Spectrum management and frequencies
assignment for the new technologies
Tomas Lamanauskas
Deputy Director
Communications Regulatory Authority
LITHUANIA
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Outline of the presentation
• Spectrum management – importance and ongoing
changes
• European way to flexible spectrum management:
– RSPG
– CEPT
– ITU
• Frequencies assignment for new technologies in Lithuania
2 psl
Spectrum management – why it is so important?
The demand for radio-based applications grows in line with the increasing
mobility of the society.
The radio spectrum
Is a key resource for many ordinary services in today’s society – mobile, wireless
communications, TV and radio broadcasting;
Supports public services - defense, radio astronomy, space research and other
scientific activities, i.e. is important input into other economic sectors;
Plays a major part in developing rural areas (wireless broadband applications), this
means, that it plays important role in bridging “digital divide” as well.
In 2004 Mobile communications
sector alone :
contributed 105.6 billion euros to
the GDP of EU-15;
has created around 2.8 million jobs
in EU-15;
is going to overtake in turnover the
agriculture sector or electricity, gas
and water industries put together.
250
200
150
100
50
0
Mobile
telecoms
Fixed
telecoms
End user
hardware
End user
software
Mining and
quarrying
Electricity,
das and
water
Agriculture,
hunting and
fishing
Source:OVUM
3 psl
Spectrum management – why it is so important?
But …
The available radio spectrum is limited;
The convergence of services is putting pressure for regulators to
adapt quickly, to abolish unnecessary barriers and introduce
greater flexibility.
Broadcasting services
Interactive
broadcasting
MWA
Mobile services
BWA
WLAN
FWA
Fixed services
The convergence of services
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Spectrum management – why it is so important?
New technologies lead to less rigid ties between frequency bands and services.
New technologies:
- Broadband Wireless Access (BWA):
- 3.5 GHz,
- 5.8 GHz;
- Systems beyond IMT-2000;
- Ultra-Wideband (UWB):
- Ground- and Wall- Probing Radars,
- Building Material Analysis;
- Mobile-Satellite Service MSS on 2 GHz:
- Complementary Ground Component;
- GSM on board of aircrafts and vessels;
- Short Range Devices (SRD):
- mini FM-transmitters,
- Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS);
Mobile
- Cognitive radio systems;
- Software defined radio technologies.
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Spectrum management – main approaches
4 main approaches
Command and
control
The regulator
determines how
and by whom the
spectrum is going
to be used.
High
Unlicensed
spectrum Commons
The regulator
determines how
the spectrum is
going to be used,
no restrictions on
who can use the
spectrum.
Market
Unrestricted
usage
Users determine
how they are going
to use spectrum;
Market
mechanisms (e.g.
auctions) are used
to determined who
will be the users.
No restrictions on
who and how can
use spectrum.
Degree of regulatory intervention
Low
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Spectrum management – transition
Driver for changes – need of greater flexibility
rapidly changing environment of electronic communications, impressive
technological progress, convergence, changing habits of end-users
consumption creates the pressure for existent spectrum regulation.
Trend of changes – transition from Command and control to
Market approach, i.e. making spectrum regulation more flexible
All the approaches have particular strengths and weakness. The task for
governments in determining the most appropriate spectrum management
framework is to identify the relevant combination of methods that will result
in the most efficient use of the spectrum.
In practice command and control approach usually co-exists with commons
approach. Once spectrum is assigned under commons method, it may be
extremely difficult to change its use or to pull it back for assignment under
a different method. Therefore usually transition form the mixture of
command-control and commons approaches to the combination of market
and commons approach is considered.
7 psl
Flexible spectrum management – important issues
Spectrum trading – a tool to simplify
transfer of spectrum rights without or with
limited intervention from regulator.
Spectrum trading actually solves the
problem of who will use the spectrum.
Pros
Cons
Efficiency;
Transaction costs
Transparency;
Interference
Competition;
Standardisation/harmonisation
Innovations.
Possible concentration
Liberalisation - the relaxation of restrictions on services and technologies associated
with spectrum usage rights. Liberalisation solves the problem of how to use the spectrum.
Spectrum trading without liberalisation will be limited to transfers of existing usage
rights. Liberalisation alone will only enable existing users to switch technologies and
services.
Spectrum trading is an important policy tool in the management of radio spectrum.
However it is not always appropriate for all bands. Therefore, spectrum trading will coexist alongside other spectrum management approaches.
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European way to flexible spectrum management
Main actors:
ITU-R - ensures rational, equitable, efficient and economical use of the
radio-frequency spectrum by all radiocommunication services and carries
out studies and adopts recommendations on radiocommunication matters.
The European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications
Administrations (CEPT) - Administrations from 47 countries cooperate and
contribute to create a dynamic market in the field of European posts and
electronic communications.
European Commission – defines, develops and implements European
Community radio spectrum policy.
Radio Spectrum policy group (RSPG) - adopts opinions, which are
meant to assist and advise the Commission on radio spectrum policy
issues.
Radio Spectrum Committee (RSC) – assists the Commission for the
adoption of technical implementing measures.
