by sharad sadhu

Broadcasters are anxious about the TV spectrum issues to be addressed by the International Telecommunication Union ’ s ( ITU ) World Radiocommunication Conference ( WRC-15 ) later this year . At this global frequency spectrum event , among prominent agenda items are two pertaining to UHF TV broadcasting .

What is at stake : Agenda item 1.1 While the basic function of the agenda item is to consider additional frequencies for mobile communications , the crux is in the reference to Resolution 233 ( WRC-12 ).

Essence of Resolution 233 The resolution underlines the huge growth in demand for mobile broadband multimedia applications and International Mobile Telecommunications ( IMT ) systems that deliver these services . Essentially , it advocates support for IMT ’ s future growth by providing spectrum , preferably below 1GHz . Importantly , Resolution 233 asks for the study of candidate frequency bands to meet IMT needs while protecting existing services from interference .

In effect , the express intent of agenda item 1.1 provides a clear go-ahead for WRC-15 to determine and allocate additional frequencies for IMT systems . Some experts reckon that it is a ‘ carte blanche ’ for the mobile industry , enabling national regulators at the conference to consider a large swath of spectrum , from 400MHz to 8GHz , to identify spectrum for IMT .

Studies and CPM ( Conference Preparatory Meeting ) process Approach in Europe and RCC ( Region 1 ) CEPT , the regional organisation of national spectrum regulators in Europe , has determined that IMT requires 1340-1960MHz by year 2020 . CEPT articulates compatibility between the existing and IMT services . Among other bands , CEPT was to give more consideration to 470-690MHz band at its meeting in February this year . The Regional Commonwealth for Communications ( RCC )

group supports additional allocation to IMT , but is opposed to IMT allocation in 470-694MHz — not wanting to disrupt TV broadcasting . Estimated requirements for IMT are 220-260MHz below 1.5GHz . The RCC group was to meet in February this year to finalise its position for the CPM .

Approach in Region 3 and others The Asia-Pacific Telecommunity ( APT ), a regional and governmental association , supports additional spectrum for IMT in principle , considering UHF TV bands 470- 694 / 698MHz and 698-790MHz . APT was to meet in February this year for a review . Preparations in Africa , Arab Group and the Americas were also to be reviewed in the same month .

Draft CPM report Since WRC-12 , studies have been conducted on the import of this agenda item , including by the ITU JWP ( Joint Task Group of SGs 4 , 5 , 6 and 7 ). This text of the JWP ’ s results is now incorporated in the Conference Preparatory Meeting Report . The report reflects on compatibility between DTTB and IMT services . Results indicate the following separation distances for co-channel operations : n Between an IMT base station and a DTTB receiver — from 14-200km . n Between IMT consumer devices and DTTB receivers — from 1-37km . n Between DTTB transmitters and IMT base stations — around 600km .

Given the ubiquitous nature of IMT devices and TV sets , there is no way that the two services can operate on a co-channel / adjacent channels basis .

The report also identifies candidate frequency bands for possible IMT allocation : 470-694 / 698MHz , 1452-1492MHz and 3300-4200MHz . Several regulatory methods have been identified in the studies . The draft CPM Report will be finalised at the second CPM ( March 23-April 2 this year ) as a baseline document for deliberations at WRC-15 .

The draft CPM Report acknowledges that only spectrum below 1GHz is suitable for terrestrial TV , with any large TV spectrum reduction adversely impacting the industry

and its social benefits . This spectrum has to support the ongoing TV broadcasting services as well as new services such as terrestrial UHDTV , mobile and IP multimedia broadcasting .

The report further acknowledges IMT ’ s huge benefits to society through mobile connectivity , indicating that bands below 1GHz are ideal for that industry . Elsewhere , it has been established that mobile spectrum auctions bring in huge revenues to governments .

Broadcasters ’ perspectives and approach on spectrum issues Until 2000 , access to spectrum was taken for granted by broadcasters . Although progressive ingress by IMT in UHF bands rang alarm bells in the industry , broadcasters ’ attempts to defend their turf at regional and ITU conferences did not generate sufficient momentum and were mildly rewarding .

Most spectrum issues are decided nationally . Imperatively , as a paradigm change in approach , the battle has to be fought on the home front with broadcasters , individually and collectively , developing sufficient rapport with their national spectrum agencies and convincing them of the need to preserve broadcasting spectrum .

Expected impact on TV spectrum in Region 3 As agenda item 1.2 pertains to countries in Europe and Africa , decisions taken at WRC- 15 will not directly apply to the Asia-Pacific region . Agenda item 1.1 is the one to be watched out in this region . At the moment , it appears that many countries in this region would support allocations to IMT within the 470-694 / 698MHz and 698-790MHz bands . It is widely believed that WRC-15 decisions on this issue will see TV broadcasters losing a substantial part of the UHF TV spectrum .

The fairly rigid DTTB spectrum plan ( GE-06 ) for Europe and Africa is expected to help protect TV services there . No such plan exists in Asia-Pacific . It should be expected that national regulators in this region will adopt their own approach , and indications are that assignments to IMT will be favoured . To recall , nine Asia-Pacific countries asked for and secured identification of 698-790MHz for IMT usage at WRC-07 . The band 790- 960MHz ( in Region 3 ) is already identified for IMT .

Sharad Sadhu is former director of technology at the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union ( ABU ), and is now a “ media specialist ”.