Regulatory Compliance News

Canada’s ISED Releases RSS-195 Issue 3 for WCS Equipment Operating in the 2.3 GHz Band

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) officially published Radio Standards Specification RSS-195, Issue 3, updating the technical and certification frameworks for Wireless Communication Service (WCS) equipment. This standard covers hardware operating within the 2305–2320 MHz and 2345–2360 MHz frequency bands, which are typically deployed for local mobile, point-to-point, and point-to-multipoint broadband access services.

The updated standard succeeds Issue 2 (originally published in 2014) and introduces several structural updates to align with contemporary regulatory practices. Key updates include the integration of formal band plan details, updated definitions targeting advanced hardware architectures like Active Antenna Systems (AAS), and new maximum transmitter power specifications explicitly outlined for fixed stations, base stations, and subscriber equipment. The underlying testing and reporting requirements have also been restructured to mirror ISED's current modern radio standards layout.

For manufacturers and distributors targeting the Canadian market, a standard six-month transition window is in effect from the official publication date. During this timeline, ISED will continue to accept certification applications under both Issue 2 and Issue 3. Once this grace period concludes, all newly manufactured, imported, or sold WCS equipment in Canada must fully conform to Issue 3 requirements to secure necessary Technical Acceptance Certificates (TAC).