RAC Bulletin 2009-032E - Military radiolocation system to operate on 70 cm.
2009-10-07
Military radiolocation system to operate on 70 cm.
As described in Schedule I of RBR-4, amateur usage of the 430-450 MHz (70 cm) band is on a no-protection, non-interference basis. Amateurs may not cause interference to nor be protected from interference from stations licensed in other services operating in that band. The same is true in the United States, and amateur operations on this band in a number of areas of the United States have power limits imposed on them in order to avoid interference to radiolocation services operated by the US military.
Industry Canada has informed RAC that it has authorized the Department of National Defence to use a digital system called Enhanced Position Location Reporting System (EPLRS) on these frequencies. The EPLRS system consists of mobile, fixed, transportable and airborne stations that use 5 MHz-wide spread spectrum channels to provide strategic telemetry information for military platforms. This authorization is on a no-protection, non-interference basis, which means that no new restrictions will be imposed on Canadian amateur operations in this band as a result.
Industry Canada has informed RAC that there is a slight potential for interference to amateur radio systems, typically in the form of a minor audible clicking noise. If Canadian amateurs encounter such interference, they are requested to report it to RAC at
Questions or concerns regarding the planned implementation of EPLRS may be sent to
Richard Ferch, VE3KI
Vice President, Regulatory Affairs - Radio Amateurs of Canada