IC frees up channel 51 in advance of spectrum auction

OTTAWA – Industry Canada has suspended the use of television channel 51 in an effort to prevent interference in the lower part of 700 MHz spectrum pending its forthcoming auction. In a letter to the CRTC, IC said that effective immediately, it will no longer grant new broadcasting certificates for regular power and low power TV applications. The moratorium affects only the applications for new or modification to facilities predicated on increased usage of the spectrum and does not affect existing regular power or low power television stations currently on channel 51. www.ic.gc.ca