Regulatory Consultation: ISED RSS-193, Issue 2

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) has released a draft for Radio Standards Specification RSS-193, Issue 2, titled Flexible Use Broadband Equipment Operating in the Bands 24.25-28.35 GHz and 37.6-40.0 GHz. This update is intended to replace RSS-193, Issue 1, significantly expanding the scope of regulated frequency bands for flexible use broadband equipment.

Proposed Changes to Regulations and Standards

The primary modification in Issue 2 is the inclusion of additional frequency bands and the establishment of associated technical requirements. Key changes include:

• Expanded Frequency Scope: The regulation now covers the 24.25-27.5 GHz and 37.6-40.0 GHz bands, in addition to the previously regulated 27.5-28.35 GHz range.
• Updated Band Plans: Detailed frequency block structures have been defined for the new ranges, including 50 MHz unpaired blocks for the 24.25-25.1 GHz and 27.5-28.35 GHz ranges, and 100 MHz unpaired blocks for the 25.1-27.5 GHz and 37.6-40.0 GHz ranges.
• Consolidation of Requirements: Integration of technical specifications for base stations, fixed service equipment, and subscriber equipment across all covered millimeter-wave (mmWave) bands.

Impact on Manufacturers and Stakeholders

Manufacturers of radio apparatus must adhere to several new and updated requirements to achieve compliance:

• Certification Category: Equipment subject to this standard remains classified as Category I, requiring a technical acceptance certificate (TAC) issued by ISED’s Certification and Engineering Bureau or a recognized certification body.
• Transition Period: A six-month transition period will follow the official publication of Issue 2. During this window, applications for certification under either Issue 1 or Issue 2 will be accepted. After six months, only Issue 2 will be accepted for new equipment certification.
• Licensing: All equipment remains subject to licensing pursuant to the Radiocommunication Act.

Technical Parameters and Testing Procedures

The draft specifies rigorous technical limits for equipment performance and interference management:

• Transmitter Power: Maximum power limits are defined by equipment type:
  • Base Stations/Fixed Service: 75 dBm/100 MHz e.i.r.p. (with proportional reductions for narrower bandwidths).
  • Fixed Subscriber Equipment: 55 dBm/channel bandwidth e.i.r.p.
  • Mobile Subscriber Equipment: 43 dBm/channel bandwidth e.i.r.p.
• Unwanted Emissions: Limits for Total Radiated Power (TRP) or total conducted power are established based on the offset frequency from the edge of the occupied bandwidth. Specific limits also apply within the 23.6-24.0 GHz range to protect sensitive services.
• Modulation and Stability: Equipment must utilize digital modulation, and frequency stability must be sufficient to maintain the occupied bandwidth within the assigned frequency block under varying environmental conditions.

Labeling Requirements

There is a specific new labeling requirement for base station equipment operating in the 24.45-24.65 GHz band. Manufacturers must include the following text on the device label or within the user manual:

“Operation within 24.45-24.65 GHz is intended for indoor use only.”

Submission of Feedback

Stakeholders are invited to submit comments and suggestions for improving this standard through the following channels:

• Online: Using the ISED General Inquiry form (selecting the Directorate of Regulatory Standards).
• Email: Consultation on radio standards can be sent to consultationradiostandards-consultationnormesradio@ised-isde.gc.ca.
• Mail: Directed to the Regulatory Standards Directorate in Ottawa, Ontario.

While a specific closing date for this draft version is not explicitly stated in the document, stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback promptly to ensure consideration before the final publication.