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Allocation Opportunities
Other Bands Not Considered in This Paper
A number of spectrum bands were examined, as detailed in Appendix 1, and the bands 2.3 GHz, 2.5 GHz, 5.4 GHz and bands above 60 GHz appear to have the most potential at the present time for additional BWA allocations.
In determining the likely bands suitable for additional BWA allocations, the Ministry has considered:
- whether the spectrum is generally available and when it is likely to be available;
- where spectrum is currently used, the effects of relocating the existing users;
- whether suitable equipment is available; and
- when the spectrum could be made available for BWA operation.
2.3 GHz
Twelve lots in the 2.3 GHz band, each of 8 MHz bandwidth, were sold as management rights in 1990 for the deployment of Multipoint Distribution Systems (MDS), a networked television technology. Eight lots were purchased by Telecom, two by Woosh Wireless and one each by Broadcast Communications Ltd (BCL) and Sky TV Ltd.
Diagram 2: 2.3 GHz Spectrum Holdings
- None of these rights has been utilised. MDS proved to be too expensive to deploy and the rights are not appropriately configured for other uses.
- Commercial WiMAX (including mobile WiMAX) equipment for use in this band is expected to start becoming available in late 2006 or early 2007, but the band is not optimally configured for WiMAX.
Current Policy
The rights expire in 2010 and Cabinet has determined that renewal of rights will not be offered to incumbents, as:
- there are no spectrum licences within these rights;
- there has been no significant use; and
- new technologies (e.g., WiMAX) that can use this spectrum have channel plans (5, 10 MHz) not matching the bandwidth (8 MHz) of the current channel plan.
With WiMAX-based equipment likely to become available in 2006/2007 and the proximity of the expiry date, this band is a prime candidate for repackaging and reallocating to intending wireless broadband providers. The Ministry is proposing to repackage the band for national and local WiMAX-based BWA deployment.
Allocation Opportunities
In the 2.3 GHz spectrum, WiMAX is currently standardised for deployment in 5 or 10 MHZ channels. With the currently available information on technology, the Ministry considers that exclusive access to three 10 MHz channels would be sufficient, to efficiently operate a national network using the 2.3 GHz spectrum. The Ministry is therefore, considering re-packaging the 2.3 GHz band into three lots of ±30 MHz.
A considerable number of smaller broadband providers may be interested in spectrum at a local and regional level, however. To provide these more modest enterprises with access to the 2.3 GHz band, the Ministry is considering reserving one lot at the high end of the band for an alternative allocation
The resulting configuration of the band is shown in Diagram 4.
Diagram 3: 2.3 GHz Spectrum Lots
Long Description of Diagram 3
Lots 1 and 2 - 30 MHz lots could be offered at auction as twenty-year management rights for national wireless broadband deployment.
Lot 3 - 36 MHz block be offered as an alternative allocation option such as a Managed Park with access available to local and regional wireless broadband providers, and other users to be negotiated with the Ministry.
7a. Do you have an interest in using the 2.3 GHz band?
7b. Do you consider the proposed re-packaging to be appropriate for this band? If not, what do you consider to be the optimum packaging for this band?
7c. What do you consider to be the optimum use for this band?
7d. Which form of management would you consider to be optimal for this band: management rights; spectrum licences under Crown management; public parks; Managed Parks; Area Licences or a combination thereof?
2.5 GHz
The 2.5 GHz band is currently used for TV outside broadcast links, operating under radio licences issued by the Crown. Access to the spectrum is on a user co-ordinated basis limited to services in support of Television Broadcasting. On occasion it has been used to trial new technologies (e.g. TDD-CDMA) on a secondary basis to TV outside broadcast operations. It has been identified as being suitable in the future for WiMAX-based BWA deployment, IMT-2000 expansion, and recently is being suggested as a potential candidate band for IMT-Advanced. Mobile (nomadic) WiMAX-based equipment is currently being developed for this band.
The band is well utilised during events requiring TV broadcast coverage and discussions with licence-holders to clear the band would be required, however, in anticipation of IMT-2000 expansion a replacement band (2.7-2.9 GHz) has already been allocated for TVOB purposes.
Current Policy
The Ministry is exploring options for the future allocation of this band.
Allocation Opportunities
The band is suitable for use as an IMT-2000 extension band, for WiMAX operation and potentially for IMT-Advanced deployment or a combination of these applications.
8a. Do you have an interest in using the 2.5 GHz band?
8b. What do you consider to be the optimum packaging for this band?
8c. What do you consider to be the optimum use for this band?
8d. Which form of management would you consider to be optimal for this band: management rights; spectrum licences under Crown management; public parks; Managed Parks; or a combination thereof?
5.4 GHz
The 5.470 -5.725 GHz band was allocated to the Mobile Service at the World Radio Conference 2003. Moreover, access to the band must be achieved in accordance with ITU-R Resolution 229. Resolution 229 provides the framework for sharing the band in question for mobile WLAN use with incumbent stations in the Radiolocation service.
