After more than three decades working in the wireless industry, we have seen and heard many confusing points when it comes to radio spectrum in the Canadian utility industry. There is an abundance of folklore, mythology, assumptions, and downright misunderstandings that bounce around this topic.
Some days, it gets exhausting to have to repeatedly explain clarifications over and over again. Like so many other topics, people read the tiniest of tidbits of information on the internet and then take it as empirical evidence of fact. Often, it is the exact opposite, or there is some portions of the statements that do hold a element of truth to help tip them over the top to convince the reader that they now know all that they need to know regarding the subject.
Sadly, this is rarely valid. Knowledge is forever evolving. It is diverse. And, it can be complicated. So, learning is a journey and not a destination. The only thing that you need is an open mind and the willingness to learn. There are many truths. Sometimes, too many.
For example, that the subject of radio spectrum. There is a classic case of an erroneous assumption that licenced spectrum is always better than licenced exempt spectrum. In proper Governmental language, the term, ‘unlicensed’ / ‘unlicenced’ (in Canada, we typically spell this word with a second ‘c’, but both versions are used) is deemed to be slang or jargon. In Canada, all spectrum is licenced – there are no exemptions. There are simply different kinds of licenced applied.
Past experience in the wireless industry provides a valuable perspective into the complexities of radio spectrum management. Misunderstandings in this field, especially regarding licencing and spectrum usage, are indeed widespread. Here is a brief summary of the key points often seen in Canadian utilities today:
The Nature of Radio Spectrum in Canada
- Ownership and Management:
- In Canada, all radio spectrum is publicly owned, managed by the Ministry of Industry, Science, and Economic Development Canada (ISED).
- This includes overseeing the licensing process, which ensures spectrum is used efficiently and interference is minimized.
- ISED operates on behalf of all Canadians to properly manage spectrum to the best interests of the public that it represents.
- Terminology and Misconceptions:
- There is a common misconception that some spectrum is “unlicensed.” However, all spectrum in Canada is licensed – it’s just that some types, like “license exempt,” have different regulatory requirements.
- The term “license exempt” refers to spectrum use that does not require a traditional station license but is still subject to specific rules and conditions.
- Types of Licenses:
- Different licenses exist based on spectrum use, including station, area, temporary, and license-exempt categories.
- The type of license depends on the service being provided (e.g., aeronautical, maritime, amateur radio).
- Licensing Fees and Usage:
- Fees vary based on the type of service, the amount of spectrum needed, the usage, and operational locations.
- Stations with transmitters and receivers at different sites are licensed as separate entities.
Key Takeaways for Education and Awareness
- Folklore and Misinformation: Many assume they understand spectrum policy after minimal research, often spreading half-truths or outdated information.
- Evolving Knowledge: The technical and regulatory aspects of spectrum management are ever-changing, requiring continuous learning.
- Open-Minded Approach: Engaging in this complex subject demands a willingness to understand nuances rather than settling for oversimplified explanations.
We aim to share insights that emphasize the importance of correcting these myths, promoting informed discussions, and fostering a deeper understanding of spectrum management principles.
Both Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and Automated Meter Reading (AMR) solutions in Canada leverage a combination of licensed and license-exempt spectrum, depending on the specific requirements of the deployment. Here’s a breakdown of how these spectrum types are used in AMR and AMI systems:
1. Licensed Spectrum Use
- Why Use Licensed Spectrum?
Licensed spectrum offers exclusive rights to certain frequency bands, ensuring better interference protection and reliable communication. This is critical for utilities that need to maintain secure and consistent data transmission, especially in dense urban environments. - Common Applications in AMI/AMR:
- Backhaul Communication: Used for transmitting data from local collection points (e.g., base stations or data concentrators) to central utility systems.
- Wide-Area Coverage: In rural areas, licensed bands provide long-range communication for scattered devices.
- Private Networks: Utilities often set up private LTE or other wireless networks for critical operations.
- Examples of Licensed Bands:
- 700 MHz (Public Safety Broadband)
- 900 MHz for certain fixed wireless applications
- Licensed narrowband for utility-specific uses.
2. License-Exempt Spectrum Use
- Why Use License-Exempt Spectrum?
License-exempt spectrum is cost-effective and widely available. Although it comes with a higher risk of interference, it’s suitable for many non-critical or localized applications. - Common Applications in AMI/AMR:
- Local Device Communication: Connecting meters to nearby data collectors or routers.
- Mesh Networks: Many AMI systems use mesh topologies in license-exempt bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz or 900 MHz ISM bands) to allow devices to relay data efficiently over short distances.
- Wi-Fi and Zigbee: These technologies operate in license-exempt bands and are often used for in-home displays or local monitoring systems.
- Examples of License-Exempt Bands:
- 2.4 GHz (Wi-Fi, Zigbee)
- 5 GHz (Wi-Fi)
- 902-928 MHz ISM band (widely used for mesh networks).
Considerations for Using Both Spectrum Types
- Interference Management:
License-exempt bands require robust interference mitigation strategies, especially in congested environments. - Cost and Flexibility:
Licensed spectrum incurs additional costs for spectrum access but provides reliability. License-exempt options, while cost-effective, require careful planning to ensure performance under shared-use conditions. - System Design:
Many AMI/AMR solutions incorporate hybrid approaches, using license-exempt bands for localized, high-density communication and licensed bands for long-distance or critical links.
Conclusion
The combination of licensed and license-exempt spectrum enables Canadian utilities to balance cost, coverage, and reliability in their AMR and AMI deployments, ensuring efficient and flexible operations across diverse environments.
About the Author:
Michael Martin is the Vice President of Technology with Metercor Inc., a Smart Meter, IoT, and Smart City systems integrator based in Canada. He has more than 40 years of experience in systems design for applications that use broadband networks, optical fibre, wireless, and digital communications technologies. He is a business and technology consultant. He was a senior executive consultant for 15 years with IBM, where he worked in the GBS Global Center of Competency for Energy and Utilities and the GTS Global Center of Excellence for Energy and Utilities. He is a founding partner and President of MICAN Communications and before that was President of Comlink Systems Limited and Ensat Broadcast Services, Inc., both divisions of Cygnal Technologies Corporation (CYN: TSX). Martin served on the Board of Directors for TeraGo Inc (TGO: TSX) and on the Board of Directors for Avante Logixx Inc. (XX: TSX.V). He has served as a Member, SCC ISO-IEC JTC 1/SC-41 – Internet of Things and related technologies, ISO – International Organization for Standardization, and as a member of the NIST SP 500-325 Fog Computing Conceptual Model, National Institute of Standards and Technology. He served on the Board of Governors of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) [now OntarioTech University] and on the Board of Advisers of five different Colleges in Ontario. For 16 years he served on the Board of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE), Toronto Section. He holds three master’s degrees, in business (MBA), communication (MA), and education (MEd). As well, he has three undergraduate diplomas and five certifications in business, computer programming, internetworking, project management, media, photography, and communication technology. He has completed over 30 next generation MOOC continuous education in IoT, Cloud, AI and Cognitive systems, Blockchain, Agile, Big Data, Design Thinking, Security, Indigenous Canada awareness, and more.