Chairman Pai Signs Cross-Border Radio Frequency Spectrum Coordination Arrangement With Innovation Science And Economic Development Canada

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai signed an arrangement to implement a modernized framework for cross-border radio frequency spectrum coordination between the United States and Canada. This Transitional Arrangement with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) facilitates the provisional application of the new General Coordination Agreement (GCA) which the two countries signed on January 12 and 13. The agreement on the use of the radio frequency spectrum by terrestrial and earth stations, after almost two decades of negotiations, modernizes the existing spectrum coordination framework. Under the new framework, the FCC, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and ISED will have flexibility to create and update spectrum coordination arrangements in response to rapidly evolving communications needs. These decisions also ensure that all stations and frequencies coordinated prior to GCA’s entry in force maintain their coordinated status. The General Coordination Agreement and the Transitional Arrangement will enable the FCC, NTIA, and ISED to continue to facilitate rapid deployment of radio communications systems while minimizing harmful interference, as well as strengthen both countries’ ability to manage their spectrum resources efficiently and effectively along the United States-Canada border.