EUROPEAN COMMISSION
Information Society and Media Directorate-General
Electronic Communications Policy
Radio Spectrum Policy
Brussels, 27 March 2012
DG INFSO/B4
RSCOM11-48 rev3
INTERNAL DOCUMENT
RADIO SPECTRUM COMMITTEE
Working Document
Subject:
Draft Commission Implementing Decision on the harmonisation of
the paired portion of spectrum of the terrestrial 2 GHz frequency
band for terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic
communications services in the EU
This is a Committee working document, which does not necessarily reflect the official
position of the Commission. No inferences should be drawn from this document as to
the precise form or content of future measures to be submitted by the Commission. The
Commission accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to any
information or data referred to in this document.
European Commission, DG Information Society and Media, 200 Rue de la Loi, B-1049 Bruxelles
RSC Secretariat, Avenue de Beaulieu 33, B-1160 Brussels - Belgium - Office BU33 7/09
Telephone: direct line (+32-2)29.56.512/ 93503., switchboard 299.11.11. Fax: +32.2.296.38.95
E-mail : xxxxxxxxx@xx.xxxxxx.xx
1.
INTRODUCTION
In the draft Commission Decision for the terrestrial 2 GHz band presented at RSC#38
(RSCOM11-48 rev1), the Commission proposed harmonised liberalisation of the whole band
while protecting continued use of FDD spectrum by rights holders. At the same, the draft
harmonisation conditions for the unpaired (TDD) spectrum aimed at avoiding co-existence
issues between multiple operators through imposing aggregated/pooled spectrum use in each
sub-band and a differentiated treatment of both sub-bands due to their different position with
respect to the FDD spectrum.
In this document, the Commission is presenting to the RSC a stable draft Commission
Implementing Decision for the paired portion of spectrum (1920-1980 MHz and 2110-2170
MHz) of the terrestrial 2 GHz band, which in line with CEPT Report 39 contains technical
harmonisation conditions for FDD base stations and FDD mobile terminals. It is based on the
The major elements of this Decision have already been included in the draft (RSCOM11-48
rev21) presented at RSC#398 and incorporates some comments raised by have received the
broad approval of Member States.
The deadline for harmonised liberalisation of the paired terrestrial 2 GHz band is set to 31
December 2013 in accordance with the findings of the Commission study by Helios
(RSCOM11-56).
In addition to the previous version of the draft, the block edges of the BEM nearest to the
band limits of the paired sub-bands (1920 MHz, 1980 MHz, 2110 MHz and 2170 MHz) have
been adapted to accommodate the results of CEPT Report 391 with exception of the block
edge nearest to 1920 MHz, which has been changed to ensure consistency with the
corresponding block edge nearest 2110 MHz.
It is planned that this draft Commission Decision on harmonised use of the paired portion of
spectrum of the terrestrial 2 GHz band is submitted to vote to the RSC following the adoption
of an Impact Assessment by the Commission scheduled for June 2012.
The Commission takes the view that a separate harmonisation measure for the unpaired
portion of spectrum of the terrestrial 2 GHz band would be necessary, based on studying also
alternative options other than mobile broadband. It is necessary to decide if the unpaired
spectrum should be harmonised within the existing framework of licences to mobile
operators, or for alternative use by other services that can justify demand and demonstrate
significant socio-economic benefits. In this regard, a mandate to CEPT should be issued in
order to assess the technical conditions of deploying spectrum-efficient alternative
applications of high socio-economic value in the unpaired spectrum while ensuring co-
existence with the electronic communications services provided in the paired spectrum of the
terrestrial 2 GHz band.
1 Consistent with Table 5 of CEPT Report 39.
DRAFT
COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION
on the harmonisation of the frequency paired sub-bands (1920-1980 MHz and 2110-
2170 MHz) ('paired terrestrial 2 GHz band') of the terrestrial 2 GHz frequency band
for terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic communications services in the
European Union
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Having regard to Decision No 676/2002/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council
of 7 March 2002 on a regulatory framework for radio spectrum policy in the European
Community (Radio Spectrum Decision)2, and in particular Article 4(3) thereof,
Whereas:
(1)
The European Parliament and the Council adopted Decision 128/1999/EC on the
coordinated introduction of a third-generation mobile and wireless communications
system (UMTS) in the Community (UMTS Decision)3 covering the frequency bands
1900-1980 MHz, 2010-2025 MHz and 2110-2170 MHz ('terrestrial 2 GHz band'). It
stipulated that Member States shall take all actions necessary in order to allow the
coordinated and progressive introduction of the UMTS services on their territory by 1
January 2002 at the latest and in particular shall establish an authorisation system for
UMTS no later than 1 January 2000. This Decision lapsed on 22 January 2003, but
the harmonisation of the spectrum by Member States which resulted from it has
remained in place.
