Harmonising Spectrum for Low Power Radio Devices Bob Barron Head of Technology Sectors Unit Radiocommunications Agency

Spectrum Harmonisation Advantages of harmonisation for Low Power Radio European harmonisation forums Developing a UK Position Hot issues Proposed Changes to UK Exemption Regulations

Harmonisation: the basics technical standards frequency band limits regulations concerning use Reaching international agreement on common…….

Harmonisation: the advantages for users: “cross border” mobility for regulators: improved spectrum efficiency  Particularly appropriate/ advantageous for “de-regulated” uncoordinated (ubiquitous) low power devices for industry: larger potential product market

The relevant European forums Technical StandardsSpectrum Management Working Group FM Working Group RR Working Group SE Project Team SE24 SRD Maintenance Group TC ERM Task Groups TG 11- Wide Band Data Systems TG 17 - Broadcasting and Ancillaries TG 28 - Generic SRD* TG 29 - Road Transport & Telematics* TG 30- Wireless Medical Devices* TG 31- Ultra Wide Band & Radar* *Formerly RP08

CEPT Working Groups Radio RegulatoryWGRR Frequency ManagementWGFM Spectrum EngineeringWGSE Conference PreparatoryCPG (WRC2003) In addition, there are a number of Project teams associated with, and reporting to, the Working Groups. These deal with specific issues (e.g. WGSE PT SE24 for SRDs)

CEPT Project Team SE24 Reports to CEPT Working Group Spectrum Engineering PT membership includes administrations and industry Supports WG FM activities on SRDs Undertakes SRD compatibility studies Commissions any necessary practical work Works closely with the ERO SRD Maintenance Group

European Radiocommunications Office SRD Maintenance Group Maintains ERC Recommendation Proposes band plans Develops ERC (ECC) Decisions on SRDs

ERC Recommendation Relating to the Use of Short Range Devices Appendix 1: Specific applications & technical parameters Appendix 2: Relevant ERC Decisions & ETSI Standards Appendix 3: National Restrictions ERC Rec must be continually maintained to keep pace with changing requirements and moves towards increased harmonisation of SRD allocations & regulations Sets out common spectrum allocations for SRDs:

ERC (ECC) Decisions on SRDs ERC/DEC (01)01 to ERC/DEC(01)18 inclusive Total 18 new Decisions agreed in 2001, covering: –Non specific SRDs –Radio LANs –Movement Detection / Alert –Alarms –Model Control –Inductive applications –Medical Implants –Wireless Audio Decisions based heavily on ERC Rec UK Committed to implementing them all

RA / LPRA Forum Meets quarterly; Briefs LPRA council members on regulations; Briefs RA officials on industry requirements; Informs RA spectrum policy committee Facilitated by RA2/Technology Sectors Unit (TSU)

RA Technology Sectors Unit The RA Business Unit for Low Power Radio Represents SRD interests within the Agency and also responsible for…….. Processing of all Test & Development Licence applications All policy issues concerning implementation of RTTE Directive (a brief commercial interlude!)

RA Technology Sectors Unit Low Power Devices Information Sheet - RA114 Test & Development Application Form- RA382 RTTE UK SRD Interface Requirements - IR2030 Publications Available today at the RA Stand, or from

The RTTE Directive A harmonised solution to equipment conformity Telecommunication Conformity Assessment & Market Surveillance Committee (TCAM) “Class A” Equipment requires no Notification Proposed extension of Class A to more SRDs But restricted due to limited spectrum harmonisation Referred by TCAM to SRD Maintenance Group

Harmonisation: current “hot topics” Duty Cycles in “400 MHz” SRD bands Ultra Wide Band –technical compatibility –regulations MHz Review –A new allocation for RFID? –Introduction of FHSS –narrow / wide band channels

UHF Duty Cycles Objective is to: Minimise probability of co-channel interference Maximise use, and improve access to band Current proposal:

A promising innovation Many potential commercial applications Solution to spectrum shortage in certain areas? Very low average power (cumulative effects?) Certainly justifies further consideration But need to protect existing users…….

UWB Study Any UWB regulations need to be decided at European level First phase of study defined by CEPT PT SE24 Practical compatibility tests carried out by RA in support of SE24 C/I determined, using proprietary UWB, for a range of services: DVB-T T-DAB GSM Bluetooth SE24 Study Report, including protection distances based on RA test results, to be presented at a proposed ERO sponsored UWB Workshop in March 2002.

MHz review Consultation on future industry requirements –bandwidths –power levels –duty cycles –access technologies Main area of consideration is MHz (ex CT2) Need for compatibility studies to verify any bandplans: –introduction of spread spectrum –possible RFID allocation Networks & Third Party Traffic? Borne out of ERO Detailed Spectrum Investigation Phase III……..

UK Licence Exemption Regulations Statutory Instrument SI All use of radio subject to individual licensing (WT Act) Except certain (generally low power) devices Exempt devices must conform to RTTE Directive But Exemption in SI does not apply…. “ …… to relevant apparatus”…….. “by means of which a telecommunication service is provided by way of business to another person” i.e. no commercial third party traffic!

Exemption Regulations The rationale for proposed changes Market demand for broadband public access (particularly in “hot spots” such as airport lounges) Advent of “polite” access technologies Recommendations of 5GHz Advisory Group (particularly public & private use) N.B. also a recent European Commission Licensing Committee initiative to determine member states’ regulatory policy concerning Public Access Broadband R-LAN Services

Licence Exempt Public Services? NATIONAL CONSULTATION Published 19th October Replies by 11th January Available on RA Website

National Consultation Three regulatory scenarios………. ………..and nine questions.

National Consultation The three regulatory scenarios Maintain “status quo” (no public services without a licence) Some public use but with a light regulatory regime (e.g. indoor use only?) Licence Exempt Public Services (public & private use of certain bands without licence)

Covering: –potential gains & benefits –interference to existing users –congestion –channel access techniques –types of commercial services envisaged –quality of service in de-regulated spectrum –suitability of specific bands –potential problems –timescales LPRA members views on these and any other relevant issues raised by the proposals will be particularly welcome! CLOSING DATE: 11TH JANUARY 2002 National Consultation The nine questions

Thank you!