1. Licence-Exempt Spectrum - Emerging Challenges DOCUMENT #:GSC13-GRSC6-08 FOR:Presentation SOURCE:ISACC AGENDA ITEM:4.2 (GRSC) Wireless access including RLANs & ad-hoc Networking CONTACT(S):Doug Sward Submission Date: June 26, 2008 Doug Sward ISACC

2. 2 Highlights of Current Activities Licence-Exempt (LE) radio bands provide users with the advantages of easy entry and cost savings Licence-exempt operators must be prepared for interference anytime (no interference/no protection) These bands are also designated for Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) devices as well as Short Range Devices (SRD) In Canada, RSS-210 sets out requirements for the certification of LE (i.e. unlicensed) low-power radiocommunication devices

3. 3 Strategic Direction The original premise for the use of radio equipment in the LE bands was largely based on low-power, intermittent use The LE bands are home to a wide range of communication devices The consumer is rarely aware of the “buyer beware” nature of these bands The “no protection/no interference” regulatory concept is generally not known by the consumer

4. 4 Strategic Direction Canadian LE bands are becoming highly populated in urban areas Studying interference issues – particularly in the 900-928 MHz, 2400-2483.5 MHz and 5725-5850 GHz bands The impact will become more of an issue in the eyes of consumers

5. 5 Challenges 902-928 MHz and 2400-2483.5 MHz Spread Spectrum Radio Users Users include Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs), school boards, counties, utilities, farmers, oilfields, etc. Types of systems: –Point-to-point –Point-to-multipoint –Mesh networks

6. 6 Challenges WISPs sometimes complain about interference - usually from other spread spectrum radios New devices for ubiquitous type of services can monopolize large portions of the 902-928 MHz band –On all the time. –Interference rugged Impact –Drop in capacity. –Lost of connection/service

7. 7 Challenges 5 GHz RLANs WRC-03: provided a new allocation for the mobile service on a primary basis RLANs now have access to 455 MHz of spectrum in the 5 GHz range RLANs subject to a number of operational and technical provisions designed to mitigate interference to other primary services in the 5 GHz range –DFS: threshold + waveform detection

8. 8 Challenges Weather radars operating in the 5600-5650 MHz band require protection –Testing in Canada showed interference problem –Canada: notch out of 5600-5650 MHz sub-band to protect weather radars Protection requirements for primary services in the 5 GHz range not likely to provide relief to lower LE bands.

9. 9 Next Steps/Actions Greater use of cognitive radio equipment Possible need for additional spectrum in bands below 2.4 GHz Need solutions that are regional or global WRC-11 Agenda Item 1.22 on SRDs