(2)
The Commission has since then supported a more flexible use of spectrum in its
Communication on "Rapid access to spectrum for wireless electronic communications
services through more flexibility"4, which
inter alia addresses the terrestrial 2 GHz
band, and introduced flexibility in a gradual manner to avoid disruption of the market.
The principles of technological neutrality and service neutrality have been confirmed
by the Framework Directive 2002/21/EC as amended by Directive 2009/140/EC.
(3)
The designation of the terrestrial 2 GHz band for systems capable of providing
electronic communications services is an important element addressing the
convergence of the mobile, fixed and broadcasting sectors and reflecting technical
innovation. Systems deployed in this frequency band should mainly target end-user
access to broadband services.
2
OJ L 108, 24.4.2002, p. 1.
3 OJ L 017, 22.1.1999, p. 1.
4 COM(2007)50.
1
(4)
Wireless broadband services for which the paired sub-bands 1920-1980 MHz and
2110-2170 MHz terrestrial 2 GHz band isare already used today are to a large extent
pan-European in the sense that users of such electronic communications services in
one Member State could also gain access to equivalent services in any other Member
State. On the other hand, the unpaired sub-band 1900-1920 MHz, although licensed
to operators in many EU Member States, remains largely unused, and the unpaired
sub-band 2010-2025 MHz is licensed to operators just in few Member States and not
used.
(5)
Pursuant to Article 4(2) of Decision 676/2002/EC, the Commission gave on 15 June
2009 a mandate to the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications
Administrations (hereinafter the “CEPT”) to develop least restrictive technical
conditions for frequency bands addressed in the context of WAPECS.
(6)
In response to that mandate, the CEPT has issued a report (CEPT Report 39)
containing least restrictive technical conditions and guidance for their application to
base stations and terminal stations operating in the terrestrial 2 GHz band. In the
paired sub-bands 1920-1980 MHz and 2110-2170 MHz ('paired terrestrial 2 GHz
band'), these technical conditions are appropriate to manage the risk of harmful
interference within as well as outside of national territories without imposing any
particular type of technology and based on optimised parameters for the most likely
use of the band. In the unpaired sub-bands 1900-1920 MHz and 2010-2025 MHz
('unpaired terrestrial 2 GHz band') however, the technical conditions contained in
CEPT Report 39 are more restrictive for the operation of mobile networks than
stipulated in current existing national rights of use, in order to protect use above 1920
MHz from harmful interference.
(7)
In accordance with CEPT Report 39 the concept of Block Edge Masks (BEM), which
are technical parameters that apply to the entire block of spectrum of a specific user,
irrespective of the number of channels occupied by the user's chosen technology,
would be appropriate. These masks are intended to form part of the authorisation
conditions for spectrum usage. They cover both emissions within the block of
spectrum (i.e. in-block power) as well as emissions outside the block (i.e. out-of-block
emission). They are regulatory requirements aimed at managing the risk of harmful
interference between neighbouring networks and are without prejudice to limits set in
equipment standards under Directive 1999/5/EC of the European Parliament and of
the Council of 9 March 1999 on radio equipment and telecommunications terminal
equipment and the mutual recognition of their conformity
(the R&TTE Directive)5.
(8)
The technical conditions defined as a result of the mandate to CEPT also aim to
protect existing applications in adjacent bands against harmful interference. For that
purpose, compliance with the existing out-of-band spectrum emission mask for
UMTS should be ensured below 1900 MHz, between 1980 and 2010 MHz, between
2025 and 2110 MHz and above 2170 MHz. In so far as coexistence with another radio
application is not addressed in CEPT Report 39 and the Electronic Communications
Committee's ERC Report 65, which the CEPT Report 39 uses as a basis, appropriate
5 OJ L 91, 7.4.1999, p. 10. Directive as amended by Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003 of the European
Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 284, 31.10.2003, p. 1).
2
sharing criteria for coexistence could also be defined based on national
considerations.
