OTTAWA – Industry Canada has posted some of the information that broadcasters will require in order to make applications for permanent over-the-air digital television (DTV) services.
The information includes details on the interim agreement between Industry Canada and the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) concerning digital television broadcasting along the common border until both countries complete their transition from analogue to DTV.
It also released its DTV Post-Transition Allotment Plan, whereby applications for digital transmitters must be filed by August 31, 2011.
For more information click here and refer to SMBR-005-08 and SMBR-006-08, published on December 20, 2008. Public comments on the DTV Allotment Plan and related implementation policies to be filed by February 18.
In other news, Industry Canada is considering allowing Telesat Canada to offer customers the ability to provide direct-to-home (DTH) broadcasting services in part of the “extended Ku” satellite band (10.7-11.7 GHz).
Industry Canada has previously rejected the idea of allowing subscriber-owned DTH receiving terminals to operate in the extended Ku band, saying they may be subject to interference from nearby licensed microwave systems.
But the Department has imposed a moratorium on new terrestrial microwave licensing in the affected band until this spectrum-use policy review is completed. For more on the consultation, click here Public comments must be filed by March 13.
