Proposed changes to channel arrangements for microwave fixed point-to-point links Spectrum planning paper 2014/05 JULY 2014

Transcription

1 Proposed changes to channel arrangements for microwave fixed point-to-point links Spectrum planning paper 2014/05 JULY 2014

2 Canberra Red Building Benjamin Offices Chan Street Belconnen ACT PO Box 78 Belconnen ACT 2616 T F Melbourne Level 32 Melbourne Central Tower 360 Elizabeth Street Melbourne VIC PO Box Law Courts Melbourne VIC 8010 T F Sydney Level 5 The Bay Centre 65 Pirrama Road Pyrmont NSW PO Box Q500 Queen Victoria Building NSW 1230 T F Copyright notice With the exception of coats of arms, logos, emblems, images, other third-party material or devices protected by a trademark, this content is licensed under the Creative Commons Australia Attribution 3.0 Licence. We request attribution as: Commonwealth of Australia (Australian Communications and Media Authority) All other rights are reserved. The Australian Communications and Media Authority has undertaken reasonable enquiries to identify material owned by third parties and secure permission for its reproduction. Permission may need to be obtained from third parties to re-use their material. Written enquiries may be sent to: Manager, Editorial and Design PO Box Law Courts Melbourne VIC 8010 Tel: candinfo@acma.gov.au

3 Contents 1. Introduction Background Outline of this paper 6 2. Review considerations Certainty and flexibility Industry requests Band loading Technology trends Implementation issues 9 3. Spectrum trends Spectrum arrangements Usage and analysis of fixed services Low-capacity, long-haul bands High-capacity, long-haul bands Medium-haul bands Urban network bands Summary 29 4 Proposed band amendments GHz band Channel plan GHz band New wider bandwidth channels Grandfathering interleaved raster Channel plan GHz band New wider bandwidth channels Remove interleaved raster Channel plan GHz band New wider bandwidth channels Grandfathering main raster Channel plan GHz band GHz band New wider bandwidth channels Grandfathering main raster Channel plan GHz band GHz band 38 acma iii

4 Contents (Continued) Channel plan GHz band Channel plan 40 5 New channel plan Proposed channel arrangement in the 28 GHz band International arrangements and equipment ITU FCC EUROPE Equipment Path length Antenna gain and pattern Overseas licensing arrangements Ofcom Federal Communications Commission European Communications Office Licensing options in Australia 46 8 Summary GHz band GHz band GHz band GHz band GHz band GHz band GHz band GHz band GHz band GHz band 51 9 Invitation to comment 52 Making a submission References 54 Appendix 1: Backhaul for mobile broadband 56 Appendix 2: Equipment availability 0 iv acma

5 1. Introduction Radiocommunications Assignment and Licensing Instruction FX 3 Microwave Fixed Services Frequency Coordination (RALI FX 3) (1) details arrangements supporting the operation of microwave fixed point-to-point links between 1 and 50 GHz. The ACMA is seeking comments on proposed changes to the current arrangements in RALI FX 3 to support the changing needs of industry and technology advances in the use of fixed point-to-point links. The proposals incorporate work previously undertaken reviewing microwave fixed services below 5 GHz in and more recent work considering bands between 6 and 50 GHz. The proposed changes are summarised below: > 1.5, 2.1, 2.2 and 3.8 GHz bands no changes due to ongoing planning considerations in these bands. > Modifying the existing 1.8 GHz channel arrangements to provide a 7 MHz channel option to better reflect the bandwidth of many existing licences in the band and supporting greater spectrum utility in the band by other services. Note that the existing embargo on new assignments is maintained and only existing licences services will be able to migrate to the 7 MHz channel raster. > Modifying existing channel plans to provide wider bandwidth channels in the following bands: 6 GHz band allowing channels up to 59.3 MHz 6.7 GHz band allowing channels up to 80 MHz 8 GHz band allowing channels up to 59.3 MHz 10 GHz band introducing Earth Exploration Satellite Service (EESS) sharing criteria 11 GHz band allowing channels up to 80 MHz 13 GHz band deletion of restrictions placed on the 2/2 channel to allow fixed services to use 15 GHz band introducing more 28 MHz channels 22 GHz band introducing 56 MHz and more 28 MHz channels and removing 3.5 MHz and 50 MHz channels. Improving the operational efficiency by grandfathering lightly used rasters or removing unused rasters in the following bands: 6 GHz band lightly used interleaved raster 6.7 GHz band unused interleaved raster 8 GHz band lightly used main raster 11 GHz band unused interleaved raster. > Introduction of a new channel plan in the 28 GHz band ( GHz) three channel arrangements have been proposed: > three paired 112 MHz channels > six paired 56 MHz channels > 12 paired 28 MHz channels. 1 See IFC 38/2010, Proposed changes to channel arrangements for fixed point-to-point links in the lower microwave frequency bands. acma 5

