ISED won’t free up airline spectrum for mobile use

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) says it doesn’t plan to reallocate air-to-ground spectrum bands in the 800 MHz range for mobile use or issue them on short-term licenses, rejecting a suggestion from Rogers Communications Inc. — at least for now. The frequencies in the 849-851 MHz and 894-896 MHz range are currently allocated for air-ground mobile services for airliner communications, but the 10 year license terms expire in June 2019. “ISED is not planning any fundamental reallocation of this spectrum at this time, nor does it see any overriding policy need that would preclude the issuance of new licences through this renewal process,” it said in its decision. It cited harmonized technical rules in North America that “foster interoperability of systems.” Ottawa began a consultation for the license renewal process for the spectrum in August, during which Rogers argued the blocks would eventually provide “more value to Canadians” if they are repurposed for mobile use. The department said it “foresees that the use of this band for air-ground services is likely to continue” but added that technological developments could “change how providers deliver on-board broadband connectivity in the future, and that other potential uses for the air-ground spectrum may arise.” Rogers’ said the licenses should be issued on a three-year term, since the spectrum can’t be reallocated immediately anyway. The companies currently using the spectrum, SkySurf Canada Communications Inc. and sub-licensee Gogo Inc., asked for another 10 year renewal term. Meanwhile, Saskatchewan Telecommunications Holding Corp. (SaskTel) requested that Ottawa set the license expiry dates so they align with a 2026 U.S. expiry date for the corresponding air-ground licences there, on the expectation that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) would do its own review before they expire. ISED settled on an eight year term. The department said it expects more information about the future outlook of the similar U.S. licences to become available “shortly before” their expiry in 2026, and noted that would be “an opportune time to consider how to maximize the use of the spectrum in the future.” The current licensees can apply for the new licences come June next year.

ISED won’t free up airline spectrum for mobile use

Brief | December 14, 2018

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ISED won’t free up airline spectrum for mobile use

Brief | December 14, 2018

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