About this study

This independent study, commissioned by the GSA, considers the use of UHF spectrum generally, but in particular the sub-700 MHz band, in a number of different services, focussing on its use in ITU Region 1. The study sets out the potential use for UHF spectrum in mobile, broadcasting, PMSE, PPDR and radioastronomy, and considers how these demands vary by geography. We conclude with consideration of how a more regional approach to spectrum assignment may lead to significant benefits.

Summary

This independent study examines the current and future use of the UHF band in general, but in particular the portion of this band between 470 MHz and 694 MHz. Historically this spectrum has been allocated and used by television broadcasting, with secondary users of PMSE equipment in the white spaces created by the need for non-overlapping transmissions (and a small reservation for use by radio astronomy). However, with changing demand from mobile services and broadcast viewing habits, this paper considers whether there is a need to revisit this allocation.

Mobile broadband growth requires more low-band spectrum

First, we look at the use of sub-1 GHz UHF spectrum by mobile broadband services. There has been a very large increase in the use of mobile broadband over the past decade, across rural and urban areas, and in both developing and developed countries. Consumers and enterprises alike are using connections for a wide variety of services, and many now rely on high quality broadband for work, productivity, home keeping, and entertainment. A key driver of mobile data is video, representing over three quarters of all traffic, and as screens improve in resolution and consumers increasingly acquire VR and AR equipment, demand for mobile data will accelerate further.

The future use of UHF spectrum in ITU Region 1

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Abstract | 26 November 2020

World Radio Conference 2023 Agenda Item 1.3 calls for studies to examine the feasibility of allocating 3600 – 3800 MHz band to the Mobile Service (except aeronautical mobile) on a primary basis in Region 1 (i.e. Europe, Middle East and Africa). The band is already allocated to the mobile service in Region 1 but on a secondary basis, i.e. not allowed to cause interference to, or claim interference protection from, primary services.
Upgrading the secondary Mobile Service (MS) allocation to a primary allocation status will have implications for incumbent primary service networks that are already operating in the 3600-3800 MHz band. These include systems operating under the Fixed Service (FS) and Fixed Satellite Service (FSS); providing primary status for MS may imply that FS/FSS systems could no longer establish new sites and/or expand their capacity by increasing their bandwidth. ITU-R Resolution 246, which is associated with Agenda Item 1.3, states that any new allocation should not impose constraints on the existing systems of primary services. The feasibility of a primary MS allocation will, therefore, be partly dependent on how extensively FS/FSS systems are deployed in a region or country.

This paper outlines some of the key issues raised by the possible upgrading of the mobile service status to primary. These include system deployment characteristics and potential interference scenarios including cross border interference. Potential approaches to minimise the impact on incumbent fixed and fixed satellite networks are discussed. Examples include establishing coordination areas around FS/FSS receivers; introducing guard bands to take advantage of discrimination provided by the base station transmitter and FS/FSS receiver selectivity masks; the use of additional filters at FS/FSS receivers and/or limiting IMT base station out-of-band emissions to minimise the impact of adjacent band interference; and considering the additional isolation due to vegetation around FS/FSS receivers. A brief overview of current regulatory situation of the band in Europe, Middle East and Africa is then provided. The final part of paper presents Plum’s capabilities that may be relevant to affected stakeholders.

Upgrading mobile service allocation in 3600-3800 MHz

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