6 The proposals in this paper have been developed within the context of the ACMA spectrum management principles. The aim is to increase flexibility to meet the changing needs of existing and potential licensees while minimising disturbance to existing users Background The spectrum arrangements in RALI FX 3 support fixed systems operating in bands between 1 and 50 GHz, utilising channel widths between 2 and 55 MHz designed to support data capacities from 0.7 to 155 Mbit/s. RALI FX 3 provides the procedures for frequency coordination of fixed systems and specifies key technical radiocommunications policy requirements applicable to these fixed services. The ACMA routinely reviews the usage of RALI FX 3 to determine the effectiveness of each band to ensure that arrangements remain current with the advances in technology, availability of product and industry usage requirements. In 2010, the ACMA reviewed arrangements for microwave fixed services below 5 GHz 2. Due to planning considerations regarding mobile broadband service requirements the 2010 proposals have not been progressed. This paper reviews the 2010 proposals to determine the way ahead and considers bands above 5 GHz. In support of the review of bands above 5 GHz, a statistical analysis of assignment trends for 2008 to 2012 has been undertaken for each band using information from the register of radiocommunications licences. 3 That analysis considered assignment trends in terms of spectrum occupancy, assignments by year, assignments by emission bandwidth and assignments by channel. In discussing the result of this analysis the following descriptors are used. > Assignments per density area the total number of assignments issued in each of the four apparatus licence fee density areas (high density, medium density, low density and remote) and Australia-wide. > Spectrum usage per density area the total amount of spectrum used by the issued licences in each of the four apparatus licence fee density areas (high density, medium density, low density and remote) and Australia-wide. This is calculated by the summation of the emission bandwidth of all assignments. > Distribution of emission bandwidths the total number of assignments per specified emission bandwidth. > Channel loading the total number of assignments issued per channel. This assessment is used in bands with single channel widths. > Spectrum occupancy the number of assignments 1.2. Outline of this paper This paper discusses the current arrangements, uses, existing and expected constraints, and proposes changes which aim to provide additional options while minimising the impact on existing users. Included are: > analysis of historical and current spectrum usage to identify any shortage of capacity on key trunk routes > identification of bands that may be capable of providing suitable alternatives 2 See Proposed changes to channel arrangements for fixed point-to-point links in the lower microwave frequency bands; Spectrum Planning Report, 2014/06. 3 See Microwave fixed point-to-point services assignment statistics 1 January 2008 to 1 January 2012, Spectrum Planning Report, 2014/04. 6 acma

7 > proposed revised channel arrangements for comment, taking into account increasing flexibility to meet changing needs of existing and potential licensees while minimising disturbance to existing users. acma 7

8 2. Review considerations In order to meet the challenge of reviewing RALI FX 3 in a consistent and effective way, analysis has taken into account a number of broader picture considerations. In this section, the following factors will be outlined for the purpose of considering the development of the most appropriate channel arrangements and assignment instructions for each reviewed microwave frequency band: > certainty and flexibility > industry requests > band loading > technology trends > implementation issue Certainty and flexibility The radiocommunication technical policy and guidelines for the coordination of microwave fixed services are developed to promote both certainty and flexibility. The RALI FX 3 review process promotes flexibility by satisfying the changing needs of existing and potential licensees. It is developed to enable technological innovations implementation and operational bandwidths that are appropriate for the band to ensure higher spectral efficiency. RALI FX 3, developed under the apparatus licence systems, has been designed to bring a high level of certainty to licensees. This need for certainty will be maintained by minimising disturbance to existing users Industry requests The decision to conduct this review has been partly based on requests from industry. The ACMA has received several submissions from different industry participants requesting a review of RALI FX 3. The three main issues raised by these submissions were: 1. The need to support growth in mobile broadband networks by providing for spectrum options capable of supporting backhaul networks with data rates of Mbit/s. Current arrangements only allow for a maximum data rate of 155 Mbit/s. To achieve data rates of Mbit/s would require channel arrangements with predominant 28 MHz and 56 MHz channel widths. 2. The need to obtain certainty for usage intentions in bands below 5 GHz. There has been a steady decline in the use of bands below 5 GHz by fixed services due to the evolution of mobile technology and the increasing growth of these services in spectrum below 5 GHz. Fixed-service users have requested the ACMA to provide some certainty in the bands below 5 GHz as to the long-term intentions of these bands. 3. The ability to concatenate adjacent channels to implement larger bandwidth services. The need to support higher data rate long-haul networks has been identified. The ability to concatenate adjacent channels would support these needs. This review has also examined trends in channelling arrangements to ensure the current arrangements sufficiently address current and future requirements. 8 acma

9 2.3. Band loading Band loading level is a defined measure of band occupancy in terms of channel assignment order. A lightly loaded band is likely to support new assignments from the first few channels of the priority order. In moderately loaded band, new assignments are likely to be placed around the middle channel of the arrangement, while in heavily loaded bands it is only possible to assign the last few channels in the order. For the trunk routes, one of the indicators of the band loading is availability of the multiple channels for allocation across several consecutive microwave links along the trunk route. The availability of multiple channel allocations is one of the determining factors when deciding which frequency bands to use for wireless backhaul and longhaul radio relay networks Technology trends Technological advances in the area of modulation have had a profound effect on the increase of transmission data rate over fixed point-to-point links. Higher data rates can be achieved by using greater spectrally efficient equipment. However, based on the maximum transmitter power defined in the RALI FX 3, this is not always an available option for increasing the data rate. A higher transmission data rate can also be achieved by enabling wider channel bandwidths. The ACMA will generally support the implementation of the equipment with higher technical spectral efficiency, and some details are provided in Appendix Implementation issues The RALI FX 3 review process may lead to the introduction of certain changes to the existing band arrangements. One of the core objects when planning future band arrangements is to minimise possible disturbance on the current users. In general, the following measures apply: > the first-in-time principle assures that all current users have to be adequately protected > the protection ratios have to be defined for the co-channel, first and second adjacent channels for all channel combinations. Additional protection can be provided by applying assignment priority scheme. When introducing new channel rasters, the assignment priority for these rasters should be proposed in accordance with the principle of minimum disturbance to existing services. acma 9