(9)
The results of the CEPT Report 39 should be made applicable in the Union and
implemented by the Member States taking into account that existing rights of use in
the terrestrial 2 GHz band for UMTS have an impact on flexibility regarding the
frequency arrangements and the timing when these results can be implemented at
national level.
(10)
Given the restrictive technical conditions on transmission power levels for the
unpaired terrestrial 2 GHz band set out in CEPT Report 39 – in order to protect
operations in the paired terrestrial 2 GHz band and ensure co-existence of multiple
unsynchronised TDD networks – as well as the limited overall bandwidth of the
unpaired terrestrial 2 GHz band, the take-up of wireless broadband services under the
current license conditions is handicapped. This situation requires studying alternative
harmonisation measures for the unpaired terrestrial 2 GHz band and may entail
modification of existing licences. In order not to prevent the early introduction of
flexibility of use in the paired terrestrial 2 GHz band, the separation of harmonisation
measures for the paired and unpaired terrestrial 2 GHz bands becomes necessary.
(11)
This Decision introduces technical harmonisation conditions only for the paired
terrestrial 2 GHz band. It is without prejudice to the right of Member States to
organise the authorisation of the use of the terrestrial 2 GHz band taking into
consideration the rights of use in existence under their jurisdiction and in line with EU
law, and in particular the Authorisation Directive 2002/20/EC and Articles 9 and 9a
of the Framework Directive 2002/21/EC.
(12)
Harmonisation under this Decision should not exclude the possibility for a Member
State to apply, where justified and taking into account existing rights of use,
transitional periods that could include radio spectrum sharing arrangements, pursuant
to Article 4(5) of the Radio Spectrum Decision.
(13)
In order to ensure effective use of the paired terrestrial 2 GHz band also in the long
term, administrations should continue with studies that may increase efficiency and
innovative use. Such studies should be taken into account when considering a review
of this Decision.
(14)
The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the
Radio Spectrum Committee.
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
Article 1
This Decision aims at harmonising the conditions for the availability and efficient use of the
frequency bands 1920-1980 MHz and 2110-2170 MHz (hereafter 'paired terrestrial 2 GHz
band') for terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic communications services in the
Union.
3
Article 2
1.
At the latest by 31 December 2013, or whenever applying Article 9a of the Framework
Directive to an existing right or issuing new rights to use part or all of the terrestrial 2
GHz band, Member States shall designate and make available, on a non-exclusive
basis, the paired terrestrial 2 GHz band for terrestrial systems capable of providing
electronic communications services, in compliance with the parameters set out in the
Annex to this Decision.
2.
By way of derogation from paragraph 1, Member States may request transitional
periods that may include radio spectrum sharing arrangements, pursuant to Article
4(5) of Decision 676/2002/EC.
3.
Member States shall ensure that systems referred to in paragraph 1 give appropriate
protection to systems in adjacent bands.
4.
Member States shall facilitate cross-border coordination agreements with the aim of
enabling the operation of systems referred to in paragraph 1, taking into account
existing regulatory procedures and rights.
Article 3
Member States shall keep the use of the paired terrestrial 2 GHz band under scrutiny and
report their findings to the Commission to allow regular and timely review of this Decision.
Article 4
This Decision is addressed to the Member States.
Done at Brussels, […]
For the Commission
Neelie
KROES
Vice-President
4
ANNEX
Parameters refered to in Article 2
The technical conditions presented in this Annex are in the form of frequency arrangements
and block-edge masks (BEMs). A BEM is an emission mask that is defined, as a function of
frequency, relative to the edge of a block of spectrum for which rights of use are granted to an
operator. It consists of in-block and out-of-block components which specify the permitted
emission levels over frequencies inside and outside the licensed block of spectrum,
respectively.
The BEM levels are built up by combining the values listed in the tables below in such a way
that the limit at any frequency is given by the highest (least stringent) value of (a) the
baseline requirements, (b) the transition requirements, and (c) the in-block requirements
(where appropriate). The BEMs are presented as upper limits on the mean equivalent
isotropically radiated power (EIRP) or total radiated power (TRP)6 over an averaging time
interval, and over a measurement frequency bandwidth. In the time domain, the EIRP or TRP
is averaged over the active portions of signal bursts and corresponds to a single power control
setting. In the frequency domain, the EIRP or TRP is determined over the measurement
bandwidth specified in the following tables7. In general, and unless stated otherwise, the
BEM levels correspond to the power radiated by the relevant device including all irrespective
of the number of transmit antennas, except in the case of transition requirements for base
stations, which are specified per antenna.
