The ECC had its 55th plenary meeting (online) from 1-5 March 2021. It gathered approximately 140 participants representing 32 CEPT administrations, counsellors and observers. The ECC meeting approved a number of ECC deliverables related to WAS/RLAN in the 5 GHz, MFCN/5G, SRR and S-PCS. The ECC also agreed to publish CEPT Report 77 on the annual update of the technical annexes of the Commission Decisions on SRD and CEPT Report 78 in response to the 3rd 5G EC mandate, Task 3 (66-71 GHz), on the least restrictive harmonised technical conditions suitable for 5G.
With respect to the work on coexistence between MFCN above 40.5 GHz and satellite systems below 40.5 GHz the ECC agreed to extend the deadline for this work to March 2022. The deliverables will be reconsidered for public consultation at ECC #57.
It has also to be highlighted that the ECC has agreed an updated version of the CEPT roadmap for 5G and beyond. This update now reflects the ongoing activities in the ECC since ECC#54.
Further details can be found in the minutes of the 55th ECC plenary meeting.
Here is a summary of the outcome from the meeting.
Final approval of deliverables for publication:
Taking into account the responses submitted during the relevant public consultations, the ECC meeting adopted for publication the following ECC deliverables:
- Amended ERC Decision (99)06 on the harmonised introduction of satellite personal communication systems operating in the bands below 1 GHz (S-PCS<1GHz).
- Amended ECC Decision (04)10 on SRR at 24 GHz.
- CEPT Report 77 on 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” (8th update)
- CEPT Report 78 on Task 3 (66-71 GHz) of the EC Mandate to develop least restrictive harmonised technical conditions suitable for next-generation (5G) terrestrial wireless systems for priority frequency bands above 24 GHz.
Approval of draft deliverables for Public Consultation:
The ECC adopted for public consultation the following ECC deliverables:
- Draft ECC Decision (04)08 on the harmonised use of the 5 GHz frequency bands for the implementation of Wireless Access Systems including Radio Local Area Networks (WAS/RLANs). ECC agreed that the closing date for the public consultation will be April 16th
- Draft CEPT Report 79 on the harmonised use of the 5 GHz frequency bands for the implementation of Wireless Access Systems including Radio Local Area Networks (WAS/RLAN). ECC agreed that the closing date for the public consultation will be April 16th
- Draft CEPT Report 80 (Report B) from CEPT to the European Commission in response to the Mandate to develop channelling arrangements and common and minimal (least restrictive) technical conditions for the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequency bands, suitable for 5G terrestrial wireless systems. ECC agreed that the closing date for the public consultation will be April 13th
Other issues:
- The ECC approved the Interim report from CEPT to the European Commission in response to the Mandate to undertake technical studies on the potential use of 5G technology and on making the usage of the Network Control Unit (NCU) optional on-board MCA enabled aircraft.
- The update of the CEPT roadmap for 5G and beyond was agreed by the plenary on the basis that it is a living document that would be continually updated. It was noted that this update was mainly reflecting the ongoing activities in the ECC since ECC#54 (November 2020). The roadmap was also revised to take into account the new Work Items adopted at the meeting.
- Following the way forward agreed with respect to coexistence between MFCN above 40.5 GHz and satellite systems below 40.5 GHz, the draft revision of ERC/DEC/(00)02 is put on hold and will be reconsidered for public consultation at ECC #57. During this period, WG FM will not work further on this topic.
- ECC agreed to clean up the generic ECC Decisions on free circulation and use as well as on exemption from individual licensing of mobile terminals. It involves updating Decisions dealing with DECT, MFCN and MSS terminals.
- The ECC also adopted two new work items on “Radio altimeters in 4200-4400 MHz” and “Coverage availability and performance aspects for 5G-NR”.
Next meeting
The next 56th plenary meeting of ECC is scheduled for 29 June – 02 July 2021.