10 3. Spectrum trends This section analyses the bands to identify the options that could support the expected growth in usage of fixed point-to-point links. Possible options include increasing the number of channels in existing channel plans and adding new channel plans. The first step of the analysis was to investigate usage of fixed point-to-point links bands between 1 and 50 GHz to: > determine whether current channel availability of bands can support larger channel bandwidths to support growth in the usage of high-capacity fixed links > identify bands for further investigation where arrangements supporting highcapacity fixed links may be introduced with minimal impact on existing users. The following statistical trends and graphs for each band above 5 GHz can be found in the ACMA s Spectrum Planning Paper SPP 2014/04 (2): > assignment growth over the last five years in high, medium, low and remote areas > spectrum usage growth over the last five years in high, medium, low and remote areas > channel assignment growth over the last five years in high, medium, low and remote areas > assignments per channel Spectrum arrangements A summary of the current RALI FX 3 spectrum arrangements between 1 and 50 GHz for microwave fixed services and typical utilisation is in Table 1. Bands considered in this paper are those currently in use supporting fixed point-to-point applications, as highlighted in the table. 10 acma

11 Table 1 RALI FX 3 Microwave fixed services bands from 1 to 50 GHz Band (GHz) Frequency range (MHz) Planned use Typical capacity Min path length (km) Channel width/ Number of channels Low-/medium-capacity 2 Mbit/s 20 4MHz: 22 long haul Fixed radio access Mbit/s - 2MHz: 44 DRCS Low-/medium-capacity 8/17 Mbit/s 20 14MHz: 12 main, 12 interleaved long haul Low-/medium-capacity 34 Mbit/s 20 29MHz: 12 main, 12 interleaved long haul Medium-capacity long 34 Mbit/s 20 14MHz: 12 haul TOB FM video - 28MHz: High-capacity long haul 140/155 Mbit/s 20 40MHz: Medium-/high-capacity 34/155 Mbit/s MHz:16 main, 16 interleaved long haul High-capacity long haul 140/155 Mbit/s 20 40MHz: 16 main, 16 interleaved TOB FM video - 30MHz: 9 main, 9 interleaved Low-/medium-capacity medium-haul links Medium-/high-capacity long-haul links 2 17 Mbit/s 20 14MHz: 20 overlapping 7 MHz 7MHz: 40 overlapping 14 MHz 34/155 Mbit/s MHz: 16 main, 16 interleaved TOB FM video - 28 MHz: 4 main, 4 interleaved Low-/medium-capacity medium-haul links High-capacity mediumhaul/urban networks Medium-capacity medium-haul TOB Low-/medium-capacity backhaul/urban networks Low-/medium-capacity backhaul/urban networks Low-/medium-capacity backhaul/urban networks, TOB 2-34 Mbit/s & FM video 5 14MHz: 8 overlapping 7 MHz 7MHz: 16 overlapping 14 MHz 155 Mbit/s 5 40MHz: 24 main, 24 interleaved FM video & 34/68 Mbit/s - 28MHz: 16 main (8 TOB), 16 interleaved (8 TOB), only three channels available for point-to-point 2 68 Mbit/s 5 28MHz:6, 14MHz 10, 7MHz Mbit/s 2 55MHz: 10 overlapping 27.5/13.75; 25.5MHz: 20 overlapping 55/13.75; 13.75MHz: 40 overlapping 55/25.7; 7.5MHz: Mbit/s, FM video - 50MHz: 14; 28MHz: 8 overlapping 14MHz; 14MHz: 16 overlapping 28 MHz, 7MHz:16, 3.5MHz Low-/medium-capacity 2 34 Mbit/s - 7MHz: 40; 14MHz 36; 28MHz 20 backhaul/urban networks Temporary links MHz: Low-capacity urban networks MHz: Usage and analysis of fixed services For purpose of the analysis in this section, the fixed services microwave bands from 1 to 50 GHz are classified in the following groups: > low-capacity, long-haul bands: 1.5, 1.8, 2.1, 2.2 and 3.8 GHz bands acma 11