In 2004 and 2005, the technical work required to satisfy the Res. 229 framework was led by the US National Telecommunication and Information Agency (NTIA) for rulemaking and adoption by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and this work is approaching completion.
In order to protect the operation of incumbent meteorological RADAR in New Zealand the Ministry of Economic Development is expected to adopt the FCC rules pertaining to the 5.47-5.725 GHz band once published by the FCC (anticipated to be by third quarter 2006).
Current Policy
Current policy is to use the radio licensing regime to provide access to the 5.47-5.725 GHz for Radiolocation and Radionavigation services.
Allocation Opportunities
It is expected that access to the 5.47-5.725 GHz band for WLAN use will be achieved in the third quarter of 2006 under a GURL with appropriate provisions to protect existing and future licensed meteorological RADAR.
9a. Do you have an interest in using the 5.4 GHz band?
9b. What do you consider to be the optimum use for this band?
9c. Which form of management would you consider to be optimal for this band; radio licensing, public parks or Managed Parks?
60 GHz
The 57-66 GHz band is currently allocated (inter alia) to the Mobile and Fixed service in New Zealand, and band access is achieved via individual licences under the radio licensing regime. In New Zealand the band is used for short-range broadband linking around the Wellington CBD. Radio transmissions in this band are attenuated by the absorption of energy by the molecular bonds between oxygen atoms. Presently, equipment is being manufactured for use in this band, to provide for wireless extension of fibre optic and cable networks.
In Australia and the USA, access to the band is available using the equivalent to a GURL (i.e. a class licence, and FCC Part 15 rules respectively). In Europe and the United Kingdom access to the lower part of the band is unlicensed and the upper half of the band is via a "light licensing"18 regime in accordance with ECC/REC (05)02.
Some demand to use the 60 GHz band for short range broadband access has been demonstrated in New Zealand.
Current Policy
Current policy is to provide access to the band for fixed point-to-point links via the Radio Licensing Regime
Allocation Opportunities
The Ministry is currently planning for the potential introduction of a GURL to enable easier access to the bands for short range broadband (greater than 1 Gbps) services.
10a. Do you have an interest in using the 60 GHz band?
10b. What do you consider to be the optimum use for this band?
10c. Which form of management would you consider to be optimal for this band: management rights; spectrum licences under Crown management; public parks; Managed Parks; or a combination thereof?
70, 80 and 90 GHz
The bands 71-76, 81-86 and 92-95 GHz have a global primary allocation to the Fixed Service. These bands have similar propagation characteristics to that experienced at 60 GHz except the oxygen bond absorption characteristic. As a result they have a greater range and some degree of technical co-ordination may be desirable.
In the US, the FCC has made all 3 bands available for fixed services under a "light licensing"19 regime. It is noted that the original FCC ruling did not require co-ordination prior to registration but a submission from industry resulted in such a provision being introduced.
OfCom, the spectrum regulator of UK is considering a "light licensing" regime for these bands.20 In Europe an ECC Recommendation (05)07 has been issued which provides band plans for the Fixed Service in the bands 71-76 and 81-86 GHz bands. It is noted that the introduction to this Recommendation states that a feature of operating in this band is the "Possibility of multiple channel frequency re-use, thanks to the unique propagation conditions, highly directional pencil-sized beams; this will also enable implementation of multiple services and applications without interference concerns, obviating the need for coordination".
By providing the industry with the choice of an "unlicensed" band at 60 GHz and light licensed bands at 70, 80 and 90 GHz the FCC have stimulated the market for a number of differing applications. However just how these bands will be used in the market place is still uncertain because of the evolving state of the technology.
Current Policy
The Ministry has not mandated any channel plans or licensing policies for the 70, 80, and 90 GHz bands as a demand to utilise these bands has not be demonstrated in the past.
Allocation Opportunities
Recently, some demand to use the 60, and 70-90 GHz bands has been demonstrated and the Ministry is considering the most appropriate method of enabling access to each of these bands. Current thinking is to follow the US and European lead to enable GURL access to some parts of the band (60 GHz) and to use a form of Managed Spectrum Park to enable access to the 70-90 GHz bands. It is anticipated that the allocation of the 70-90 GHz bands will form the basis of another discussion paper aimed at delivering pilot experience in the operation of Managed Spectrum Parks.
11a. Do you have an interest in using the 70, 80 and 90 GHz bands?
11b. What do you consider to be the optimum use for these bands?
11c. Which form of management would you consider to be optimal for these bands: management rights; spectrum licences under Crown management; public parks; Managed Parks; or a combination thereof?
Other Bands Not Considered in This Paper
12a. Are there any other bands that you consider to be future candidates for BWA?
12b. If so, which ones, why and when?
12c. How do you think they should be allocated, taking into account current allocations and usage?
18 A "light licensing" regime can be considered as similar in concept to a Managed Spectrum Park.
19 Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Announces Permanent Process for Registering Links in the 71-76 GHz, 81-86 GHz, and 92-95 GHz Bands [192 kB PDF] [link to FCC website].
20 Making Spectrum Available in the 71-76 GHz and 81-86 GHz Bands [link to OfCom website].
