October 31, 2016
Purpose
The purpose of this notice is to provide additional opportunity for comments on proposals put forth by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) related to the objectives and methodology for establishing the transition plan for over-the-air (OTA) TV broadcasters as part of the 600 MHz repurposing in Canada.
Background
In December 2014, ISED released the Consultation on Repurposing the 600 MHz Band from broadcast to mobile services. The related decision to proceed with a joint repurposing with the U.S. was released in August 2015.
Since April 7, 2016, ISED has engaged Canadian OTA TV broadcasters through participation in discussions organized by the Radio Advisory Board of Canada (RABC) and has undertaken an analysis of technical factors regarding the transitioning of OTA TV stations. All OTA TV broadcasters were invited to participate in these discussions in June 2016.
ISED has developed objectives and methodology proposals for establishing the transition plan based on stakeholder input and views, and has incorporated the concepts discussed during the RABC meetings. ISED presented these proposals at an open RABC meeting on September 30, 2016. The proposed objectives and methodology are designed to provide an orderly and manageable transition, taking into consideration the time required for broadcasters to transition, the potential impact on viewers and the efficient allocation of limited resources. The ISED presentation was posted on the RABC website. An RABC submission based on input received through the RABC process will also be submitted to ISED and posted on its Spectrum Management and Telecommunications website.
Submitting Comments
In order to ensure transparency and adequate opportunity for input regarding transition issues that will significantly impact the OTA TV broadcasting community, ISED has published the 600 MHz – Proposed TV Transition Objectives and Methodology presentation on its website. In addition to the current opportunity for comment underway through the RABC, interested parties may also provide comments directly to ISED regarding the proposals set out in the presentation. Respondents are invited to indicate whether they support or oppose the specific elements of the proposal and the rationale for the position being presented. Parties must submit their comments no later than December 1, 2016 in order to be considered by ISED. Respondents are requested to submit their comments (in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF) via email. All submissions should cite the publication date and the title of this notice.
At the end of the comment period, comments received by ISED and the submission from the RABC will be posted on the Spectrum Management and Telecommunications website. Confidential or private information should not be included when submitting comments.
All comments will be reviewed and considered by the Department in order to reach a decision regarding the objectives and methodology used to develop the transition plan and schedule. The decision will be posted on the Spectrum Management and Telecommunications website.
MARTIN PROULX
Director General, Planning and Standards Branch
Spectrum, Information Technologies and Telecommunications Sector
Innovation, Science and Economic Development / Government of Canada