12 > high-capacity, long-haul bands: 6, 6.7, 7.5 and 8 GHz bands > medium-haul bands: 10, 11, 13 and 15 GHz bands > urban network bands: 18, 22 and 38 GHz bands Low-capacity, long-haul bands GHz band The 1.5 GHz band was initially created to support low-capacity point-to-point fixed links using 4 MHz bandwidth channels and 2 MHz bandwidth channels for the Digital Radio Concentrator System (DRCS) and High Capacity Radio Concentrator (HCRC) providing point-to-point and point-to-multipoint fixed links as part of the public telecommunications network in rural and remote areas. In 1996, the frequency range MHz was allocated to Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB). In the late 1990s, the frequency range MHz was allocated Mobile Satellite Service (MSS). Both allocations allowed for the grandfathering of existing fixed point-to-point and DRCS services, but did not allow any new fixed point-to-point and DRCS services to be registered in these frequency ranges. In October 2010, the ACMA published a discussion paper (3) which proposed new channelling arrangements to be introduced into the 1.5 GHz band. The responses from industry indicated support for the channelling arrangements. However, in 2011 the opportunity to use this band for mobile broadband services was identified as part of considerations in the ACMA discussion paper Towards 2020 Future spectrum requirements for mobile broadband. In 2012, the ACMA released a discussion paper, Planning for mobile broadband within the 1.5 GHz mobile band, to further explore the potential use of the 1.5 GHz band by mobile broadband services. This paper is the first public step in the standalone review of arrangements in the 1.5 GHz mobile band. Given the ongoing review of the 1.5 GHz band and the possible impact on fixed links the 2010 proposals will not be progressed. The ACMA will revisit opportunities once the outcomes of mobile broadband considerations are known GHz band The 1.8 GHz band was created to support long-haul, low to medium-capacity point-topoint fixed links using 14 MHz bandwidth channels. In the early to mid-1990s the allocation between MHz was reserved Australia-wide for Digital European Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) services. This allocation has been maintained and is used extensively by cordless telephones throughout Australia. In 1996, the first of several Spectrum Reallocation Declarations (4) (5) (6) were made, allowing frequency ranges in the 1.8 GHz spectrum to be used for spectrum licensing. The resulting spectrum that has been reallocated for spectrum licensing is as follows: > / MHz for PCS in city and regional areas > / MHZ for PCS in city areas only > MHz in city areas only. In October 2010, the ACMA published a discussion paper (3) which proposed new channelling arrangements to be introduced into the 1.8 GHz band. The responses from industry indicated support for the channelling arrangements. 12 acma

13 With growing interest in the 1.8 GHz band for broadband in regional areas, in October 2012, the ACMA released the consultation paper, 1800 MHz a shared strategy (7), which outlined the ACMA s proposed consultation process for developing revised licensing, technical and regulatory arrangements for the 1800 MHz band. That paper provided information on how interested parties could actively participate in the consultation process to develop a longer term strategy for the band. Until this consultation process is finalised and the demand for mobile broadband in the 1800 MHz band in regional and remote areas is better understood, the ACMA has postponed the implementation of wider channels in the existing channel plan. However the addition of a 7 MHz channel raster is proposed. This is to better reflect the bandwidth of many existing licences and support greater spectrum utility in the band by other services such as mobile broadband. Note that the existing embargo on new assignments is to be maintained and only existing licences services will be able to migrate to the 7 MHz channel raster GHz band The 2.1 GHz band was established to accommodate a range of long-haul, mediumcapacity point-to-point links and FM video applications using 29 MHz bandwidth channels. The band was fairly well utilised by industry, with Telstra licensing the majority of the fixed point-to-point links. In 2000, a Spectrum Reallocation Declaration (8) was made to allow several frequency ranges in the 2.1 GHz spectrum to be used for spectrum licensing. The frequency ranges MHz and MHz were allocated for spectrum licensing for 3G services in city and regional areas. In 2001, the 2.2 GHz band arrangements were added to RALI FX 3. The 2.1 GHz fixed links in the frequency ranges MHz and MHz were redesignated to secondary services to accommodate the 2.2 GHz band. In 2002, under the Mobile Satellite Service (2 GHz) Frequency Band Plan (9) (revoked in 2012) fixed point-to-point links were required to the clear from parts of the bands MHz and MHz. In 2004, parts of the 2.1 GHz band the fixed point-to-point service were designated as a secondary service by the MHz and MHz Bands Frequency Band Plan 2004 (10) (revoked in 2012) to allow for the possible future use by 3G or wireless access services. In 2012, the ACMA made the Television Outside Broadcast ( MHz and MHz) Frequency Band Plan 2012 Band Plan (11). The band plan required the clearance of fixed point-to-point links in capital around capital cities and some regional area in the band MHz and MHz to support the introduction of TOB services in these bands. As a result of the above arrangements, the following embargos have been placed on this band: > Embargo 23 (12): > MHz Australia-wide > MHz > MHz Australia-wide > MHz. acma 13

14 > Embargo 26 (12): > MHz > MHz. > Embargo 49 (12): > MHz > MHz > MHz. These embargos prevent the use of frequencies in these bands for the purposes of 2.1 GHz fixed point-to-point links. In October 2010, the ACMA published a discussion paper (3) which proposed new channelling arrangements to be introduced into the 2.1 GHz band supporting usage in regional areas. The responses from industry indicated support for the proposed channelling arrangements. However, with the growth of mobile broadband services 4 in the 2.1 GHz band in regional areas, the introduction of the 2010 proposals were not considered technically viable and will not be progressed GHz band The 2.1 GHz Band Frequency Band Plan (13) reclaimed spectrum previously assigned for Multipoint Distribution System (MDS) services. This reclaimed spectrum was used for the establishment of the 2.2 GHz band for point-to-point fixed services. The 2.2 GHz band arrangements are relatively new, having been added to RALI FX 3 in late The 2.2 GHz band arrangements were put in place to support fixed links displaced from the 2.1 GHz band by spectrum licensing for 3G services Embargo 26 (12) and by changes to support mobile satellite systems put in place by the now revoked Mobile Satellite Service (2 GHz) Frequency Band Plan (9). As at June 2010, there was more than five times the number of assignments in the 2.1 GHz band than the 2.2 GHz band. Although intended as a replacement for channels of the 2.1 GHz plan displaced by 3G spectrum licensing, the 14 MHz wide channels provided in the 2.2 GHz band have not provided a natural alternative for replacement of the 29 MHz wide systems used under the 2.1 GHz band arrangements. In 2010, as an outcome of the review of the 2.5 GHz band, the frequency bands MHz and MHz were identified as suitable alternative bands for the relocation of 2.5 GHz TOB services in support of the introduction of new mobile broadband services in the 2.5 GHz band (14). In 2012, the ACMA made the Television Outside Broadcast ( MHz and MHz) Frequency Band Plan 2012 Band Plan (11). TOB services have been planned to operate Australia-wide. This band plan outlines the areas and frequencies where existing fixed links are required to clear from. The plan also outlines the areas and frequencies where new fixed links may operate on a secondary basis. Coordination arrangements for TOB services are contained in RALI FX 21 Television Outside Broadcasting Services in the bands MHz and MHz. The ACMA will update the existing arrangements for the 2.2 GHz band to reference 4 As at 1 January 2014, there were 12,198 apparatus PTS assignments. 14 acma

