Europe gets closer to 5G spectrum harmonization

A.1 Review as a matter of urgency the suitability of 3.4-3.8 GHz ECC decision for 5G

Ongoing work within ECC/PT1 (WI PT1_SWG_C_20): revision of ECC/DEC/(11)06 under development for Public Consultation in June 2018.

Related work in response to EC Mandate on 5G: Draft CEPT Report 67 approved by ECC#47 for public consultation.

A.2 Provide guidance to administrations for defragmenting the 3.4-3.8 GHz band, in which there are existing licences in many CEPT countries and for developing plans and intended timescale for the future utilization of this band.

Draft ECC Reports under development:

A.3.1 Develop an harmonisation decision setting the conditions for the introduction of 5G in the 26 GHz band, taking into account, as appropriate, the compatibility and protection with all existing services in the same and adjacent frequency bands, in particular the protection of current and future EESS/SRS earth stations should be addressed at the European level.

Ongoing work within ECC/PT1 (WI PT1_01): Draft ECC Decision (18)FF approved by ECC#47 for public consultation.

Complementary work to facilitate introduction of 5G while ensuring the use of EESS/SRS (WI PT1_15) and FSS earth stations (WI PT1_16).

Related work in response to EC Mandate on 5G: Draft CEPT Report 68 approved by ECC#47 for public consultation.

A.3.2 Develop a tool box to help the national decision process supporting introduction of 5G in 26 GHz with FS in operation providing mechanisms which allow for continued FS operation, where necessary.

To be considered and developed by ECC PT1 to support to introduction 5G in 26 GHz according to harmonised technical conditions (ECC Decision 26 GHz)

A.4 Review ECC decisions in MFCN bands to ensure they are suitable for 5G

A.5 Consider the impact of future “flexible duplex” on the management of existing FDD bands

ECC/PT1 to consider this issue which is not expected to arise in the short term.

B.1 Signal clearly that CEPT supports an IMT Identification in the 24.25 – 27.5 GHz band and intends to harmonise this band in Europe for 5G before WRC-19 through the adoption of an harmonisation decision and to promote it for worldwide harmonisation

B.2 Signal clearly that, in addition to the 26 GHz band (see B.1), CEPT considers that the bands 40.5-43.5 GHz and 66-71 GHz have good potential for future harmonisation in Europe. The process for developing harmonisation decisions for the additional bands may be launched immediately after WRC-19.

Note the band overlap with AI 1.6 (NGSO FSS) and 1.14 (HAPS)).

B.3 Signal clearly that Europe has harmonised the 27.5-29.5 GHz band for broadband satellite and is supportive of the worldwide use of this band for ESIM. This band is therefore not available for 5G.

B.4 Engage in discussions with other regional organisations to facilitate consensus at WRC-19

CPG activities

B.5 Encourage mobile industry to express consolidated views on their global spectrum needs

B.6 Contribute to ITU-R to consider 5G characteristics  so as to enable sharing studies to be carried out in time for WRC-19

C.1 Monitor common use cases for functional requirement of verticals (e.g. PPDR, industrial automation, automotive, utilities, rails, …) which would require spectrum harmonisation measures

To be taken into account by WGFM through monitoring of relevant standardisation activities (e.g. ETSI, 3GPP).

C.2 Consider how 5G standardisation will accommodate the verticals specific requirements

To be taken into account by ECC/PT1 and WGFM.

C.3 Investigate the possibility for verticals to share common platforms (e.g., a shared private network or hosted on a mobile operator network)

To be considered by WGFM in its existing activities relating to verticals, e.g. for rail (FM 56).

Preliminary discussions in ECC/PT1 relating connectivity by means of MFCN in the band 3.4-3.8 GHz (e.g. for connected cars), in response to the 5G Mandate.

C.4 Investigate the impact of the use of licensed-exempt regime for critical applications of verticals (e.g. automotive),

WG FM to investigate the matter.

C.5 Consider the need for spectrum redundancy for mission critical application (e.g. automotive below 6 GHz)

WGFM to consider responding to potential SRDoc when developed by ETSI.

C.6 Review spectrum regulations applicable to verticals to assess whether these are “5G compatible”

To be considered by ECC/PT1 and WGFM, taking into account the list of harmonisation decisions (and recommendations) for review .

D.1 Take into consideration what satellite solutions can bring for 5G

Ongoing activities in FM44 (work item FM44_32): draft ECC Report 280 on satellite solutions for 5G approved by ECC#47 for public consultation.

D.2 Investigate new sharing opportunities and challenges that new technologies (e.g. MIMO) can bring.

ECC/PT1 to report on this matter, taking into account its work on 24.25-27.5 GHz and 3.4-3.8 GHz

D.3 Carry out activities on FS channelling in 92-105 GHz band and 130-175 GHz band

Related WIs SE19_37 and SE19_38 on guidelines on deployment of FS. Draft ECC Recommendation (18)01 on 130-175 GHz approved by WGSE for public consultation in February 2018.

D.4 Review the conditions applicable to the band 57-66 GHz in order to ensure less restrictive, flexible and streamlined regulations for backhauling as well as for SRDs (WiGig), also taking into account ITS in this frequency range.

Related WIs SRD-MG_44 and SE19_39 on the evaluation of proposals for a relaxed regulation for wideband data transmission systems in all or parts of 57-66 GHz.

D.5 Investigate the impact of the use of spectrum for 5G in higher frequency bands (>24 GHz) in relation with  general authorization regime,

To be considered by ECC/PT1 in its studies for 26 GHz harmonisation and for future activities as appropriate.