Executive summary
1.1 This consultation sets out our proposal to increase the maximum permissible base station transmit power (e.i.r.p.) in the 1800 MHz Public Wireless Network licences by 3 dB to 65 dBm per carrier for Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) and 65 dBm per 5 MHz for Long Term Evolution (LTE) and Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX). EE Limited (“EE”), Hutchison 3G UK Limited (“H3G”), Telefonica UK Limited (“Telefonica”) and Vodafone Limited (“Vodafone”) have all requested that their 1800 MHz licences be varied to implement this power increase.
1.2 This document assesses these requests and in doing so:
- provides background information on the 1800 MHz bands and licences;
- sets out Ofcom’s statutory and policy framework;
- considers the implications for competition and the implications for other users in,
- and adjacent, to the 1800 MHz Public Wireless Network licence bands;
considers the request in the light of Ofcom’s statutory duties.
1.3 Having considered the relevant factors in relation to each request and subject to responses to this consultation, Ofcom’s preliminary view is it is appropriate and proportionate to agree to the variation of EE, H3G, Telefonica and Vodafone’s Public Wireless Network licences, to increase the maximum permissible base station transmit power in the 1800 MHz band by 3 dB for UMTS, LTE and WiMAX technologies.
1.4 We will carefully consider any representations made in response to this consultation before reaching a final decision.
The full document is available below