15 the new arrangements as part of this update to RALI FX 3. However, shared use of the bands by fixed point-to-point links and TOB is only feasible if fixed links usage does not grow and the ACMA will not be progressing the 2010 proposals GHz band The 3.8 GHz band arrangements support long-haul, high-capacity networks using 40 MHz bandwidth channels. While the band had a significant initial take-up, the band has been in decline since This has been attributed to the perceived uncertainty in the long-term future of the 3.8 GHz band and the availability of other suitable bands band, such as 6.0 GHz, 6.7 GHz and 8 GHz bands. Furthermore, while there appears to be reasonable availability of equipment in this band, some manufacturers are now not including it in their range. Spectrum Embargo 42 (12), originally introduced in 2005, overlays the bottom three channels of the band, preventing any new assignments Australia-wide in the band MHz. The embargo was put in place to preserve options for the planned introduction of wireless access services in the spectrum below 3710 MHz. It effectively orphaned the three channels 1, 2 and 3, which reduced the number of channel pairs available for new point-to-point assignments to four. These orphaned channels are now only suitable for new one-way links. Existing point-to-point links utilising channel pairs 1, 2 and 3 may continue to operate under the embargo at this time. The MHz, MHz bands have been identified as potential candidate bands for use by IMT under WRC-15 Agenda item 1.1. As such, the ACMA does not intend to review the existing 3.8 GHz band fixed-link channel arrangements prior to the outcomes of this agenda item High-capacity, long-haul bands GHz band The 6 GHz band is primarily used along trunk routes. The total number of assignments in this band as of January 2012 was 1,940. This represents an increase of 559 assignments, approximately 40 per cent, between January 2008 and January The assignment analysis has indicated that this band is utilised primarily in low-density areas. Seventy-nine per cent of all assignments were located in low-density areas and 13 per cent of all assignments were located in high-density areas. Furthermore, the growth in this band can be attributed to increasing assignments in low-density areas. Of the overall 559 assignment increase in the band for the five-year period, 417 assignments were located in low-density areas. The overall spectrum usage of this band has also increased by 11.3 GHz (25 per cent). This increase is directly reflected by the increased usage in low-density areas of 7.2 GHz (19 per cent). While the majority of channel bandwidths remained unchanged, the 28 MHz and 29.6MHz bandwidth channels have increased by 532 assignments (831 per cent) and 99 assignments (12 per cent) respectively. Further analysis of the channel loading in this band has highlighted that the majority of assignments use the main raster, while the interleaved raster is rarely used, with only six assignments in total GHz band The 6 GHz band is primarily used along trunk routes. The total number of assignments in this band as of January 2012 was 2,984, which represents a decline of 452 assignments (-13 per cent) between January 2008 and January acma 15

16 The assignment analysis has indicated that this band is utilised primarily in low-density areas, with approximately 62 per cent of all assignments located in low-density areas. The decline of assignments in this band has been reflected by the all spectrum density areas, with low spectrum density areas having the largest decline of 244 assignments (12 per cent) over the five-year period. The overall spectrum usage of this band has decreased by 13.3 GHz (-11 per cent) over the five-year period. The change in overall spectrum usage can be largely accounted for by the decrease usage of 35 MHz bandwidth services of 922 assignments (-56 per cent). However, this decrease has been offset by the increased usage of 40 MHz bandwidth services of 600 assignments (118 per cent) over this period. The majority of all services use either 35 MHz or 40 MHz bandwidths. Further analysis of the channel loading in this band has highlighted that all of the assignments use the main raster, while the interleaved raster is not used by any assignments GHz band The 7.5 GHz band, while only moderately used, is primarily used along trunk routes. The total number of assignments in this band, as of January 2012, was 2,398. This represents a decline of 326 assignments (-12 per cent) between January 2008 and January The assignment analysis has indicated that this band is utilised primarily in low-density areas, with approximately 65 per cent of all assignments located in low-density areas. In the last five years, the decline of this band has only been reflected by the low and remote-density spectrum areas, with respective assignment declines of 148 (-11 per cent) and 191 (-39 per cent). The overall spectrum usage of this band has decreased by 1.7 GHz (-six per cent) over the five-year period. The limited change in overall spectrum usage can be largely accounted for by the decreased usage of 7 to 14 MHz bandwidth services of 367 assignments (-26 per cent) and increased usage of 14 MHz bandwidth services of 187 assignments (21 per cent) over this period. The majority of all services use 14 MHz bandwidth GHz band The 8 GHz band is primarily used along trunk routes. The total number of assignments in this band as of January 2012 was 5,178. This represents an increase of 2,396 assignments (74 per cent) between January 2008 and January The assignment analysis has indicated that this band is utilised primarily in low-density areas, with approximately 68 per cent of all assignments located in low-density areas. The increase usage of this band has been seen in all spectrum density areas, with significant growth over the five-year period in high-density areas of 256 assignments (34 per cent), 1,930 assignments (102 per cent) in low spectrum-density areas and 178 assignments (51 per cent) in remote areas. The overall spectrum usage for this band has increased by 68.6 GHz (83 per cent) over the five-year period. The difference between the increased percentage in assignments and spectrum usage indicates that larger bandwidth assignments are being utilised. This can be seen by the decreased usage in all channel bandwidth services, except for the 28 MHz bandwidth services, which increased by 2,117 assignments (304 per cent) over this period. The majority of all services use either 28 MHz or 29.6 MHz bandwidths. 16 acma

