ملخص للإستشارة العامة بعنوان "آفاق و تحديات طيف الاتصالات المتنقلة الدولية (IMT) بحلول 2023"
TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
PUBLIC CONSULTATION SUMMARY
Prospects and Challenges of the IMT Spectrum by 2023
NATIONAL AGENCY OF FREQUENCIES
August 2020
Contents
Conclusion............................................................................................... ………………………..12
Introduction
The National Agency of Frequencies (ANF) conducted a public consultation, between 22 May and 06 July 2020, to gather the views of stakeholders on the opportunities and challenges of the IMT spectrum by 2023.
The objective was to define the next steps which will enable very high speed mobile networks to continue their development in our country.
For a first consultative approach, the ANF has chosen the frequency bands which have been allocated to IMT following the results of the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-19) and some IMT frequency bands subject to the next World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23). The consultation received 8 contributions; the contributors are as follows (in order of receipt of responses):
Tunisie Télécom
Ooredoo Tunisie
ZTE
Ericsson
Orange Tunisie
GSMA
Motorola
Huawei
This document provides a summary of the contributions received. It cannot replace reading the contribution of each of the actors.
Chapter 1: Frequency arrangement of IMT bands (WRC-19)
1.1 The frequency bands allocated to IMT at WRC-19:
The following table gives in detail the amount of spectrum allocated per band for IMT following the results of agenda item 1.13 of WRC-19:
Frequency bands identified (GHz)
Quantity (MHz)
Identification method
24.25 - 27.5
3250
worldwide
37 - 43.5
6500
worldwide
45.5 - 47
1500
footnote 5.553A
47.2 - 48.2
1000
footnote 5.553B
66-71
5000
worldwide
Table 1: Frequency bands allocated for IMT at WRC-19
Question 1: What is your analysis of the amount of spectrum already allocated to IMT by WRC-19?
All the contributors (Tunisie Telecom, Orange, Ooredoo, GSMA, ZTE, Motorola, Ericsson and Huawei) agree that the frequency bands above 6 GHz (the millimeter bands) identified for IMT during the WRC -19 offers a large and sufficient quantity for 5G in the high bands. These bands are characterized by high capacity and low propagation. This is why they have expressed their spectrum needs in the low and medium bands in order to meet all use cases, and cover large area, thereby optimizing density and controlling network costs.
The two operators (Orange and Ooredoo) insist on the main objective of WRC-19 on the importance of the worldwide harmonization of frequency bands above 24GHz for the development of IMT.
Question 2: What are your future needs in terms of additional frequency resources for IMT in these bands?
All the contributors (Tunisie Telecom, Orange, Ooredoo, GSMA, ZTE, Motorola, Ericsson and Huawei) believe that the allocation of the 26 GHz band (24.25 - 27.5 GHz) is recommended primarily as a key for 5G with a contiguous 1 GHz bandwidth.
Tunisie Telecom insists on the harmonization and contiguity of the spectrum in these bands in order to guarantee the optimal use of the spectrum and the maximization of the customer experience.
For Orange, the millimeter bands allocated to IMT at WRC-19 will meet some of its needs (for example fixed internet access for areas where it is difficult to deploy fiber or hot-spots such as stations, airports or stadiums). The 26GHz band can be adapted to this type of use in the medium term (3-4 years) with the establishment of the necessary regulatory framework (sufficient bandwidth, emission standards, guard band, etc.).
As for Ooredoo, the 26 GHz band will be deployed in Tunisia in a second phase after the 3.5 GHz and 700 Mhz which are considered as priority bands for the launch of 5G. The 26 GHz band will be used to provide the highest data rates required for eMBB applications.
GSMA estimates that contiguous blocks of 100 MHz per operator in the mid-bands are needed for operators to unlock the full potential of 5G with the need for the high and millimeter bands.
Huawei recommends starting with the 26 GHz band and making sure that contiguous blocks of 800-1000 MHz can be allocated to each operator.
Ericsson requests the allocation of the 26 GHz band (24.25 - 27.5 GHz) followed by the 40 GHz band (37- 43.5 GHz) then the bands (45.5-48.2 GHz) and (66-71 GHz).
1.1 Frequency arrangements :
Question 3: According to you, what frequency arrangement do you propose for the frequency bands mentioned in table 1? And with which TDD or FDD multiplexing mode?
Most of the contributors (Tunisie Telecom, Orange, Ooredoo, GSMA, ZTE, Motorola and Huawei) agree on the need to allocate all millimeter bands to IMT in TDD mode in accordance with the norms and standards defined by 3GPP, moreover ITU-R currently considers frequency arrangements in TDD mode as the only option offered.