BEMs shall be applied as an essential component of the technical conditions necessary to
ensure coexistence between services at national level. However, it should be understood that
the derived BEMs do not always provide the required level of protection of victim services
and additional mitigation techniques would need to be applied in a proportionate manner at
national level in order to resolve any remaining cases of interference, also with respect to
adjacent bands.
Member States shall also ensure that operators of terrestrial systems capable of providing
electronic communications services can use less stringent technical parameters than those set
out below provided that the use of these parameters is agreed among all affected parties and
that these operators continue to comply with the technical conditions applicable for the
protection of other services, applications or networks and with obligations resulting from
cross-border coordination.
Equipment operating in this band may also make use of power limits other than those set out
below provided that appropriate mitigation techniques are applied which comply with
Directive 1999/5/EC and which offer at least an equivalent level of protection to that
provided by these technical parameters.
6
TRP is a measure of how much power the antenna actually radiates. The TRP is defined as the integral of
the power transmitted in different directions over the entire radiation sphere. EIRP and TRP are equivalent
for isotropic antennas.
7
The actual measurement bandwidth of the measurement equipment used for purposes of compliance testing
may be smaller than the measurement bandwidth provided in the tables.
A. General parameters
Within the paired terrestrial 2 GHz band, the frequency arrangement shall be as follows:
(1)
The duplex mode of operation shall be Frequency Division Duplex (FDD). The duplex
spacing shall be 190 MHz with terminal station transmission (FDD uplink) located in
the lower part of the band starting at 1920 MHz and finishing at 1980 MHz and base
station transmission (FDD downlink) located in the upper part of the band starting at
2110 MHz and finishing at 2170 MHz.
(2) The spectrum block edge nearest to 1920 MHz starts at 1920.3 MHz or above.
The spectrum block edge nearest to 1980 MHz ends at 1979.7 MHz or below.
The spectrum block edge nearest to 2110 MHz starts at 2110.3 MHz or above.
The spectrum block edge nearest to 2170 MHz ends at 2169.7 MHz or below.
Base station and terminal station transmission within the paired terrestrial 2 GHz band shall
be in compliance with the BEMs in this Annex.
B. Technical conditions for FDD base stations
(1) In-block requirements
An in-block EIRP limit for base stations is not obligatory. However, Member States may set
an EIRP limit of 61 dBm/5MHz in the FDD downlink band, noting that this limit can be
increased for specific deployments, e.g. in areas of low population density provided that this
does not significantly increase the risk of terminal station receiver blocking.
(2) Out-of-block requirements
Table 1
Baseline requirements — base station BEM out-of-block EIRP limits per antenna8
Frequency range of out-of-block emissions of
Maximum mean
Measurement
FDD downlink
out-of-block EIRP
bandwidth
Frequencies spaced more than 10 MHz from the
9 dBm
5 MHz
lower or upper block edge
Table 2
Transition requirements — base station BEM out-of-block EIRP limits per antenna9
Frequency range of out-of-block emissions of
Maximum mean
Measurement
8
For one to four antennas
9
For one to four antennas
FDD downlink
out-of-block
bandwidth
EIRP
–10 to –5 MHz from lower block edge
11 dBm
5 MHz
–5 to 0 MHz from lower block edge
16.3 dBm
5 MHz
0 to +5 MHz from upper block edge
16.3 dBm
5 MHz
+5 to +10 MHz from upper block edge
11 dBm
5 MHz
C. Technical conditions for FDD terminal stations
Table 3
In-block requirements — terminal station BEM in-block emission limit
over frequencies of FDD uplink
Maximum mean in-block power10
23 dBm11
Member States may relax the limit in Table 36 for specific deployments, e.g. fixed terminal
stations in rural areas provided that protection of other services, networks and applications is
not compromised and cross-border obligations are fulfilled.
10 This power limit is specified as EIRP for terminal stations designed to be fixed or installed and as TRP for
terminal stations designed to be mobile or nomadic. EIRP and TRP are equivalent for isotropic antennas. It
is recognised that this value is subject to a tolerance defined in the harmonised standards (typically of up to
+2 dB), to take account of operation under extreme environmental conditions and production spread.
11 For the determination of out of band emissions of terminals in CEPT Report 39 the maximum conducted
transmit power of 23 dBm has been used as a reference.