17 Further analysis of the channel loading of this band has highlighted that the majority of assignments (2,597) use the interleaved raster, while the main raster is lightly used (308) Comparison between long-haul bands The number of assignments in the 6 GHz (29.65 MHz channels), 6.7 GHz (40 MHz channels), 7.5 GHz (14 and 7 MHz channels) and 8 GHz (29.65 MHz channels) bands is shown in Figure 1. Comparatively, the 6 GHz band (28 MHz channels, supporting up to 155 Mbit/s) has fewer assignments than the other bands, suggesting sufficient channel availability to support anticipated growth in usage of high-capacity fixed links. Figure 1 Number of assignments comparison in the 6, 6.7, 7.5 and 8 GHz bands 6,000 Number of assignments 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1, GHz 6.7 GHz 7.5 GHz 8 GHz Frequency band The 7.5 GHz band is compared with the 6, 6.7 and 8 GHz bands in terms of the geographic distribution and channel loading. These results are illustrated in Figure 2, Figure 3 and Figure 4 respectively. Assignments in the 6, 6.7, and 8 GHz bands (that support data rates up to 155 Mbit/s) are primarily located along trunked routes, compared with the 7.5 GHz band (data rates 2 17 Mbit/s), where assignments are more geographically distributed. That difference in distribution is most pronounced in the 6 GHz comparison, and while reduced, is still evident in the 6.7 and 8 GHz comparisons. The difference in distribution indicates that along established trunked route channels, availability is limited in the 6, 6.7 and 8 GHz bands. acma 17

18 Figure 2 Number of assignments per site 6 GHz vs 7.5 GHz links Figure 3 Number of assignments per site 6.7 GHz vs 7.5 GHz links 18 acma

19 Figure 4 Number of assignments per site 8 GHz vs 7.5 GHz links Proposal Considering the utilisation of these bands, possible options to support growth of highcapacity links are: > Introducing wider bandwidth channels within the 6, 6.7 and 8 GHz channel bands. Wider bandwidth channels could provide an opportunity for equipment utilising more spectrum efficient modulation schemes with data rates of 310 Mbits/s and greater. While the impact of this change on trunked routes with high loading is likely to be marginal, it is a relatively simple change to introduce and could support commonality of equipment, with high-capacity equipment deployed on non-trunked routes. > Grandfathering of the unused raster, either main or interleaved, in the 6, 6.7 and 8 GHz band, which could improve the operational efficiency of those bands. The impact on existing services is considered in sections 4.1, 4.3 and Medium-haul bands GHz band The 10 GHz band is lightly occupied. The total number of assignments in this band as of January 2012 was 963. This represents a decrease of 506 assignments (34 per cent) between January 2008 and January Assignment analysis indicates that this band is utilised primarily in low- and highdensity areas. Fifty-five per cent of all assignments were located in low-density areas and 27 per cent in high-density areas. The decline in usage of this band has been reflected in all density areas. In the last five-year period, assignments in high-density areas declined by 158 (-39 per cent), assignments in medium-density areas fell by 38 (-47 per cent) and in low-density areas by 286 (-35 per cent). acma 19

