems in the 27.5-28.35 GHz band is shown in figure 1.

Figure 1: 27.5-28.35 GHz NCL licensing band plan

14. Frequency blocks available for licensing in the 27.5-28.35 GHz band are intended for use with time division duplexing (TDD) systems. The band is divided into 17 unpaired blocks of 50 MHz. Frequency blocks can be aggregated.

15. This section covers technical criteria in regards to power, antenna height, area size limits and use of multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) antennas.

6.1  Equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) requirements for fixed and base stations

16. This section outlines the technical criteria for fixed and base stations using non-active antenna systems (non-AAS) or active antenna systems (AAS).

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

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

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

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

6.1.3  E.i.r.p. for AAS transmission

19. For compliance with the maximum permissible e.i.r.p. specified in table 1 below, the e.i.r.p. generated by the fixed and base station is considered. For fixed and base stations that have multiple configurations, compliance with the maximum e.i.r.p. limits specified in table 1 below is assessed using the e.i.r.p. of the fixed and base station in the configuration that is implemented.

6.1.4  E.i.r.p. limits, antenna height limits and area size limits for fixed and base stations using non-AAS or AAS

20. For fixed stations and base stations transmitting within the 27.5-28.35 GHz band using a non-AAS or AAS, the following technical and operational requirements in table 1 apply.

21. Licences issued with either low- or high-power licence type may deploy a mix of both indoor and outdoor base stations.

22. Licensees intending to deploy only indoor operations are required to operate under a low-power type licence.

23. The maximum permissible e.i.r.p. for all indoor base stations is limited to 52 dBm/100MHz with no maximum antenna height limit.

24. Fixed and base stations operating with a channel bandwidth of less than 100 MHz shall not exceed the limit prescribed in table 1 reduced proportionally and linearly based on the channel bandwidth relative to 100 MHz using the equation below:

\[e.i.r.p.(\mathrm{dBm}) \leq e.i.r.p._{\mathrm{Max}}(\mathrm{dBm}) + 10\log\left( \frac{BW_{\mathrm{channel}}\,(\mathrm{MHz})}{100\,\mathrm{MHz}} \right)\]

6.2  Power limits for subscriber equipment

25. A wide array of subscriber equipment (e.g. mobile, nomadic, portable and fixed subscriber equipment) is expected to be supported by NCL licensed systems. Maximum power limits for subscriber equipment are specified in RSS-193. The equipment should employ automatic transmit power control such that stations operate on the minimum required power.

6.3  Transmitter unwanted emissions

26. Transmitter unwanted emissions are specified in RSS-193.

27. ISED will manage access to the 27.5-28.35 GHz band through an automated NCL licensing system, which is subject to modifications. While TDD synchronization is not mandated, the automated licensing system will facilitate coexistence between licensees operating on the same frequency block based on the assumption that the NCL licensed systems are TDD-synchronized. ISED will use the planning parameters and technical assumptions as specified in tables A1 and A2 of annex A of this SRSP in the automated NCL licensing system to determine appropriate separation distances between representative base stations from one system and user terminals of an adjacent area system. Currently, these base stations and user terminals are distributed uniformly within the relevant NCL licence areas including at the licence area boundaries.

28. Possible harmful interference conflicts resulting from the operation of two NCL licensed systems in adjacent or nearby geographical service areas may still occur. The resolution of these conflicts should be arrived at through mutual arrangements between the affected parties following consultation and coordination. All results of the analyses concerning the arrangements made between the licensees must be retained by the licensees and made available to ISED upon request. When potential conflicts between systems cannot be resolved in a timely fashion, ISED shall be so advised, whereupon, following consultations with the parties concerned, ISED will determine the necessary course of action (e.g. reducing e.i.r.p. or total radiated power (TRP), using alternate channels, TDD synchronization, using the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) second epoch (i.e. Unix time 0) for the start of their TDD frame, etc.).