For Motorola, all millimeter bands under study are currently under development for TDD operation. The millimeter band (24.25-27.5 GHz) is the priority band for region 1.
Orange recommends allocating the entire band (24.25-27.25 GHz) to IMT uses, allocating a bandwidth of 1000 MHz per operator, ensuring technological neutrality (valid for all frequency bands ) and adopting TDD multiplexing while ensuring spectrum continuity or, if necessary, 200 MHz blocks (making it possible to benefit from the advantages of the AAS Active Antenna System).
Question 4: On which date do you estimate that network equipment and mobile terminals compatible with the 26 GHz band could be marketed on the Tunisian market?
All the contributors (Tunisie Telecom, Orange, Ooredoo, GSMA, ZTE, Motorola, Ericsson and Huawei) agree that a 26 GHz ecosystem will be available in Tunisia and equipment using parts of the 26 GHz band are already deployed in various countries of Europe. So the availability of 26 GHz equipment will not linger on entering the Tunisian market.
For Orange, terminal chipsets for the 26 GHz band could be available in the second half of 2020. The availability of mobile terminals compatible with the 26 GHz band will depend on the demand of the Tunisian market. As the first network and terminal equipment was not available until 2021, this band is of limited interest for the introduction of 5G on a large scale.
For ZTE, it is assumed that mobile devices compatible with the 26 GHz band may not be available until 2023 on the Tunisian market.
Motorola believes that the use case depends on the deployment model. The use of these bands for smartphone connectivity does not appear to be a priority, at least in the first stage of deploying a 5G network.
As for Ericsson, the equipment and terminals are already available in the US bands (28 GHz), the availability of equipment in the 26 GHz band can therefore be quite fast and will depend on the speed at which the ecosystem is set up. (The first terminals are expected at the end of 2020).
For Huawei, the 26GHz band is primarily used for hotspots or FWA use cases. Huawei's BS base stations and CPEs (customerPremises Equipements) support the 26GHz band. The industry is mature. The availability of equipment in the 26 GHz band on the Tunisian market depends on market demand.
Question 5: Do you propose that these frequency bands should be allocated at national or regional level?
Most of the contributors (Tunisie Telecom, Orange, GSMA, Ericsson and Huawei) believe that national allocations will be more effective.
Orange considers that the bands (24.25-27.5 GHz) and (37-43.5 GHz) are allocated at the national level.
As for Ooredoo, the licensing model for 5G must support flexible deployment strategies to target Initially, areas with very high demand for capacity, and then evolve it after 5G maturity and according to demand in other regions towards a national model allowing 5G to be developed throughout the territory.
GSMA recommends national licenses for the 26 GHz band and other bands need more time for a decision.
ZTE believes that Take CAPEX, cost effectiveness and technical requirement into consideration, it is suggested that frequency bands allocation at regional level for these bands
Motorola recommends considering small area licensing, as this allows efficient use of spectrum. National licenses for millimeter bands do not appear to be an efficient way to manage spectral resources, especially since most deployments should be indoors or over short distances in dense areas.
Chapter 2: Issues of frequency band allocation for IMT (WRC-23)
-
- Spectrum requirement for mobile broadband communications
Question 6: In your opinion, what are the scenarios for the use of IMT-2020 (5G) in Tunisia by 2023?
According to Tunisie Telecom, the MBB service and applications are currently satisfied mainly by 4G. With the evolution of uses and the growing needs in capacity and throughput, the introduction of 5G will be necessary as follows:
-
-
- In the first phase to meet future very high speed applications needs (eMBB, FWA).
-
-
-
- In later phases, innovative 5G services will be introduced to meet the needs of a connected society (massive IoT, URLLC).
-
The 3.5 GHz band represents the core band of 5G and the priority band for the deployment and launch of 5G, ensuring a compromise between coverage and capacity in urban areas. A minimum contiguous 100 MHz bandwidth per operator is recommended.
For Orange, 5G should also allow the deployment of fixed very high speed offers for more customers and with better speeds compared to current offers. Orange Tunisia believes that the real benefits of 5G should relate to the introduction of new economic models based on partnerships with the various players in the economy (automotive, health, industry, etc.).
Ooredoo believes that 4G can meet the needs of the Tunisian market in the next 3 years, especially if other frequency bands already identified for IMTs will be allocated to mobile networks such as the 2.3 and 2.6 GHz bands. The introduction of 5G will be necessary in Tunisia and after the emergence of verticals. The 700 MHz and 3.5 GHz bands are priority for the launch of 5G. The 26 GHz band will be in a second phase.
GSMA estimates that by 2023 5G equipment in certain low and medium bands such as 700 MHz and (3.3-3.8 GHz) will be mature and equipment costs will be well acceptable. GSMA predicts that, for Tunisia, the main 5G deployment will use 700 MHz and (3.3-3.8 GHz) and millimeter bands will be used to provide hotspots in areas where high capacity is required.