20 The overall spectrum usage of this band has also decreased by 4 GHz (-33 per cent). This decrease is predominantly reflected in the decreased usage in high-density 1.4 GHz areas (-39 per cent), medium-density 0.3 GHz areas (-47 per cent) and lowdensity 2 GHz areas (-35 per cent). Additionally, both 7 and 14 MHz channels have seen similar decreases in usage 364 assignments (-30 per cent) and 86 assignments (-26 per cent) respectively GHz band The 11 GHz band is moderately occupied. The total number of assignments in this band as of January 2012 was 2,545. This represents an increase of 1,884 assignments (285 per cent) between January 2008 and January Assignment analysis indicates that this band is utilised primarily in low- and highdensity areas. Sixty-two per cent of all assignments were located in low-density areas and 21 per cent in high-density areas. The increase in usage of this band has been reflected in all density areas. In the last five years, there were significant increases in assignments in the high-density (174 per cent), medium-density (244 per cent), lowdensity (321 per cent) and remote-density (679 per cent) areas. The overall spectrum usage of this band has also increase by 73 GHz (434 per cent). This increase is reflected in increased usage in high-density areas with 12.1 GHz (180 per cent), medium-density areas with 7.3 GHz (237 per cent), low-density areas with 40.9 GHz (316 per cent) and remote-density areas with 6.3 GHz (703 per cent). The majority of assignments use the 40 MHz and 28 MHz channel bandwidth with 1,497 (59 per cent) and 639 (25 per cent) assignments respectively. Both these channel bandwidths have shown significant increases in use over the last five years with 1,239 (480 per cent) and 621 (3,450 per cent) new assignments respectively. Further analysis of the channel loading of this band has highlighted that the majority of assignments (2,512) use the main raster, while the interleaved raster is rarely used, with only 23 assignments in total GHz band The 13 GHz band is lightly occupied. The total number of assignments in this band as of January 2012 was 2,035. This represents an increase of 644 assignments (46 per cent) between January 2008 and January Assignment analysis indicates that this band is utilised primarily in low- and highdensity areas. A total of 906 assignments (45 per cent of all assignments) were located in low-density areas and 786 (39 per cent) in high-density areas. The increase in usage of this band has been reflected in all density areas. In the last five-year period, the high-density areas with 157 assignments (25 per cent), medium-density areas with 113 assignments (78 per cent), low-density areas with 328 assignments (57 per cent) and remote-density areas with 46 assignments (115 per cent) all had significant increases. The overall spectrum usage of this band has also increased by 17.5 GHz (52 per cent). This increase is reflected by the increased usage in high-density areas with 4.1 GHz (26 per cent), medium-density areas with 3.1 GHz (80 per cent), low-density areas with 9 GHz (69 per cent) and remote-density areas with 1.3 GHz (150 per cent). The majority of assignments use 28 MHz channel bandwidth 1,534 assignments (75 per cent). The 28 MHz channel bandwidth has shown significant increases in use over the last five years, with 554 new assignments (57 per cent). Further analysis of the channel loading of this band has highlighted that all of the assignments use the main raster, while the interleaved raster is not used by any assignments. 20 acma

21 GHz band The 15 GHz band is moderately occupied in Melbourne and Sydney and lightly occupied elsewhere. The total number of assignments in this band as of January 2012 was 4,388. This represents an increase of 444 assignments (11 per cent) between January 2008 and January Assignment analysis has indicated that this band is utilised primarily in low- and highdensity areas. A total of 1,943 assignments (44 per cent of all assignments) were located in high-density areas and 1,490 assignments (34 per cent of all assignments) were located in low-density areas. In the last five-year period, the increase in usage of this band has been reflected in all density areas. Assignments in high-density areas increased by 130 (seven per cent), in medium-density areas by 66 (10 per cent), in low-density areas by 150 (11 per cent) and in remote-density areas by 98 (92 per cent). The overall spectrum usage of this band has also increased by 28.4 GHz (47 per cent). This increase is reflected by the rise in usage in high-density areas with 9.2 GHz (31 per cent), medium-density areas with 3.5 GHz (32 per cent), low-density areas with 13 GHz (72 per cent) and remote-density areas with 2.6 GHz (147 per cent). The use of 7 and 14 MHz channel bandwidths has decreased by 542 assignments (-36 per cent) and 272 assignments (-23 per cent) respectively, while the use of 28 MHz channel bandwidths has increased by 1,272 assignments (106 per cent). The majority of assignments now use 28 MHz bandwidth channels, with 2,476 assignments (56 per cent) Comparison between bands The number of fixed point-to-point link assignments in the 10 GHz (14 MHz channels), 11 GHz (40 MHz channels), 13 GHz (28 MHz channels) and 15 GHz (28, 14 and 7 MHz channels) bands is shown in Figure 5. acma 21

22 Figure 5 Assignment trend comparison for 10, 11, 13 and 15 GHz bands Number of assignments GHz 11 GHz 13 GHz 15 GHz Frequency band The 10 GHz band ( GHz) covers a limited spectrum range supporting eight 14 MHz channels overlapped with seventeen 7 MHz channels. The 10 GHz band arrangements require updating in order to reflect the ITU Radio Regulation Resolution 751 (WRC-07) (15) regarding the sharing criteria on new fixed point-to-point links and earth exploration-satellite (passive) services (EESS). The limited spectrum and sharing considerations with EESS make this band unfeasible and/or impractical to introduce wider bandwidth channels into the band. As such, no changes to channel arrangements are being considered for this band. The 11 GHz band has approximately 2,500 assignments, which is considered a moderate number in comparison to other heavily used bands. Geographical distribution and channel loading in the 11 GHz band is also significantly lower in comparison to 13 or 15 GHz, as illustrated in Figure 6 and Figure 7, respectively. Historically, the lower number of assignments at 11 GHz may be partially explained by the shared nature of the band (fixed-satellite services operate in the band on a coprimary basis). However, in the last five years, the 11 GHz band has demonstrated consistent growth, indicating industry s desire and ability to use this band, regardless of the earth stations located in the metropolitan/city areas Sydney, Newcastle, Adelaide and Perth. This band has opportunities to introduce new high-capacity links (80 MHz channels, supporting up to 155 Mbit/s). The 13 GHz band with six 28 MHz channels can be seen to be more widely (geographically) used than the 11 GHz band (see Figure 6). In the 13 GHz band, where channel restrictions limit fixed point-to-point services to six channels (main channels 1 1, 3 3 and 5 5 ), the total number of assignments is comparable to the number of assignments at 11 GHz, where four times as many channels (24 main and 24 interleaved) are available. Due to the continued requirements in this band for TOB services, there is limited opportunity for the introduction of wider bandwidth channels. The comparison between 11 GHz and 15 GHz shows that there is a higher use of 15 GHz around capital cities (in this case Sydney) and lesser use in regional areas (see Figure 7). In the 15 GHz band, which comprises six 28 MHz channels, the total number of assignments is higher than the number of assignments at 11 GHz, where four times as many channels are available. In the 13 GHz and 15 GHz bands both with six 28 MHz channels the number of assignments per channel on those channels is significantly higher than on the 40 MHz 22 acma

