Radio Spectrum Strategy

Petr Zeman, International Relations Department

Czech Telecommunication Office

Why RSS, what is it?

Overall description of the radio spectrum environment, its development, targets, priorities etc. = state spectrum policy.See e.g. „Spectrum management strategy - Ofcom’s approach to and priorities for spectrum management over the next ten years“ of 2nd October 2013 on http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/spectrum-management-strategy/

It is followed by detailed plans – e.g. National broadband plan, Plan on Public Protection and Disater Relief communications, Plan on BC digitalisation etc.

No. 1 priority:Global key role of radio spectrum

in digital economy

Broadband Wireless Access – via mobile broadband networks.

Features

Mobility/Ubiquity Advanced technology – high data rate, low latency, robustnessFast implementation

Real development

World leader – USA /company Verizon(US 700MHz auction – 1/2008)

Europe – Germany(DE Auction 800 MHz+ – 5/2010)

Major Operators Major Operators

What is wrong with Europe?

3 40+ 3

28Regulatory framework

1 Regulatory framework 1

TSM

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down measures concerning the European single market for electronic communications and to achieve a Connected Continent, and amending Directives 2002/20/EC, 2002/21/EC and 2002/22/EC and Regulations (EC) No 211/2009 and (EU) No 531/2012.

Need for EU-wide Coordination of Spectrum Assignment• Member States currently responsible for spectrum authorisation, no

concrete obligation to coordinate at EU level

• EU Telecoms Rules set general procedural requirements

– open procedures

– objective, transparent, non-discriminatory and proportionate criteria

• Fragmentation in spectrum licences among Member States

– Divergent timing of authorisation and license duration

– Auction rules (caps, block sizes, etc.)

– Licence conditions (sharing conditions, coverage obligations, etc.)

• Result: market fragmentation, delay in network roll-out, reduced handset capabilities

• Solution: legislative reform introducing a coordinated approach to spectrum assignment in the EU as complement to existing EU authorisation framework

Real experiences

Smartphone users downloads• 74% data via WiFi networks

Remove barriers for Wi-Fi and small cells (provision and deployment)

• Access to Radio Local Area Networks (RLANs, e.g. WiFi)

– General authorisation regime for service provision and spectrum use

– Allow providers to open of RLAN to public (e.g. Belgacom-FON model) with customer consent

– Freedom for end-users (no unilateral restrictions by providers or NRAs):

• - Accede to RLAN of their choice (no lock-in)

• - Allow access for other end-users to the provider's network (federated FON-model)

– National authorities should not restrict provision of access to RLAN on or around premises of public authorities, or federation of such access

• Deployment and operation of small-area wireless access points

– Deployment, connection and operation of unobtrusive small-area wireless access points allowed under the general authorisation regime

– No further restrictions, e.g. individual town planning permits

– Commission may adopt implementing acts defining technical characteristics

Your opinion?

Will TSM contribute to balanced, predictable and stable regulatory environment?

Will be needs of private investors satisfied?

There are no other investors/sources - note that only €1.14bn, instead of €9.2bn as initially proposed, will be dedicated to telecoms projects under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).

Preliminary conclusionNo change of target (BB) / more complicated regulatory environment, leading to legal problems, administrative burden.

However some operators´ needs taken into account.

Last agenda item: Are you able to answer what term for release and reuse of 700 MHz band is set in your country? 2016? ………

Thank you for your attention

Petr Zeman

zemanp@ctu.czwww.ctu.cz