29. In an effort to balance the need to maximize the use of the spectrum while avoiding potentially overly restrictive technical requirements, currently, the automated NCL licensing system does not assess interference potential between adjacent channel NCL licensed systems. This is intended to enable licensees to have the flexibility to adjust their operating parameters to enable coexistence with each other. It is recognized that there could be a risk of interference (even if all technical specifications, including those contained in this SRSP and RSS-193 are being met) when NCL licensees operating in adjacent channels are operating in close proximity to each other. NCL licensees are advised that in certain scenarios there could be interference, for example, when operating at high power and with antenna heights significantly above the surrounding clutter. Licensees may consider interference mitigation techniques including, but not limited to, one or a combination of the following:

• the use of guard bands

• the use of external filters

• reducing e.i.r.p. or TRP

• coordinating station locations or geographic separation between stations and pointing directions

• TDD synchronization

• using the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) second epoch (i.e. Unix time 0) for the start of their TDD frame.

30. As stated above, possible harmful interference conflicts resulting from the operation of NCL licensed systems operating in adjacent frequency blocks may occur even though the technical specifications of both this SRSP and RSS-193 are being met. The resolution of those conflicts should be arrived at through mutual arrangements between the affected parties following consultation and coordination between them. ISED expects that any interference arising from the operation of the NCL licensed systems can be managed between NCL licensees. As such, ISED will not be involved in coordinating station assignments or resolving interference problems between licensees operating on adjacent frequency blocks. The resolution of potential interference conflicts should be achieved through good faith discussions and mutual arrangement between the affected parties.

31. Coexistence with other radio services, both in-band and adjacent-band, is required. In this context, specific requirements are provided below.

32. The automated NCL licensing system will facilitate coexistence between NCL licensed systems and other systems. ISED will use the planning parameters and technical assumptions as specified in annex A in the automated NCL licensing system.

33. Where a harmful interference conflict occurs, licensees are directed to resolve the conflict through mutual arrangements between the affected parties following consultation and coordination. When potential conflicts between systems cannot be resolved in a timely fashion, ISED shall be so advised, whereupon, following consultations with the parties concerned, ISED will determine the necessary course of action.

9.1  Coexistence between NCL licensed systems and fixed satellite service (FSS) earth stations operating in the same frequencies in the 27.5-28.35 GHz range

34. FSS earth stations operate in accordance with SRSP-102, Band-Specific Technical Requirements for Earth Stations in the Fixed-Satellite Service.

35. The automated NCL licensing system will facilitate coexistence between NCL licensed systems and FSS earth stations using the first-come, first-served (FCFS) approach specified in section 6.4.3 of SPB-001-25, Addendum to the Non-Competitive Local Licensing Framework to include Spectrum in the 27.5-28.35 GHz Band, which takes into account the relevant NCL licence areas and FSS earth station transmit contours. For planning purposes or to avoid potential interference conflicts, licensees or applicants may consult ISED's Spectrum Management System Data search tool for locations of licensed FSS earth stations.

9.2  Coexistence between NCL licensed systems in the 27.5-28.35 GHz band and flexible use services in the 26.5-27.5 GHz band

36. Use of channels that include blocks AA1 (27.5-27.55 GHz) and AA2 (27.55-27.6 GHz) is on a no-protection, no-interference basis with respect to flexible use services in the 26.5-27.5 GHz (Upper 26 GHz) band. The NCL licensees shall not claim protection from, nor cause interference to existing, modified or new flexible use systems in the Upper 26 GHz band. In the event of interference conflicts to or from flexible use services in the Upper 26 GHz band, NCL licensed systems could be required to implement appropriate mitigation measures to resolve interference conflicts (e.g. TDD synchronization, reducing e.i.r.p. or TRP). Otherwise, the NCL system will need to shut down to resolve interference conflicts to or accept interference from the flexible use system.

