1. Wireless Access Services ACMA/ITU International Training Program 5 September 2006 Nevio Marinelli & Christine Allen Wireless Access Services Planning Team

2. What are wireless access services (WAS)? Services delivered by telecommunications carriers, internet service providers (ISPs) or other providers using a radio connection from an end-user to a core network

3. What are wireless access services (WAS)? (cont.) Examples of WAS include: broadband/fixed wireless access (BWA/FWA) cellular mobile networks wireless local loop (WLL) multipoint distribution system (MDS) radio local area network (RLAN)

4. What spectrum does WAS use? From 600 MHz to 6 GHz Most demand is for 700 MHz to 3.6 GHz Lower frequencies are more popular (propagation) Existing users usually not willing to move Options vary internationally Goal: common regional/international arrangements

5. How much bandwidth? It depends on: services offered number of competitors spectrum arrangements technology (some better than other) area to be served (city, regional or rural) number of base stations

6. How much bandwidth? (cont.) 5-15 MHz per operator is sufficient now More spectrum is better for the operator, but: it does not encourage good system design or use of appropriate technology, and can often result in congestion when capacity is reached and no more spectrum is available. Future requirements 30-60 MHz per operator or more

7. Current WAS Spectrum 825-845 MHz & 870-890 MHz 890-915 MHz & 935-960 MHz 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz ISM bands 1710-1785 MHz & 1805-1880 MHz 1900-1920 MHz 1920-1980 MHz & 2110-2170 MHz 2302-2400 MHz 3400-3600 MHz

8. Recent WAS initiatives Auctioning of the 2010-2025 MHz band will take place by end of 2006 optimised for WAS/BWA Regional and remote Australia over-the-counter licences in the 1.5 and 1.9 GHz bands low-cost backhaul option in the 5.8 GHz band

9. Demand for WAS is increasing Many indicators of increasing demand: rapid development of new technologies increasing number of operators increase in international activity (ITU, WiMAX forum) increase in number of licences for WAS This means that more spectrum may be needed to support WAS

10. What is driving demand? Federal Government policies and programs e.g. funding programs Services in regional and remote areas parity with services in metropolitan areas The benefits of spectrum harmonisation economies of scale, interoperability New applications many require greater bandwidth

11. So what does a planner do ? Good research Good engineering Sound planning Ask industry Leave as much as possible for industry to decide Regulator is not the expert

12. Preparing for the future Development of spectrum strategies: short, medium and long term discussion paper released in February 2006 stakeholder seminar in March 2006 47 submissions received input being used to guide development of strategies further consultation required

13. Why do we need strategies? Increasing importance of broadband social and economic benefits % provided by WAS is currently low Increasingly complex market large and small operators Spectrum demand how much and when?

14. Discussion paper - questions Are current spectrum allocations for WAS sufficient? If not, how much spectrum is required? When? Future regulatory frameworks Existing users

15. Regulation ACMA’s objective minimise impediments Current arrangements adequate but have pros and cons New technologies require new approach need to be more flexible and responsive Balance needs of new and existing users maximising public benefit

16. Discussion paper – potential bands for WAS Short term 1785-1805 MHz Medium term 1725-1785 MHz & 1820-1880 MHz 1920-1960 MHz & 2110-2150 MHz 2500-2690 MHz 3575-3710 MHz 4940-4990 MHz

17. Discussion paper – potential bands for WAS (cont.) Long term 520-820 MHz 820-960 MHz 3710-4200 MHz

18. Questions? Thank you For more information please visit the Wireless Access Services webpage on ACMA’s website at: http://www.acma.gov.au/ACMAINTER.:STANDARD::pc=PC_100424 http://www.acma.gov.au/ACMAINTER.:STANDARD::pc=PC_100424 Email enquiries may be sent to: WAS-planning@acma.gov.au