NRA - Member States implement decisions at national level and create
national legislation.
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European way to flexible spectrum management
Flexibility
NRAs
Harmonization
Convergence
Market players
10 psl
European way to flexible spectrum management
•
A new strategic framework, i2010 – A European Information Society for
growth and employment, showed off the importance of coherent EU radio
spectrum policy for achieving the strategic goals.
– The Commissions Communications on:
•
•
• A forward-looking radio spectrum policy for European Union – second annual report, 2005
• A market-based approach to spectrum management in the European Union, 2005
• Accelerating the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting, 2005
Commission Communication “A forward-looking radio spectrum policy for
European Union – second annual report” sets out Commission'
s strategy
for a coherent EU radio spectrum policy, which keystones:
– the essentiality of gradual but systematic liberalisation;
– the need to promote innovation through an effective combination of flexibility and
coordinated use of spectrum;
– the common action and close collaboration at EU level will give a critical contribution
to the coherence and final success of the strategy.
The Review of the EU Regulatory Framework for electronic
communications network and services:
– The main Commission proposals in relation to Spectrum Management :
• to enhance flexibility of use and lower access hurdles to Radio Spectrum,
• to move to more market based approaches to spectrum management,
• to promote the development of pan-European Services.
– ERG in principle welcomes the Commission proposals in relation to Spectrum
Management
11 psl
RSPG opinions
Adopted:
• Secondary trading of rights to use radio spectrum - flexibility
• Spectrum implications of switchover to digital broadcasting harmonization
• Wireless Access Policy for Electronic Communications
Services (WAPECS) - convergence
In progress:
• The introduction of multimedia services in particular in the
frequency bands allocated to the broadcasting services.
• EU spectrum policy implications of the digital dividend.
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RSPG opinions
on Secondary trading of rights to use radio spectrum:
• Secondary spectrum trading could be beneficial in certain parts
of the spectrum …
• It is for individual administrations to decide whether to
introduce secondary trading….
• In the following frequency bands secondary trading may lead to
significant risks:
- used for government (defence, security) and safety-oflife services (civil aviation);
- allocated to terrestrial broadcasting service, to the
broadcasting-satellite service and the fixed-satellite service where it
is used for direct-to-home television (need is under consideration);
- allocated to scientific services (radioastronomy, Earthexploration, space research).
Commission Communication “A market-based approach to spectrum management in the
European Union” sets out the following key features to be developed in an EU approach to
spectrum trading:
–Tradability, Technology neutrality, Service neutrality, Spectrum rights, Transparency.
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RSPG opinions
on Spectrum implications of switchover to digital broadcasting:
- Potential new services (pan-European services):
- increase the number of programme services and/or enhance the TV
experience (e.g. multi-camera angles for sports, individual news streams and other
quasi-interactive options that are accessed using the remote control);
- deliver services with higher technical quality (notably HDTV) or to portable
and mobile receivers;
- enable electronic communication services other than broadcasting.
Commission Communication on Accelerating the transition from analogue to
digital broadcasting:
-The Commission proposes that a deadline of the beginning of 2012 be set for
completing analogue switch-off in all EU Member States.
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RSPG opinions
on Wireless Access Policy for Electronic Communications Services
(WAPECS):
- The convergence trend and the increasing use of
digital technologies are putting pressure on spectrum
management policies as radio access networks
increasingly compete with each other.
- WAPECS: framework for the provision of electronic
communications services within a set of frequency
bands to be identified and agreed between European
Union Member States:
- coherent authorisation scheme;
- technological neutrality;
- service neutrality.
- Candidate bands:
- broadcasting bands;
- fixed and mobile services bands;
- bands for Short Range Devices (SRD).
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RSPG opinions
on The Introduction of Multimedia Services in particular in the frequency
bands allocated to the broadcasting services:
- purpose: to facilitate the introduction of multimedia
services within Europe.
-„multimedia services„ - the traditional broadcasting
(point-to-area-coverage) and communication services
(one-to-one) in a mobile environment.
- multimedia services must take account of the wide
variety of different spectrum that could be used with
varying degrees of flexibility.
- to remove unnecessary constraints in current licences
for broadcasting, mobile and fixed services in order to
enable the introduction of multimedia services.
- candidate bands:
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RSPG opinions
on EU spectrum policy implications of the digital dividend:
Main objectives:
• To encourage transparency of Member States policies
affecting the re-allocation of the digital dividend and to support
a convergence of approaches.
• Mobile broadcasting is one particular case of potential use of
the digital dividend.
• To ensure that the digital dividend resulting from the
switchover will have a positive effect upon EU-wide
competition and innovation in the provision and efficient use of
radio spectrum by wireless applications.
• To support the functioning of the Internal Market for electronic
communications services.
• To reap the full potential of the digital dividend, in particular
considering that some of the released spectrum could be used
in priority for future innovative, high-value, pan-European
services.
17 psl
CEPT activities
Terms of Reference for Working Group Frequency Management
(CEPT/ECC/WGFM) in light of harmonization, convergence and
flexibility:
Mobile
- Update and maintain the European Table of Frequency
Allocations and Utilisation.
