ISED proposal to displace spectrum for fixed wireless divides ISPs

A pair of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada proposals on changes to midband spectrum allocation that would affect fixed wireless service has drawn a mixed response from telecoms. In a consultation that started in August, ISED put forward numerous questions around the allocation of the 3500 to 4200 MHz bands, some portions of which need to be cleared in order for telecoms to roll out 5G networks. ISED proposed two options for the 3650 to 3700 MHz band, which is currently dedicated to wireless broadband service (WBS) and used by over 300 licensees, primarily ISPs that provide fixed wireless service (WISPs). Under the first option, licensees could continue using that band, although they would be transitioned to flexible license and there would be new technical rules. For the second option, licensees would be displaced to the 3900 to 3980 MHz frequency range — ISED indicated its own preferences for this approach. “Option 2 would provide long-term stability throughout the full 3450-3980 MHz range as it will allow for more efficient use of the spectrum for future 5G applications by supporting access to a standardized equipment ecosystem across the band.” However, numerous WISPs pointed out that to operate in the 3900 MHz range, they would likely need to make substantial investments in new equipment that could function at that range. In its initial proposal, ISED acknowledged that the displacement could incur extra costs for WISPs, but did not comment on the scale of what those costs might be. In a submission to ISED, TekSavvy Solutions Inc. wrote that moving WBS to this range would disproportionately impact rural and remote internet users in Canada “TekSavvy rejects Option 2 as disastrous both for WBS service providers’ ongoing viability and availability of broadband service to rural subscribers.” The alternative — remaining in the 3650 to 3700 MHz range is “the only option that enables continued investment in rural broadband networks and continued improvement of broadband services to rural subscribers,” TekSavvy’s submission stated. The company also suggested that ISED expand the current WBS spectrum up to 3730 MHz. “It is critical for TekSavvy and other WISPs to have the additional 30 MHz to deliver the CRTC’s 50/10 Mbps basic service objective to bridge the digital divide.” Several other submissions agreed with these arguments: Iristel Inc. estimated that a WISP with just 5,000 end users would pay around $7.2 million to relocate to the 3900 MHz band (although Rogers Communications Inc. deemed that number “inflated”). Cogeco Inc. also objected to the displacement proposal, adding that if it were to go ahead, ISED should provide compensation or assistance. “Any migration activities undertaken by ISED needs to accommodate WBS service providers and their end-customers. This means, at a minimum, ensuring that those end-customers continue to receive service during the transition period and, further, that a transition plan be implemented to minimize the costs to WBS licensees.” BCE Inc. also rejected the idea of displacing WBS to the 3900 MHz band, but proposed that it be moved to the 3400 to 3450 MHz range instead. “ would best balance the need for large blocks of contiguous spectrum with the WBS users' concerns that band migration will impact their service continuity and financial viability,” wrote Bell, noting that most WBS equipment would not need to be replaced if this frequency was used instead of 3900 MHz. It would also enable an “accelerated transition,” freeing up spectrum space faster for 5G network rollouts. However, these frequencies may not be immediately available, as in 2019 ISED noted that this spectrum range is currently required for radiolocation services. Bell also stated that freeing up the 3650 to 3700 MHz frequencies would allow 5G network operators to access a greater range of contiguous spectrum. Several submissions, including Bell’s, noted that mobile providers would ideally need 100 MHz of contiguous midband spectrum for their 5G networks to function optimally. Iristel objected to this proposal, suggesting that it favoured large, incumbent providers with the means to invest in larger blocks of spectrum. “It is difficult to reconcile how one can argue that WISPs should settle for 50 MHz in order to provide incumbents with 100 MHz. What is good for the goose is only half as good for the gander, it seems,” Iristel said. In its submission, Rogers agreed with Bell’s proposal to displace WISPs to the 3400 MHz range, contending that it is imperative to free up the 3650 to 3700 MHz range for the sake of contiguity. “While may have less direct, visible costs, it will ultimately be costlier overall to the Canadian economy and be a significant drag on 5G network performance by fragmenting the band,” Rogers argued. Two other telecoms, Telus Corp. and Quebecor Inc. did not propose an alternative approach to displacement, with both recommending that ISED shift WBS to the 3900 MHz range. Meanwhile, at least one smaller provider did not oppose displacement — Xplornet Communications Inc. — although it offered yet another proposal — that WBS be moved to the 3450 to 3500 MHz range, allowing for more contiguity at the upper end of the midband spectrum. Then if spectrum-sharing technologies are developed, this could be expanded downward to 3400 MHz, Xplornet stated. — Reporting by Tim Forster at tforster@thewirereport.ca and editing by Anja Karadeglija at akarad@thewirereport.ca

ISED proposal to displace spectrum for fixed wireless divides ISPs

News | December 11, 2020

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ISED proposal to displace spectrum for fixed wireless divides ISPs

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