23 channels of the 11 GHz band. Conversely, the 11 GHz band would still seem to have sufficient channel availability to support growth in usage of high-capacity fixed links, regardless of the sharing requirements with fixed-satellite services. Figure 6 Number of assignments per site for the 11 GHz vs 13 GHz bands acma 23

24 Figure 7 Number of assignments per site for 11 GHz vs. 15 GHz bands Proposals Considering the utilisation of these bands possible options to support growth of high capacity links are: > Introducing wider bandwidth channels in the 11 GHz band. While the 11 GHz band is not as popular as 13 and 15 GHz bands, wider bandwidth channels may provide opportunities not presently available and provide an alternative to the 28 MHz channels in the 13 and 15 GHz bands see section 4.6. > Currently no assignments can be made on channels 2/2 in the 13 GHz band. The 2/2 channels could be made available for fixed point-to-point links, increasing the number of 28 MHz channels from six to eight see section 4.7. > The introduction of additional 28 MHz channels in the 15 GHz band. This requires consideration of the impact on existing 7/14 MHz services see section 4.8. In order to improve the 11 GHz band s spectral efficiency, it is proposed to grandfather the lightly used interleaved raster in this band to improve its operational efficiency and overall utilisation see section 4.6. In the 10 GHz band assignment instructions are to be updated to reflect sharing Earth exploration-satellite service (EESS) and space research service (SRS) service see section Urban network bands GHz band The 18 GHz band is heavily occupied in Melbourne and Sydney and moderately occupied elsewhere. The total number of assignments in this band as of January acma

25 was 6,937.This represents an increase of 1,096 assignments, or approximately 19 per cent, between January 2008 and January Assignment analysis has indicated that this band is utilised primarily in high-density areas. A total of 3,062 assignments (44 per cent of all assignments) were located in high-density areas and 2,291 assignments (33 per cent of all assignments) in lowdensity areas. While all density areas have grown over the last five-year period, the greatest growth was in both medium-density areas with 282 assignments (37 per cent) and remote-density areas with 142 assignments (37 per cent). The overall spectrum usage of this band has also increased by 55.6 GHz (68 per cent). This increase is directly reflected in the increased usage of 27.5 and 55 MHz bandwidth channels, which has grown by 1,730 assignments (105 per cent) and 356 assignments (405 per cent) respectively. Over the same period, there has been a decrease in the usage for 7.5 MHz bandwidth channels by 1,087 assignments (-46 per cent) GHz band The 22 GHz band is heavily occupied in Melbourne and Sydney and lightly occupied elsewhere. The total number of assignments in this band as of January 2012 was 6,351. This represents a decrease of 292 assignments or approximately four per cent between January 2008 and January Assignment analysis has indicated that this band is utilised primarily in high- and medium-density areas. A total of 4,363 assignments (69 per cent of all assignments) was located in high-density areas and 1,363 assignments (21 per cent of all assignments) were located in medium-density areas. Over the last five years, there has been a decrease in growth in high-density areas with 404 assignments (-eight per cent), while medium-density areas with 44 assignments (three per cent), low-density areas with 36 assignments (seven per cent) and remote-density areas with 32 assignments (160 per cent) have grown. The overall spectrum usage of this band has increased by 22.9 GHz (29 per cent). This increase is directly reflected in the increased use of 50 and 28 MHz bandwidth channels, which has risen by 52 assignments (67 per cent) and 779 assignments (73 per cent) respectively, across Australia. Conversely, there has been a decrease in the usage of 7 MHz and 3.5 MHz bandwidth channels, by 1,264 assignments (-30 per cent) and 22 assignments (-42 per cent) respectively GHz band The 38 GHz band is moderately occupied in Melbourne and Sydney and lightly occupied elsewhere. The total number of assignments in this band as of January 2012 was 2,301. This represents a decrease of 761 assignments, approximately 25 per cent, between January 2008 and January The assignment analysis has indicated that this band is utilised primarily in highdensity areas. A total of 1,710 assignments (74 per cent of all assignments) was located in high-density areas and 446 assignments (19 per cent of all assignments) were located in medium-density areas. All density areas have shown a decrease in number of assignments over the last five-year period, the greatest decrease was exhibited in low-density areas with 44 assignments (-28 per cent) and high-density areas with 638 assignments (-27 per cent). The overall spectrum usage of this band has decreased by 3.2 GHz (-eight per cent). The difference between the decrease percentage in assignments and spectrum usage indicates a migration from smaller bandwidth channels to wider bandwidth channels. This can be seen by the decreased usage of 7 MHz bandwidth services by 948 acma 25