The document refers to the public consultation initiated by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) to define the regulatory, technical, and licensing framework for the use of the 21.2–21.8 GHz and 22.4–23.0 GHz bands for fixed point-to-point radio services.

The central objective is to expand backhaul capacity supporting mobile and fixed networks, including 5G and future 6G deployments, as well as essential digital services for the corporate, healthcare, education, and broadcasting sectors. The measure responds to the exponential growth in data traffic, driven by the transition to denser networks and high-performance applications, with mobile traffic projected to triple by 2030.

ISED's proposal eliminates the previous designation of these bands for multipoint communication systems (MCS), which have never been deployed, and incorporates them alongside the already available bands (21.8–22.4 GHz and 23.0–23.6 GHz), creating a continuous spectrum block of 21.2–23.6 GHz for fixed radio links.

WHOM DOES IT IMPACT?

The direct impact is on telecommunications operators and internet service providers, equipment manufacturers and integrators, businesses and organizations, and end users.

CONCLUSION:

To a lesser extent, coexistence with scientific services (EESS, SRS, RAS) will require regulatory adjustments, although no significant negative impacts on these actors are anticipated.