37. For NCL licensed operations that do not include block AA1 or AA2, interference to and from flexible use services in the Upper 26 GHz band is not expected. However, in the event of interference conflicts to or /from flexible use services in the Upper 26 GHz band, the resolution of these conflicts should be arrived at through mutual arrangements between the affected parties following consultation and coordination. ISED expects that interference can be managed between licensees. As such, ISED will not be involved in coordinating station assignments or resolving interference problems between NCL licensees and adjacent band flexible use licensees. The resolution of potential interference conflicts should be achieved through good faith discussions and mutual arrangement between the affected parties.

38. Through their conditions of licence, NCL licensees will be required to abide by certain technical requirements and to coordinate with US licensees in accordance with the conditions of any international arrangements or agreements into which Canada enters for the 27.5-28.35 GHz band.

39. Specific coordination rules and procedures for the sharing of the 27.5-28.35 GHz band between Canadian and US licensees are under negotiation between ISED and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

40. Until the negotiation is finalized, the coordination process outlined in annex B shall be used.

41. Canadian licensees are encouraged to enter into agreements with US licensees (Agreements) to facilitate coordination, which should:

1. allow reasonable and timely development of the respective systems of the licensees

2. allow for the provision of services by licensees within their service areas on either side of the border to the maximum extent possible

3. utilize all available interference mitigation techniques, including antenna directivity, polarization, frequency offset, shielding, site selection and/or power control

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

10.1  NCL licensed system to flexible use coordination

43. Until the international agreements are finalized, NCL licensees planning to establish or modify a fixed or base station along the Canada-US border shall not cause harmful interference to existing flexible use stations anywhere in the US's territory.

44. These requirements are subject to change from time to time in accordance with international agreements.

In an effort to maximize spectrum use, balanced with the requirement to facilitate coexistence between non-competitive local (NCL) licensed operations, the automated NCL licensing system assumes equipment characteristics that are considered representative in deployment.

In addition, the automated licensing system will assume NCL licensed systems are TDD-synchronized. As such, the NCL licensing tool only considers interference from base stations to user terminals, rather than from base station to base station. This reflects general trends and practices that operators have employed. Assuming TDD synchronization in the licensing tool will result in a significant reduction in the separation distances needed between NCL licence areas, reducing unusable areas that would not be licensed otherwise.

However, despite best efforts to ensure coexistence between systems, interference between systems may still be possible. NCL licensed operators are encouraged to work cooperatively with other impacted licensees to resolve any potential interference issues. To that effect, ISED may require NCL licensed operators to reduce power, or implement other measures (e.g., TDD synchronization) to mitigate interference.

Tables A1 and A2 provides the general planning parameters and technical assumptions that are considered for co-channel interference analysis in the automated NCL licensing systems for the base station transmitter and user terminal receiver respectively. In addition, the automated licensing system will also factor in losses that are not included in tables A1 and A2. These factors model average power of a base station towards a licensed service area and were derived assuming a base station has a tilt below the horizon that is equal to half of the vertical 3 dB beamwidth of its antenna (e.g. if antenna vertical beamwidth is 10 degrees, the tilt below the horizon would be 5 degrees).

When coordination with United States (US) licensees is required, Canadian licensees must complete the process outlined below.

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

The licensee must communicate with any affected US licensee and either enter into an Agreement as defined in this Standard Radio System Plan or provide the US licensee with a Coordination Request.

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

• licensee information (corporate name/mailing address/telephone/email)

• licensed service areas

• point of contact

• location of transmitter (community/province/territory)

• geographic coordinates of transmitting antenna

• equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) or total radiated power (TRP) (dBW)

• ground elevation and antenna height above ground (m)

• centre frequency (MHz)

• antenna polarization

• antenna pattern/tabulation of the pattern

• azimuth of the maximum antenna gain

• bandwidth and emission designation

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

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

In the event that the Canadian licensee and the US licensee cannot reach an Agreement within 30 calendar days of receipt of an objection, the Canadian licensee may request that Innovations, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) facilitate resolution of the case with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States.

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