For ZTE, eMBB scenarios are to be the first wave of commercial 5G application in both 2B and 2C services, including HD video, live streams, and conferencing .Some services like manufacturing industry require network splitting to meet its specific requirements, the network must therefore be deployed in the SA architecture requiring an upgrade of the IMT E2E system.
Huawei, says that the majority of 5G deployments serve eMBB and FWA use cases, and expects the same trend in Tunisia by 2023, and suggests:
-
-
- As a first step, allocate contiguous blocks to the MNOs, at least 100MHz per MNO, in the 3400-3800MHz band.
- In the second step, assign blocks in the low bands (example 700MHz) or millimeter band (26GHz) according to market needs.
-
After 2025, traffic will continue to increase and will justify additional needs in medium bands including the band (5925-7125MHz) or the band (3800-4200MHz).
Question 7: Do you think it is appropriate to allocate spectrum for verticals in 4G or 5G bands?
Most of the contributors (Tunisie Telecom, Orange, Ooredoo, GSMA, Ericsson and Huawei) recommend serving vertical sectors primarily through operator networks thanks to new features such as network slicing (being able to manage very different uses).
For ZTE, spectrum for verticals can be:
-
-
- shared with IMT in band and cell level, network slicing
- Dedicated spectrum allocated in a specialized way, cells deployment for special requirement such as national security which is separated from IMT cells.
-
Motorola suggests 50-100 MHz mid-band (3.4-3.8 GHz) reservation for verticals with local licensing over a small geographic area (first come, first served).
-
- Candidate frequency bands for IMT at WRC-23:
The next World Radiocommunication Conference will be held in 2023. At the end of the preparatory meeting for this Conference, the frequency bands listed in the table below will be candidates for deploying IMT:
Candidate frequency bands (MHz)
Quantity (MHz)
470 - 694
224
3300 - 3400
100
3600 - 3800
200
6425 - 7025
600
7025 - 7125
100
10000 - 10500
500
Table 2: Candidate frequency bands for IMT (WRC-23)
Question n°8: According to you, can one or both frequency bands (3300-3400) MHz and (3600-3800) MHz be allocated to ITM?
All the contributors (Tunisie Telecom, Orange, Ooredoo, GSMA, ZTE, Motorola, Ericsson and Huawei) agree that the two frequency bands would be very good candidates for identification with IMT since the entire 3.4-3.8 GHz band (3GPP band n° 77, n° 78) is harmonized in Europe for 5G. This band is also the target band for 5G in the majority of 5G pioneer countries globally with a mature ecosystem.
For Tunisie Telecom, the 3.5 GHz band is the priority band for the deployment and launch of 5G, it is the 5G coverage and capacity band (compromise between coverage and capacity). 100 MHz contiguous minimum per operator is strongly recommended. Indeed, the 3.4-3.6 GHz band will not achieve this objective in Tunisia with its bandwidth of 200 MHz. Priority is given to an allocation of the 3.6-3.8 GHz band to IMT. For the 3.3-3.4 GHz band, it is also recommended to study the possibility of allocating it to IMT subject to harmonization of this band.
For Orange, Tunisia could take advantage of the ecosystem in the 3.6-3.8 GHz band to launch innovative 5G services. The 3.3-3.4 GHz band would also be very interesting, if the amount of spectrum allocated is sufficient, because it would allow Tunisia to have a bandwidth allowing the development of an even more efficient 5G technology, particularly useful in areas where wired fixed networks are not deployed.
Ooredoo believes that the allocation of the two bands (3.3-3.4) GHz and (3.6-3.8) GHz will allow for larger contiguous amounts of spectrum allowing mobile operators to further develop the most eMBB applications.
GSMA adds that the 3.3-3.8 GHz band is already harmonized for IMT in ASMG countries.
For Ericsson, the 3.3-3.4 GHz band is adjacent to the already widely identified 3.4-3.6 GHz band.
As for Huawei, the identification of the 3.3-3.4MHz band is also important for 5G. However, it is important to emphasize that the potential of 3300-3400 MHz is not the same as that of 3.6-3.8 MHz taking into account the possible constraints of coexistence with radars.
Question 9: What is your opinion on the possibility of allocating the frequency band (6425-7025) MHz or part to IMT?
Most of the contributors (Tunisie Telecom, Orange, Ooredoo, GSMA, ZTE, Ericsson and Huawei) are in favor of identifying the 6425-7025 MHz band with IMT except Motorola, which considers that it would be premature to identify the 7GHz band for IMT since there is sufficient spectrum identified for IMT at WRC 19, and since there is no clarity on the level of regional interest and the sharing conditions.
