Canada ISED Publishes SRSP-321.2 for 21.2–23.6 GHz Band

Canada ISED Publishes SRSP-321.2, Issue 1: Updated Rules for Fixed Line-of-Sight Systems in the 21.2–23.6 GHz Band

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) has formally published SRSP-321.2, Issue 1 — Technical Requirements for Fixed Line-of-Sight Radio Systems Operating in the Band 21.2–23.6 GHz. Issued in April 2026, the new Standard Radio System Plan (SRSP) replaces the long-standing SRSP-321.8 and marks a meaningful modernization of Canada's microwave fixed-service framework in the 23 GHz range.

The publication follows ISED's earlier public consultation on the draft plan, during which the Department invited stakeholder comment ahead of finalization. The result is a consolidated standard that widens the regulated band, refreshes the channel structure, and updates the antenna performance criteria used in radio licensing of point-to-point microwave links.

Regulatory Context and Background

SRSPs are the technical rulebooks ISED uses to evaluate licence applications for fixed radio systems above 960 MHz. They define the minimum spectrum-efficiency characteristics a system must meet to be treated as "standard" and therefore receive licensing priority over non-standard deployments in the same band.

The standard being retired, SRSP-321.8, dated back to 1997 and covered only two sub-bands: 21.8–22.4 GHz and 23.0–23.6 GHz. In parallel, ISED issued a policy decision establishing a framework to make additional spectrum available for backhaul applications in the adjacent 21.2–21.8 GHz and 22.4–23.0 GHz ranges, and committed to revising the technical standard accordingly. SRSP-321.2, Issue 1 is the realization of that commitment: it folds the new backhaul spectrum and the legacy sub-bands into a single, continuous 21.2–23.6 GHz plan.

Technical Scope of the New Standard

SRSP-321.2, Issue 1 governs fixed line-of-sight point-to-point radio systems across the full 21.2–23.6 GHz band. The most consequential technical changes introduced relative to the previous standard are:

• New wider channel bandwidths. The RF channel arrangement is updated to introduce 60, 80 and 100 MHz channel bandwidths, supporting higher-capacity microwave backhaul links than the legacy plan accommodated.

• Revised antenna radiation pattern envelopes. The minimum antenna performance criteria — used to ensure systems reject and avoid causing harmful interference — have been updated.

• Band consolidation. The previously separate 23 GHz sub-bands and the newly designated backhaul spectrum are brought under one plan, simplifying coordination and application across the range.

• Editorial clarifications. Additional editorial updates and clarifications have been incorporated throughout, consistent with ISED's broader modernization of its SRSP suite.

  
  

As with all SRSPs, the plan specifies characteristics relating to efficient spectrum use only; it is not a comprehensive equipment design specification. Systems are still evaluated under ISED's general application procedures for planned radio stations above 960 MHz in the fixed service.

What This Means for Manufacturers

For OEMs and importers of microwave radio equipment, the practical impact centers on product capability and market positioning rather than a new type-approval certificate. ISED's Radio Standards Specifications (RSS) govern equipment certification; SRSPs govern how systems are coordinated and licensed. The two work together.

The addition of 60, 80 and 100 MHz channel bandwidths signals demand for higher-throughput backhaul radios in the Canadian market. Equipment that can operate across the consolidated 21.2–23.6 GHz range and support the wider channels will align with the new standard, while older platforms limited to the legacy channel plan may face a narrowing addressable market over time. The revised antenna radiation pattern envelopes mean antenna subsystems and integrated radios should be checked against the updated minimum characteristics, since a system that cannot meet them risks losing "standard" status and licensing priority.

Operators and integrators planning new 23 GHz links in Canada should design to SRSP-321.2 from the outset. Systems already licensed as standard under the previous plan are generally permitted to continue operating, but expansions, modifications, and all new applications will be assessed against the new requirements.

Certification Impact Summary

Element	Previous Standard (SRSP-321.8)	New Standard (SRSP-321.2, Issue 1)
Frequency coverage	21.8–22.4 GHz and 23.0–23.6 GHz (two sub-bands)	21.2–23.6 GHz (consolidated continuous band)
Channel bandwidths	Legacy narrower plan	Adds new 60, 80 and 100 MHz channels
Antenna criteria	Original radiation pattern envelopes	Updated radiation pattern envelopes
Backhaul spectrum	Not included	Adds 21.2–21.8 GHz and 22.4–23.0 GHz
Applies to	Fixed line-of-sight point-to-point systems	Fixed line-of-sight point-to-point systems
Status of existing links	—	Standard links generally continue; new/modified applications assessed under SRSP-321.2
Document role	Spectrum/system plan for licensing	Spectrum/system plan for licensing (RSS still governs equipment certification)

Timeline and Required Actions

1. April 2026 — Publication. ISED publishes SRSP-321.2, Issue 1, superseding SRSP-321.8. The new plan applies to evaluation of new and modified fixed-service applications in the band.

2. Immediate — Confirm product alignment. Review microwave radio and antenna portfolios against the consolidated 21.2–23.6 GHz coverage, the new 60/80/100 MHz channel options, and the updated antenna radiation pattern envelopes.

3. Near term — Update technical documentation. Ensure datasheets, link-budget tools, and frequency-planning configurations reference the new channel arrangement and band limits.

4. Before new deployments — Design to the current standard. Plan all new 23 GHz links and licence applications to SRSP-321.2, Issue 1 to retain standard status and licensing priority.

5. Ongoing — Monitor coordination obligations. Track ISED guidance on coordination, the Geographical Differences Policy, and any related RSS updates that affect equipment certification in the band.