With its large land mass, Canada
is dependent on satellites for the delivery of
communications services. Canadian satellite policy
objectives include ensuring there is sufficient
capacity to meet the needs of Canadian
telecommunications and broadcasting services,
including those for Northern Canada. The
development of a Canadian satellite infrastructure
to allow satellite operators and service providers
to advance their offerings in Canada and beyond is
also an important objective. The development of
fixed-satellite service (FSS) spectrum and the
regulatory framework supporting FSS licensing
activities are critical to achieving these
objectives. This paper provides a summary of
regulatory approaches implemented in Canada for
licensing FSS. More detailed information can be
found at
http://citel.oas.org/seminar-p2/P2!R-1768p1_i.
Canadian Satellites.
Where we see competition for access to the spectrum
and orbital positions, Canada's approach for
assigning spectrum at orbital positions is to use
comparative licensing to select satellite operators
to develop the spectrum. Our evaluation and
selection criteria include eligibility, technical
and financial viability, applicant competencies and
benefits to Canadians factors. First-come,
first-served licensing is used as well, where
competition for access is not foreseen.
At this time, there are 20
satellites (of which 7 are FSS) operating under
Canadian satellite licences. Another 15 satellites
have been approved last year, most of them following
a comparative licensing initiative launched in 2006;
4 of which will use FSS spectrum. Some of these
approved satellites will replace others in service
now, but most represent investments by satellite
operators in new satellites.
Earth Stations.
Most fixed earth stations in Canada, as broadcast
and other receive-only stations, are exempt from any
requirement for licensing. For transmitting earth
stations, a radio licence is issued for each
station. Streamlined licensing processes are
available where many stations with the same
technical characteristics are involved, such as for
VSAT systems and broadband terminals using Ku and Ka
band spectrum.
Foreign Satellites.
Authorization to use foreign satellites is granted
through the issuance of earth station licences. To
facilitate the use of foreign satellites in Canada,
Industry Canada has instituted a pre-approval
process for foreign satellites. About 75 foreign
satellites have been approved through this process.
Criteria that are considered in this process include
whether the use of spectrum is in accordance with
Canadian spectrum policies, whether the satellite is
licensed by a member of the WTO, and whether the
satellite has been coordinated internationally.
Mobile Use of FSS Ku Band.
There is an increased interest in using FSS Ku band
for mobile services. Most recently, we have
received applications to support broadband services
to Canadian and foreign aircraft and ships while in
Canada, and onboard Canadian ships while outside
Canada. Industry Canada is looking at these
applications favourably, but has not concluded on
all of them.
Acquisition of Foreign Commercial
Satellites. Over the
past several years, Canadian satellite operators
have acquired foreign satellites for their own use,
and have leased Canadian satellites to foreign
operators. For acquiring foreign satellites, the
Canadian regulatory approach requires that the
satellite must meet domestic criteria for licensing,
including direction or control of the satellite by
Canadians. For Canadian satellites being operated
outside Canadian jurisdiction, it is important that,
at all times, the satellite remain under the
authority of an administration acting in accordance
with the ITU framework, that the satellite be
operated consistent with best practices to minimize
risks associated with liability and the protection
of the geostationary orbit from debris. In all
cases, an exchange of letters between
administrations has facilitated the acquisition.
Conclusion.
Canada has implemented a comprehensive regulatory
framework for licensing FSS satellites over the
years but we must be prepared to re-examine and
amend if necessary this framework to respond to new
realities and challenges.
Chantal
Beaumier
Director of Space and International
Regulatory Activities
Industry Canada |