Tunisie Telecom believes that the 6425-7025 MHz band presents the best scenario for expanding the capacity and improving the performance of the 5G network in medium bands thanks to the availability of the spectrum allowing the allocation of an additional 100 MHz.
Orange asks if Tunisia could open the 6425-7125 MHz band, at reasonable tariff conditions, that would be even more beneficial for the sector.
Ooredoo recommends taking measures for coexistence with other services (FH).
ZTE believes this band can be allocated to IMT, while there are still many issues to be addressed, including spectrum occupancy by other services, such as WiFi-6E.
Question 10: What are the possible sharing studies with other existing or future radiocommunication services in the (6425-7025) MHz band?
Most contributors (Tunisie Telecom, Orange, GSMA and Huawei) agree that sharing IMT with unlicensed WIFI in this band is not recommended.
According to Tunisie Telecom, spectrum sharing between IMT and FH in this band is possible only by adopting a deployment of a technology by area: IMT in urban areas (for densification in multiband deployment with the 3.5 GHz band) and FH in suburban and rural areas. On the other hand, sharing with WiFi technology is complex and not recommended.
ZTE recommends identifying this band with IMT on a primary basis to take full advantage of 5G.
Motorola hopes that this work will be developed in the framework of the working groups of ITU-R Study Group 5. Studies based on shared use require low power or indoors mobile deployment.
Ericsson believes that improvements in 3GPP technologies, such as AAS, will ease the constraints of cohabitation with satellite service. Likewise, other parameters, such as the propagation models updated by the IUT, must also be taken into account.
As for Huawei, WiFi would be less reliable and less efficient in spectrum use and would not offer real mobility unlike 5G. Wi-Fi would primarily be limited to indoor broadband communications.
Question 11: In your opinion, can the frequency band (7025-7125) MHz be allocated to IMT?
Most of the contributors (Tunisie Telecom, Orange, Ooredoo, GSMA, ZTE, Ericsson and Huawei) are in favor of identifying the 7025-7125 MHz band for IMT except Motorola who thinks that it would be premature to identify this band for IMT before ending the sharing studies by saying that the US FCC has decided to expand the unlicensed use of the 6 GHz RLAN to 7.125 GHz for indoor deployments.
Tunisie Telecom believes that a harmonized choice is necessary for an economy of scale, and that the 6425-7025 MHz band presents a more advantageous option thanks to its larger bandwidth and better performance in terms of coverage. The allocation of contiguous bands is highly recommended over splitting the spectrum into multiple bands.
For Ooredoo it is important to have an additional frequency band, but the amount of contiguous spectrum must be sufficient to develop 5G. It is also necessary to take measures for coexistence with other services (Hertzian Beams).
According to ZTE, this band can be allocated to IMT around the world, but it may take time to ensure IMT performance. Prior to this allocation, unlicensed use of this frequency band can be an excellent way to improve IMT system capacity and extended coverage.
Huawei believes that the 6425-7125MHz band represents a high potential for IMT identification taking into account the interest expressed by several countries. This band represents a unique opportunity to provide an expansion of 5G capacity in the medium bands to meet the future needs for the next waves of 5G and to cover the level of 5G traffic expected from 2025.
Question 12: Do you consider it appropriate to deploy IMT mobile networks in the frequency band (10000-10500) MHz or part of this band?
Most of the contributors (Tunisie Telecom, Orange, Ooredoo and GSMA) are in favor of identifying the (10-10.5) GHz band for IMT.
Tunisie Telecom considers that the allocation of contiguous bands is strongly recommended over splitting the spectrum into several bands.
According to Orange, this band is relatively low compared to other IMT bands (26 GHz) and therefore allows for better coverage.
Ooredoo is in favor of the addition of new bands, but the amount of contiguous spectrum must be sufficient for the development of 5G.
According to ZTE, this band has not yet been included in the scope of the 3GPP specifications and may not be identified to IMT in Region 1 for the next few years. However, all thing is possible before the conclusion of WRC-23 is published.
Motorola recommends examining use cases that require more IMT spectrum. It also notes that parts of this band are not allocated to mobile services.
As for Ericsson, the (6425-7125) MHz and (3.3-3.4) / (3.6-3.8) GHz bands have the highest priority.
Huawei recommends studying this band taking into account that it is less advantageous than the 6GHz band in terms of propagation / coverage and potentially also more restrictive in terms of coexistence with adjacent systems.
Conclusion:
The contributions come to enrich the forward-looking and consultative approach of the ANF on all the questions addressed in the framework of this consultation. The richness of the contributions highlights in particular the importance of the global harmonization of frequency bands above 24 GHz for the development of IMT. They recommend starting with the 26 GHz band.