- Promote harmonised national frequency allocation
tables and co-ordinate the use of frequency bands for
the same purpose, for applications and for systems
throughout CEPT countries.
- Select and apply appropriate criteria for sharing and
compatibility between radiocommunications services and
systems.
- Prepare draft Decisions and approve
Recommendations and Reports. In developing new
Decisions, Recommendations and Reports takes into
account the exemption from individual licensing and free
carriage and use of equipment, where appropriate.
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ITU activities
The Radiocommunication Sector of International Telecommunication Union
(ITU-R) plays a vital role in the management of the radio-frequency spectrum
and satellite orbits.
Mobile
Activities of (ITU-R):
- Emergency Radiocommunications.
- Wireless Access Systems (WAS),
including Broadband (BWA).
- Maritime Mobile Access and Retrieval
Systems (MARS).
Constrain:
- Frequency allocations to services are not
flexible and are unsuitable for convergence
of technologies.
The European Common Proposal (ECP) for ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2006
to delete the definitions of “broadcasting service” and “mobile service”, now present in
the Constitution and Convention of the ITU, is one of the first steps to abolish
unnecessary barriers.
19 psl
Need of spectrum for new technologies in Lithuania
1.92-1.98 GHz UMTS/IMT-2000
10.15-10.66 GHz FWA usage of 75 %
2.11- 2.17 GHz UMTS/IMT-2000
17.1-17.3 GHz
poor usage for RLAN
2.4-2.4835 GHz heavy usage for RLAN
24.5-26.5 GHz
FWA usage of 78 %
3.41-3.8 GHz
27.5-29.5 GHz
FWA usage of 43 %
great interest for BWA
5.15-5.725 GHz growing usage for RLAN
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Frequencies assignment for new technologies
in Lithuania
UMTS
In beginning of 2006, UAB Omnitel, UAB Bit Lietuva and UAB Tele2 with a right to use radio
frequencies in the UMTS bandwidth to build UMTS networks
3G services are provided in the market since I quarter of 2006.
3G communication is provided in 8 cities;
in the beginning of September 2006, there were 82 registered 3G base stations;
in 2007, 3G will be available to more than 50 % of Lithuanian population, and in 2008
– 75 %.
The new services being offered by 3G/HSDPA operators include high speed internet access,
information services, news, video messaging or conversations, mobile TV etc.
DVB-T
In 2003, first transmissions in DVB-T format were started by LRTC;
In 2005, a tender for DVB-T broadcasting was organized and the winners of the tender – two
companies were approved in 2006. They have commenced to roll out digital TV infrastructure:
Currently, 7 DVB-T stations broadcast on 5 channels over 26 TV programmes in Vilnius;
Before 2007 December 31, digital TV transmitters will be installed in five largest cities;
Before start-2009, at least one digital TV network will cover not less than 95% of the
territory of Lithuania.
Starting from 2012 – a gradual switch-off of the analogue TV shall be commenced in Lithuania
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Frequencies assignment for new technologies
in Lithuania
Wireless broadband on 3,5 GHz, 10 GHz, 26 GHZ, 28 GHz:
Plan for development of 3,5 GHz was put for public consultation, and the decision regarding it is
pending;
2 operators have permissions to operate on 3,5 GHz and 3 operators - on 10,5 GHz;
4 operators have permissions to operate on 26 GHz.
1 operator have permissions to operate on 28 GHz
22 psl
Frequencies assignment for new technologies
in Lithuania
Spectrum trading in Lithuania
RRT progressively opens spectrum for trading
- radio spectrum owner is allowed to transfer spectrum to legal entities belonging
to it;
- trading is allowed with some exceptions when number of spectrum users is not
limited or spectrum is not marked as ‘reserved’
- RRT is planning to allow trading in all cases with following exceptions:
- radio frequency was issued by beauty contest,
- radio frequency is allocated for Governmental purposes,
- radio frequency is allocated for broadcasting.
Lithuania supports the EC initiative to introduce spectrum trading in
general.
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Conclusions
The implementation of spectrum trading and liberalisation is
challenging…
Issues of interference, harmonisation, potential windfall gains and/or looses
for existing spectrum users still remain under discussion
…and it will take time to realise the full benefits of liberal policy approach.
But the challenge of reforming spectrum management is worth to be
accepted since an effective introduction of spectrum markets would be:
beneficial, because of the gains in competition, innovations,
increased variety of services, improved consumers choice and access to
new technologies and services at lower prices,
·
·
and necessary because today’s spectrum management has
reached its limits due to technological progress, constantly increasing
demand for spectrum and due to the speed of changes in business cycles
and markets.
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Conclusions
Therefore, there is a need for ever closer national, regional
and international cooperation amongst spectrum regulators to
promote formation and rapid dissemination of the best
practice of spectrum management.
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Thank you
Tomas Lamanauskas
Communications Regulatory Authority,
Algirdo 27, Vilnius, Lithuania
Phone: +370 5 210 5627
e-mail: [email protected]
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