Update on Canadian Telecom Regulations: New Rules for Radio Equipment

                                                                                                                                                                                       

The Canadian telecom authority ISED (formerly IC, Industry Canada) has published the following two new regulations for telecom/radio equipment:

 RSS-198 Issue 1 - Flexible Use Broadband Equipment Operating in the Band 3900-3980 MHz's This regulation is for flexible use broadband equipment under non-competitive local licensing.

However, the referenced ISED Standard Radio System Plan SRSP-521, Technical Requirements for Non-Competitive Local Licensed Services, including Fixed and/or Mobile Systems, and Flexible Use Broadband Systems, in the Band 3900-3980 MHz is currently open for external consultation and shall be published at a later date.

RS-247, Issue 3: Digital Transmission System (DTSs), Frequency Hopping Systems (FHSs), and Licence-Exempt Local Area Network (LE-LAN) Devices.

This new version establishes the requirements for certification of radio equipment operating in the 902-928 MHz, 2400-2483.5 MHz, and 5725-5850 MHz bands using frequency hopping, digital modulation, and/or a combination of both. It also includes the requirements for licence-exempt local area network (LE-LAN) devices operating in the 5150-5250 MHz, 5250-5350 MHz, 5470-5725 MHz, 5725-5850 MHz, and 5850-5895 MHz frequency bands, and it adds on the frequency bands 5725-5850 MHz and 5850-5895 MHz.

Amongst the changes are:

- Modified section 6.2 to clarify that different measurement methods can apply depending on the operating
frequency range of the device.

- Added section 6.2.5 to introduce the requirements for devices operating in the 5850-5895 MHz band and
channels which span across 5850 MHz.

- Added section 6.2.5.2 to identify the power limits associated with devices operating in the 5850-5895 MHz band.

- Added section 6.2.5.3 to identify the unwanted emission limits associated with devices operating in the 5850-
5895 MHz band.

Although this regulation is already in force, a 6 months’ transition period from the publication date is provided during which all applications for certification under RSS-247, issue 2 or issue 3, will be accepted. After this period, only applications under RSS 247, issue 3 will be accepted, and equipment manufactured, imported, distributed, leased, offered for sale, or sold in Canada shall then comply with the new version.

For further information, please contact Vina.Kerai@nemko.com

(The article is based on the information provided by Vina Kerai edited by T.Sollie)