April 2017
In December 2014, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED, formerly Industry Canada) held a public consultation (SLPB-005-14, Consultation on Repurposing the 600 MHz Band) to invite comments on repurposing spectrum in the 600 MHz band. Noting the considerations and potential changes raised in that consultation, and the possible significant reorganization of the services in the TV broadcasting bands, the Department placed a moratorium on new applications for licensing or issuing broadcasting certificates in the TV broadcasting bands. This included, amongst others:
- new applications for TV broadcasting certificates for all classes of TV stations;
- applications for modification of an existing TV broadcasting certificate resulting in increasing the coverage in any direction or changing the operating channel.
The moratorium pertaining to the above noted applications was expected to remain in place until the revised TV allotment plan and technical and regulatory rules for the TV broadcasting bands became available.
Pursuant to the August 2015 decision (SLPB-004-15, Decision on Repurposing the 600 MHz Band) to repurpose the 600 MHz band and jointly establish a new digital TV (DTV) allotment plan with the United States, the Department has now finalized and released the new Digital Television (DTV) Allotment Plan and Digital Television (DTV) Transition Schedule.
Furthermore, ISED has also released Broadcasting Procedures and Rules BPR-11, Broadcasting Television Application Procedures During the 600 MHz Transition, which outlines the technical and regulatory rules in effect for TV applications during this period.
In view of the above, the Department is now lifting the moratorium with respect to applications for new or amended TV broadcasting certificates referred to in the December 2014 Consultation. The limitations with respect to applications for analog TV (Industry Canada Advisory Letter — The Use of Unplanned Over-the-Air (OTA) Broadcasting Television Spectrum and the Manufacturing and Importation for the Sale of Digital Capable Television Receiving Apparatus) in place prior to the moratorium imposed in December 2014 continue to remain in effect.
Although the Department is now accepting TV applications, please note that the treatment of these applications will be prioritized according to the general principles outlined in section 6 of BPR-11. Please consult BPR-11 for additional details concerning the rules and procedures for TV broadcasting certification applications during the transition.
Issued under the authority of the Radiocommunication Act.
Peter Hill
Director General
Spectrum Management Operations Branch