The need for spectrum:
The need for spectrum Consulting in communications regulation & strategy Questions about ‘how much spectrum we need’ have interested us all since 2005 Predictions of spectrum needed out to 2020 suggest 800MHz for voice and modest data through to 1800MHz (40% of all) for advanced data plus voice. 2G Currently used 350MHz Identified 700MHz Needed 1800MHz
The story of supply and demand:
The story of supply and demand Consulting in communications regulation & strategy What happens when we don’t give operators enough spectrum? The site count rises Erlang C – IP traffic Erlang B – voice traffic Lost or queued calls Blocked calls and delayed packets rise – QoS degrades Anecdotally: at 8pm, you can’t get a call through
The idea of harmonisation:
The idea of harmonisation Utopia: Regional harmonisation Common goal Unified approach Consulting in communications regulation & strategy 2020 LTE Country 1 Country 2 Country 3 Country 4 Country 5 3.5GHz available 2.3GHz available 2G bands re-farmed 2011 2015
The obstacles:
The obstacles Military return of under-utilised spectrum is slow Liberalisation and re-farming is politically difficult Service & technology neutrality says no common end point Countries will determine differing strategies for broadband contribution to economies Fees, auctions and awards will determine result Consulting in communications regulation & strategy And why a smooth transition to a single common end point won’t happen One size of solution does not fit all
A strategy for progress:
A strategy for progress Embrace liberalisation but… Accept country differences Harmonise (where possible) Manage roaming Coordinate at borders Make & communicate plans Above all, make progress Consulting in communications regulation & strategy Operators can work within constraints but, there has to be enough spectrum to meet demand in each country
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John Berry johnberry@icc-uk.com Merlin House Station Road Chepstow NP16 5PB Tel.: +44 (0)1291 638400 Fax.: +44 (0)1291 638401 www.icc-uk.com InterConnect Communications Ltd consulting in communications regulation & strategy