ISED launches consultation on satellite supplement for mobile coverage

By Ahmad Hathout The department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) has launched Monday a consultation on opening up certain mobile spectrum bands for use by satellite service providers to address dead spots in areas that are difficult to reach for on-the-ground mobile networks. The department that handles spectrum auctions said in the consultation document it is considering applying a supplemental mobile coverage by satellite (SMCS) framework to the 600 MHz, 700 MHz, 800 MHz cellular, AWS-1, AWS-3, and the Personal Communications Systems (PCS) bands for shared use with satellite operators, but is broadly asking if other bands should...