During its 43rd Plenary meeting (Prague, 15-18 November 2016), the ECC agreed a CEPT roadmap for 5G. It also made a number of decisions on spectrum use and developed responses to Mandates from the European Commission in relation to various sectors.
CEPT roadmap for 5G
The ECC agreed on the CEPT roadmap for 5G. The roadmap outlines the CEPT’s actions for 5G, taking into account the views from all stakeholders expressed during the CEPT Workshop on 5G from 2-4 November 2016 in Mainz. It also identifies, when appropriate, the related ECC activities and the areas where further considerations are expected. More information on the CEPT’s considerations related to 5G and on the roadmap can be found here and additional details will be published soon in a special edition of the ECC newsletter on 5G.
In response to one of the objectives set up in the roadmap, ECC agreed a new work item on the development of a harmonisation Decision setting the conditions for the introduction of 5G in the 26 GHz band. This work will use the results of sharing and compatibility studies with other services carried out in preparation for WRC-19 agenda item 1.13.
Additional activities related to mobile communications networks
The ECC approved for publication ECC Report 254 containing operational guidelines to support the implementation of the current ECC framework for Mobile/Fixed Communications Networks (MFCN) in the 3.6-3.8 GHz range. The Report outlines optional procedures to enable administrations to allow sharing between MFCN and Fixed Satellite Service and Fixed Service in this band.
ECC also approved new work items for the development of a Decision for channeling arrangement for MFCN and least restrictive technical conditions in the bands 1427-1452 MHz and 1492-1518 MHz. This would complement the existing harmonized framework for MFCN in the band 1452-1492 MHz band.
Mobile Communications on board aircrafts (MCA)
The ECC updated its regulatory framework for MCA with the approval for publication of the revised ECC Decision (06)07 on the harmonised use of airborne GSM and LTE systems in the frequency bands 1710-1785 MHz and 1805-1880 MHz, and airborne UMTS systems in the frequency bands 1920-1980 MHz and 2110-2170 MHz.
The ECC also approved for publication CEPT Report 63 to the European Commission in response to the Mandate “to undertake technical studies regarding the possibility of making the usage of the network control unit (NCU) optional on-board MCA enabled aircraft”. The findings of the Report form the basis of the revision of ECC Decision(06)07.
Short Range Devices (SRD)
The ECC approved for public consultation the draft Addendum to the CEPT Report 59 in response to the EC Permanent Mandate on the ”Annual update of the technical annex of the Commission Decision on the technical harmonisation of radio spectrum for use by short range devices”. This Addendum includes proposals offering possibilities for a harmonisation approach for SRD in the bands 870-876 MHz and 915-921 MHz also taking into account new opportunities in the band 862-868 MHz.
Other issues
The ECC approved for publication CEPT Report 64 to the European Commission in response to the Mandate to study and identify harmonised compatibility and sharing conditions for Wireless Access Systems including Radio Local Area Networks in the bands 5350-5470 MHz and 5725-5925 MHz ('WAS/RLAN extension bands') for the provision of wireless broadband services. The Report concludes that it is currently not possible to specify any appropriate mitigation techniques and/or operational compatibility and sharing conditions that would allow WAS/RLANs to be operated in the bands 5350-5470 MHz and 5725-5925 MHz while ensuring relevant protection of incumbent services in these bands.
A summary of the outcome from the meeting is available here.
The complete ECC Minutes can be found here.
