ISED consulting on wireless microphones, white space devices

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) is asking for input on how to deal with both wireless devices that previously used some 600 MHz spectrum and new technology that will be using other portions of those airwaves. On Wednesday, it launched a consultation on the technical, policy and licensing framework for wireless microphones, which it is transitioning away from the 614‑698 MHz frequency band. It noted that the devices and “mobile broadband systems will cause interference with each other if they operate in the same frequency range.” The consultation document said that “ISED is undertaking this consultation to review its existing regulatory framework and propose new frequency bands for the operation of wireless microphones on a secondary basis.” Wireless microphones transmit sound without a cable connection, and are used in venues like broadcast and production studios, for live performances and in convention and conference centres. On the same day, ISED initiated a consultation looking at white space devices, which are “a radio apparatus that operates in the white space designated frequency bands using opportunistic spectrum access techniques.” The device sends its geographical location to a white space database, “which in return provides it with a list of available channels,” ISED said in the consultation. The department recently named a white space database administrator. It said that the white space framework “is a first step towards enabling dynamic spectrum access techniques and opportunities for further innovation in wireless technology.” While white space will first be used for wireless broadband internet service in rural and remote areas, in the future, “Canadians could potentially benefit from this technology through other applications such as local area networking by consumers (similar to Wi-Fi), machine-to-machine communications as part of the Internet of Things, as well other innovations that haven't yet been conceived,” ISED said. “Furthermore, the practical experience obtained from the use of white space technology may facilitate the development of future dynamic spectrum access technologies, which is a key component in making more spectrum available through improved spectrum sharing techniques,” it added. It’s asking for comment on its proposals to harmonize its rules with the U.S., “limit the use of white space devices to spectrum below 608 MHz at this time” and not allow them to use the 614‑698 MHz band. Comments in both consultations are due Jan. 15.

ISED consulting on wireless microphones, white space devices

Brief | November 16, 2017

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ISED consulting on wireless microphones, white space devices

Brief | November 16, 2017

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