Nokia Siemens Networks

13.9.2007

Nokia Siemens Networks¹ response on "Radio Frequency Auction: 2.3 GHz and 2.5 GHz Bands Discussion Paper” of the Radio Spectrum Policy and Planning, Energy and Communications Branch, Ministry of Economic Development of New Zealand

Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) is pleased to take the opportunity to comment on plans of the Ministry of Economic Development regarding the radio frequency auctions in the 2.3 GHz and 2.5 GHz bands.

In the following we comment some of the most important topics mentioned in the discussion paper.

“Minimum Frequency Requirements for WiMAX Provision”

The frequency allocation for WiMAX should take place in continuous blocks in order to maximize the cost-efficiency of base stations. The minimum block size that allows to serve a large customer base of broadband wireless users over the lifecycle of a large infrastructure investment, such as a WiMAX network, is 30 MHz.

“Lack of Technology Certainty”

Nokia Siemens Networks believe that the availability of the frequency band 2500-2690 MHz for Broadband Wireless Access is necessary in order for operators and end-users in New Zealand to have access to globally standardized infrastructure and end-user equipment, and to benefit from the associated economies of scale. WiMAX licenses should preferably be granted in the 2.5 GHz frequency, as there will be much more alternative suppliers for both the infrastructure and for the devices in this frequency band, as compared to 2.3 GHz which seems to be getting a much more limited market globally. With less vendors, and smaller volumes, the whole ecosystem in 2.3 GHz will be missing the economies of scale, at least in the short to medium term, which will have a negative effect on the cost of the system to the end-users of the systems in New Zealand.

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