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Fixed Link Applications |
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Fixed Link Applications |
Previous notifications informed on fixed link users of the 1.5 GHz spectrum, which overlap with the 1452 MHz to 1492 MHz band, to vacate the spectrum by April 2007.Alternative Some operators have been additionally been informed of the possibility of having to migrate certain specific links in advance of the above date. In particular, the 1.4 GHz CEPT band (1350 MHz to 1375 MHz paired with 1492 MHz to 1517 MHz) has been made available. In order to prepare for the process of migrating from the 1.5GHz bands to the 1.4 GHz band channels in the 1.4 GHz band were booked / reserved for each licensed 1.5 GHz. The Agency previously notified users, however, that these booked channels will only be retained until 1st June 1998. The response from users in taking up these booked channels have been, to-date, rather poor. The booked channel assignments, on The Agency’s fixed links assignment tool has a tendency to block channel availability to new links. Furthermore changes in equipment standards (e.g. antenna RPE’s) can invalidate some of the booked assignments carried out earlier. As a result The Agency has decided to extend the reservation of booked channels until 1st August 1998 only. After this date the booked channels for which no notification of intended use has been received will be ‘released’. Users are therefore requested to notify The Agency in writing of their migration plans and channel requirements by 1st July 1998.
Also note that the introduction of 2x2 Mbps systems in 2 MHz are being considered, without geographical restrictions and with a minimum path length of 35 km, within the RSWG.
The Agency previously informed users and suppliers of the intention to make channel assignments and licensing for fixed links available in the 4 GHz band by the beginning of 1998. This has been delayed for a variety of reasons, including the delay in finalising the assignment criteria, complications in co-ordination with satellite earth stations and the planned Point to multipoint system. The assignment criteria are expected to be completed within 3 months. The co-ordination and sharing issues, however, will not be resolved in the short term. RA/FLU has initiated a review of these issues. This review is not expected to be completed before the end of 1998. The Agency remains committed to enabling licensing of fixed point to point links in the band, however, until the review is completed, applications for Licences of such links will not be accepted.
Channel assignments are currently being carried out to the duplex channel plan in ITU-R Recommendation 385-5. However, until around 1992/93, assignments were carried out on a unidirectional channel plan as well as an earlier duplex channel plan, both of which partially overlap the current channel arrangement. The channel frequencies in the ‘old’ channel plans do not exactly match those in the current plan. Links operating in accordance with these earlier channel plans are still in operation and therefore receive protection from newly assigned links. As a result, the assignment process, in the band, experiences considerable difficulties in terms of high / low clashes and existing links in the old channel plans blocking additional channels in the current plan for new links. As a result, The Agency is anxious to see the removal of links utilising the old channel plans at the earliest possible time. All digital links utilising the old channel plans shall be taken out of service no later than 1st April 2005. All analogue links in the old channel plans shall be taken out of service no later than 1st April 2010. This will bring about considerable benefits in overall channel availability in this band. The Agency for its part is carrying out studies aimed at improving the assignment criteria relating to the XS values, in the band. A further study will be carried out to evaluate the benefits of moving to a single channel arrangement.
Bilateral discussions with CWC on the channel working arrangements in the 22 GHz and 25 GHz bands are nearing conclusion. As a result, the 3.5, 7, 14, 28 and 56 MHz channels bounded by the (28 MHz) channel numbers 9 to 20, in the new 1008 MHz duplex channel arrangement, are currently available for assignments by the Agency. Obviously, this is subject to the usual interference evaluations with existing links.
Channel assignments in accordance with the new channel arrangement ( 1008 MHz duplex spacing) commenced in January 1997. As is customary assignments to the old channel arrangement (1232 MHz spacing) were continued, in parallel to the new channel plan, for an interim period. MFLSC(97)11 notified users and suppliers that this interim period will end and therefore assignments using the old channel plan will cease as of 31st March 1998. The Agency will continue to accept on a limited and case-by-case basis, applications for re-deploying current equipment, for a period not extending beyond 1st April 2008.
As a result of bilateral discussions with CWC, The channel working arrangements illustrated in Annexe A has been agreed. The band will primarily be for 140 /155 Mbps systems. For lower system capacities, The Agency will at the first instance expect to assign channels in the 22 GHz band. In the event of channel unavailability (in 22 GHz) -e.g. due to high / low clashes - The Agency will endeavour to assign an alternative channel in 25 GHz.
MFLSC (97) 13 notified that Spectrum Efficiency Class 1 (EN 300 197 v1.2.1) equipment in the band will cease to be assigned after mid 1998. Accordingly, the date of 1st September 1998 has been set for this deadline. The Agency will continue to accept on a limited and case-by-case basis, applications for re-deploying current equipment, for a period not extending beyond 1st April 2008.
Raj Sivalingam
RA2/FLU
28 Aug 1998
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