SRSP-516 — Technical Requirements for Wireless Communication Service (WCS) in the Bands 2305-2320 MHz and 2345-2360 MHz
Scope and Intent
Standard Radio System Plan SRSP-516, Issue 2, defines the minimum technical requirements for the efficient use of the 2300 MHz frequency bands by Wireless Communication Service (WCS) providers in Canada. This standard specifically covers the bands 2305-2320 MHz (Block W) and 2345-2360 MHz (Block W'). It is intended for use in the design of radio systems and provides essential technical characteristics related to spectrum management.
Regulatory Status and Modifications
Issue 2 of SRSP-516 replaces Issue 1 (dated April 2014). Key updates in this version include the incorporation of technical rules to facilitate the deployment of Active Antenna Systems (AAS) and various editorial updates. Systems conforming to these requirements receive priority in licensing over non-standard systems.
General Requirements
- Equipment Certification: All equipment must be certified in accordance with Radio Standards Specification RSS-195, Wireless Communication Service (WCS) Equipment Operating in the Bands 2305-2320 MHz and 2345-2360 MHz.
- Compliance: General requirements for certification and RF exposure are governed by RSS-Gen and RSS-102, respectively.
- Interference Management: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) may require modifications to radio equipment if harmful interference is caused to other authorized stations.
Band Plan and Usage Restrictions
- Frequency Blocks: The spectrum is divided into two 15 MHz blocks: 2305-2320 MHz (Block W) and 2345-2360 MHz (Block W').
- Mobile and Portable Station Prohibitions: Transmissions from mobile and portable stations are strictly prohibited in the sub-bands 2315-2320 MHz and 2345-2350 MHz.
- FDD Restrictions: Mobile and portable stations utilizing Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) technology are restricted to the 2305-2315 MHz range.
Key Technical Requirements
Technical criteria differ based on whether a station utilizes Non-Active Antenna Systems (non-AAS) or Active Antenna Systems (AAS).
1. Fixed and Base Station Power Limits (non-AAS)
- 2305-2315 MHz and 2350-2360 MHz: The maximum permissible e.i.r.p. is 400 W within any 1 MHz band and must not exceed 2000 W within any 5 MHz bandwidth.
- 2315-2320 MHz and 2345-2350 MHz: The maximum permissible e.i.r.p. is 2000 W within either 5 MHz band.
- Calculation: Specific formulas are provided for correlated transmission (based on aggregate power and directional gain) and uncorrelated transmission (based on aggregate power and maximum antenna gain).
2. Technical Requirements for Active Antenna Systems (AAS)
- E.i.r.p. Limits: The power limits for AAS match those of non-AAS systems (400 W/1 MHz and 2000 W/5 MHz depending on the frequency range).
- AAS Formula: The e.i.r.p. is determined using the equation: e.i.r.p. = TRP + Ge + 10 log10(min(NTX, 8)), where TRP is total radiated power, Ge is the gain of one antenna element, and NTX is the number of transmit elements.
3. Subscriber Equipment and Operational Constraints
- Power Limits: Maximum e.i.r.p. and TRP limits for subscriber equipment (mobile, portable, fixed) are specified in RSS-195.
- Duty Cycle: For stations using Time Division Duplexing (TDD), the transmission duty cycle must not exceed 38%.
- Antenna Restrictions: Vehicle-mounted antennas are prohibited for mobile and portable stations. Low-power fixed subscriber stations (≤ 2 W e.i.r.p. per 5 MHz) are prohibited from using outdoor antennas unless professionally installed at specific heights and locations to prevent interference.
Coexistence and Coordination Requirements
- Domestic Coordination: Licensees must coordinate if the distance between neighboring service area boundaries is less than 120 km or if the power flux density (pfd) exceeds -110 dBW/m²/MHz at ground level in a neighboring area.
- International Coordination: Operations near the Canada-United States border are subject to the Interim Arrangement Concerning the Use of the Frequency Bands 2305-2320 MHz and 2345-2360 MHz. Coordination is mandatory if a station is within 120 km of the border or produces a pfd greater than -110 dBW/m²/MHz at ground level in U.S. territory.
- Adjacent Band Coexistence: Coordination is required with Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service (SDARS) in the 2320-2345 MHz band and Aeronautical Mobile Telemetry (AMT) in the 2360-2400 MHz band. Licensees must notify SDARS counterparts 10 business days prior to operating or modifying WCS base stations.
Testing and Compliance Procedures
To demonstrate compliance, manufacturers and labs must perform testing according to the methods specified in RSS-195. Key test parameters include verifying unwanted emission limits, ensuring peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) compliance, and confirming automatic transmit power control for subscriber equipment. Licensees are required to maintain all coordination data and calculations, which must be made available to ISED upon request.
