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Predictions of coverage and interference rely crucially on mathematical models that allow the prediction loss to be accurately predicted. Different services operate in very different environments: fixed wireless services have to contend with atmospheric and rain effects whereas the performance of mobile services is greatly influenced by the built environment. Any mathematical model that attempts to predict transmission loss will be of limited accuracy. Anticipated inaccuracies in predictions are compensated by allowing a margin for error. Such margins inevitably lead to what could be regarded as inefficient use of the spectrum. Developing models of greater accuracy will reduce the required margin and facilitate an increase in spectrum efficiency.

Further, propagation studies can validate the use of certain frequency bands for particular purposes. As a rule of thumb, allocating a service to the highest frequency possible will improve spectrum efficiency. Developments in transmitter and receiver technology make ever higher frequencies possible. But the effect of the atmosphere and of obstacles becomes more severe at higher frequencies. Propagation studies can help to quantify these effects and evaluate innovative developments aimed at mitigating against such effects.

For any information on propagation issues and studies please contact: Dr Chris Haslett, chris.haslett@ofcom.org.uk.

• Propagation involving the indoor-outdoor interface
• Methods of aggregating the effect of multiple interferers
• Long Term Measurement Campaign
• Propagation between terminals of low height
• Propagation in point-to-area services above 3 GHz
• Millimetre Wave & Free Space Optical fixed link services in Rural Environments

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