This statement details Ofcom’s decision on the spectrum management approach in the 71-76 GHz and 81-86 GHz bands (“70/80 GHz”). This decision follows a review of the current management approach for this spectrum.
The review was initiated by Ofcom following the outcome of the Spectrum Review1 (on the management of spectrum currently used by fixed links and shared services) which identified the need to reassess the management approach at 70/80 GHz as a key priority in order to facilitate fixed link requirements for 4G infrastructure.
The spectrum at 70/80 GHz has been used in the UK by the Fixed Service2 since 2007. These bands have offered access to 2 x 4.75 GHz of spectrum and the ability to deploy applications with very high capacity capabilities (e.g. 1 Gbit/s and above) that are not supported in lower frequency bands used by the Fixed Service.
Ofcom publically consulted3 on proposals to change the management and authorisation approach within these bands following an extensive programme of stakeholder engagement.
Ofcom proposed a mixed management approach as set out in Figure 1 below. The self coordinated blocks 1 and 2 are already available for use and we proposed:
i) the continuation of these blocks under current procedures, and
ii) to make available the paired lower and upper sub-bands of the 70 and 80 GHz blocks under a new Ofcom coordinated approach as detailed in our consultation.
The consultation sought views on the following:
The appropriateness of a mixed management approach to enable stakeholders to choose between a self coordinated authorisation approach and a new Ofcom coordinated authorisation approach. Specifically in relation to this, views were sought on the following:
The size of the spectrum blocks available to each authorisation approach;
The proposed 250 MHz of spectrum in each sub band separating the spectrum blocks under each authorisation approach as a practical interference mitigation measure.
The aspects of the current self coordinated approach that would benefit from improvement. And specifically in relation to this approach:
Whether Ofcom should consider mandating the CEPT channel plan4 in the self coordinated blockWhether the technical parameters presented on the 70/80 GHz section of the wireless telegraphy register could be changed to allow more efficient coordination.
Ofcom separately issued a notice5 of proposed licence variation to existing 71-76 GHz and 81-86 GHz self coordinated link licensees which proposed bringing existing licences into alignment with the arrangements which were subject to consultation.
1 http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/spectrum-review/update/
2 Radio Regulations1.20 definition of fixed service: A radiocommunications service between two specified fixed points.
3 Policy consultation ran from 21 August 2013 to 14 October 2013 http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/70-80ghz-review/
4 CEPT ECC/REC/(05)07
5 Consultation on the notice of variation ran from 21 August 2013 to 11 November 2013.