SP 462/467 MHz — Spectrum Utilization Policy to Permit Licence-Exempt Devices in the Land Mobile Frequency Sub-bands 462/467 MHz

Issue 2
August 2016

Preface

Spectrum Utilization Policy (SP) 462 MHz — Spectrum Utilization Policy to Permit Licence‑Exempt Family Radio Devices in the Land Mobile Frequency Sub‑bands 462-467 MHz, merged with SP 462/467 MHz — Spectrum Provisions for Introducing Licence‑Exempt Radios in the Land Mobile Frequency Sub‑bands 462/467 MHz is hereby released as a single spectrum utilization policy.

List of changes:

Issue 2 reflects the following main changes:

  1. Merging (SP) 462 MHz — Spectrum Utilization Policy to Permit Licence‑Exempt Family Radio Devices in the Land Mobile Frequency Sub‑bands 462-467 MHz with SP 462/467 MHz — Spectrum Provisions for Introducing Licence‑Exempt Radios in the Land Mobile Frequency Sub‑bands 462/467 MHz to create one spectrum utilization policy.
  2. Allowing the operation of General Mobile Radio Service‑M (GMRS‑M) in the 462 MHz frequency band.
  3. Removing the channels in the 467 MHz range which were reserved for possible future use as repeater input channels for GMRS.

Issued under the authority
of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

space to insert signature

Martin Proulx
Acting Director General
Engineering, Planning and Standards Branch

space to insert signature

Peter Hill
Director General
Spectrum Management Operations Branch


Contents


1. Introduction

The purpose of this document is to announce the release of updated spectrum policy provisions for the frequency sub‑bands 462/467 MHz. This updated spectrum policy merges SP 462 MHz — Spectrum Utilization Policy to Permit Licence‑Exempt Family Radio Devices in the Land Mobile Frequency Sub‑bands 462-467 MHz (SP 462 MHz) with Spectrum Utilization Policy SP 462/467 MHz — Spectrum Provisions for Introducing Licence‑Exempt Radios in the Land Mobile Frequency Sub‑bands 462/467 MHz into a single spectrum utilization policy.

Furthermore, these provisions allow for the introduction of General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS‑M) devices in Canada. GMRS-M devices have similar technical specifications to existing GMRS devices but provide for different applications, including dog tracking devices, pet containment units, and intercom systems. These devices are permitted to operate on a licence‑exempt basis on specific frequencies in the 462 MHz frequency range.

2. Background

The Department believes that Canadian consumers should have access to the latest technology, including radiocommunication devices that provide advanced features and services. The Department continues to take steps to ensure these products are available in the Canadian marketplace. The Department has introduced Family Radio Service (FRS) and General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) in the past to provide easy access to two‑way communications for personal and business use.

After the introduction of Multi‑Use Radio Service (MURS) in the U.S., which operates in the VHF frequency band, these products were examined for use in Canada. However, in Canada, MURS frequencies are currently used by a variety of licensees, including public safety services (i.e. police and fire departments).

In recent years, users and manufacturers of licence‑exempt MURS devices have voiced their interest and need for these devices in Canada. Although functionally similar to FRS and GMRS radios, MURS devices may also provide for specialized two‑way communications such as dog tracking devices, pet containment units, intercom systems, and various other communication systems. In the U.S. these devices, which have been in operation since 2002, operate on five specific frequencies in the VHF band. Recognizing the need for similar operational provisions in Canada and recognizing the current usage of the VHF band by Canadian incumbent services, including public safety services, the Department has identified five frequencies in the 462 MHz frequency range and appropriate technical specifications for the operation of similar types of devices and applications. Furthermore, the Department is establishing the term "GMRS‑M" to distinguish these devices and their applications from the traditional two‑way handheld GMRS radios introduced in Canada in 2004.

3. Spectrum Provisions

3.1 FRS Frequencies and Operations

The use of FRS devices is permitted in the mobile frequencies (using 25 kHz channel spacing) listed in Table 1 provided that the devices have received equipment certification from the Department and comply with appropriate Radio Standards Specifications (RSS).

Table 1 — FRS Frequencies Designated for the use of Family Radio Devices

FRS CHANNEL NUMBERS AND FREQUENCIES (MHz)
462.5625(1)467.5625(8)
462.5875(2)467.5875(9)
462.6125(3)467.6125(10)
462.6375(4)467.6375(11)
462.6625(5)467.6625(12)
462.6875(6)467.6875(13)
462.7125(7)467.7125(14)

3.2 GMRS and GMRS‑M Frequencies and Operations

In the 2004 policy, the Department identified 15 simplex frequencies in the 462 MHz range for GMRS use. In addition, the Department indicated that 8 frequencies in the 467 MHz range were reserved for possible future use as repeater input channels (and were not available for simplex communications).Footnote 1 Since the release of the 2004 policy that allow GMRS operations in Canada, the Department has reviewed the need for these frequencies and decided that these frequencies will no longer be made available for GMRS.

GMRS radios will operate on 15 simplex frequencies, of which 7 frequencies are shared with FRS operations, as shown in Table 2. GMRS‑M devices will operate on the five frequencies designated in Table 2 below. Of these frequencies, one is shared with GMRS and 4 are shared with both GMRS and FRS.

Table 2 — GMRS, GMRS‑M Frequencies

GMRS/GMRS‑M CHANNEL NUMBERS AND FREQUENCIES (MHz)
1462.5500GMRS/GMRS‑M
2462.5625GMRS*
3462.5750GMRS
4462.5875GMRS*
5462.6000GMRS
6462.6125GMRS/GMRS‑M*
7462.6250GMRS
8462.6375GMRS/GMRS‑M*
9462.6500GMRS
10462.6625GMRS/GMRS‑M*
11462.6750GMRS
12462.6875 GMRS/GMRS‑M*
13462.7000GMRS
14462.7125GMRS*
15462.7250GMRS

*Indicates frequencies shared with Family Radio Services (FRS).

Refer to the appropriate Radio Standard Specification (RSS) for details on permissible operation modes and other technical specifications.

4. Land Mobile Licensing Moratorium and Status

In 2000 and 2004, with the release of policy decisions to allow FRS and GMRS into Canada, the Department established moratoriums on licensing of land mobile services in each of the respective bands. Land mobile licensees that choose to remain on the related frequencies may receive interference, and are subject to the provisions of the Spectrum Utilization Policy released when the applicable moratorium was established.

Only licence‑exempt devices which meet the technical specifications outlined in the appropriate RSS will be authorized to use the frequencies shown in Tables 1 and 2, as applicable. No new land mobile systems are permitted on these frequencies.

5. Supplementary Information

Canadian Table of Frequency Allocations

Spectrum Policy Framework for Canada (June 2007)

6. Implementation

Parties interested in the implementation of these spectrum policy provisions should contact a spectrum manager in the nearest Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada local office.

Issued under the authority
of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development,
in accordance with the Radiocommunication Act and Regulations made thereunder.

space to insert signature

Martin Proulx
Acting Director General
Engineering, Planning and Standards Branch

space to insert signature

Peter Hill
Director General
Spectrum Management Operations Branch