Development of point-to-multipoint apparatus licensing arrangements in the 5.6 GHz bandDiscussion paperMAY 2018

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Introduction

Issues for comment

Proposed 5.6 GHz band arrangementsRALI FX 23 5Transitional arrangements 6Amending the Fixed LCD 8Fixed service licensing in 5600–5650 MHz 9

Invitation to commentMaking a submission 10

Appendix 1—Analysis of spectrum availabilityParameters 12Methodology 13Results 13Conclusions 16

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IntroductionThe ACMA is working to provide opportunities for Australians in both regional and urban Australia to take early advantage of new broadband services, including 5G. However, we recognise that reallocating the 3.6 GHz band for new broadband services in regional areas will affect incumbent point-to-multipoint (P-MP) licensees. In response, we have identified a range of mitigation strategies to help incumbents with the transition.

Use of the 5600–5650 MHz (5.6 GHz) band forms part of a set of mitigation strategies for affected 3.6 GHz band P-MP licensees that are described in our Future use of the 3.6 GHz band—Decisions and preliminary views paper. Other measures include a seven-year reallocation period and a commitment to investigate the possibility of using some of the 28 GHz band for apparatus-licensed fixed wireless broadband services. 3.6 GHz band P-MP licensees also have the opportunity to seek continuing third-party access to spectrum licences in the areas in which they operate.

The focus of this paper is the development of apparatus licence arrangements for P-MP services in the 5.6 GHz band. We plan to progress consideration of the 28 GHz band under a separate process later in 2018.

The ACMA has performed studies to assess the viability of the 5.6 GHz band for use by P-MP apparatus licences. These studies focused on the ability of existing 3.6 GHz band P-MP licences in regional areas to transition into the band. While the results should be considered as indicative only, they suggest that P-MP use of the band appears to be a viable option, despite there being locations where spectrum availability is limited due to incumbent radar use or contention from other P-MP users. A summary of the studies we performed is provided at Appendix 1.

Opening the 5.6 GHz band for coordinated P-MP apparatus licensing will provide an alternative option for some incumbent P-MP licensees that are affected by a number of recent reallocation declarations made by the Minister for Communications under section 153F of the Radiocommunications Act 1992.1 After an initial transition phase, opening the 5.6 GHz band for coordinated P-MP apparatus licensing will also enable existing licensees to expand their services to new locations or for new licensees to start providing a service.

The ACMA is seeking comment from interested stakeholders on the introduction of planning arrangements to support frequency coordination and licensing of P-MP systems in the 5.6 GHz band. To support this, we are proposing to release a new Radiocommunications Assignment and Licensing Instruction (RALI) FX 23—Frequency Coordination and Licensing Procedures for Apparatus Licensed Point-to-Multipoint Services in the 5.6 GHz Band (RALI FX 23).

The proposed new RALI provides arrangements to manage P-MP systems access to the 5600–5620 MHz and 5630–5650 MHz frequency ranges. The 5600–5650 MHz band is currently used by radiodetermination systems; most notably; weather watch radars operated by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM). The arrangements in the proposed new RALI have been designed to protect these radars and provide for coordination and licensing of P-MP systems in the band.

1 Radiocommunications (Spectrum Re - allocation—3.6 GHz Band for Adelaide and Eastern Metropolitan Australia) Declaration 2018Radiocommunications (Spectrum Re - allocation—3.6 GHz Band for Regional Australia) Declaration 2018 Radiocommunications (Spectrum Re - allocation—3.6 GHz Band for Perth) Declaration 2018

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As an outcome of the ACMA’s review of arrangements in the 3.6 GHz band, it is also our policy that 3.6 GHz P-MP licensees affected by the recent ministerial reallocation declarations be given, to the extent possible, initial preference in new licence applications in the 5.6 GHz band.

Exactly how this is done will require careful thought. The ACMA looks to affected stakeholders to help design arrangements that genuinely mitigate the impact of eventual clearance of P-MP services from 3.6 GHz. Questions include:> In the context of a seven-year reallocation period designed to encourage

commercial negotiation between P-MP incumbents and incoming spectrum licensees, when, and for how long, should the opportunity to transition licences to the 5.6 GHz be offered?

> How should the interests of 3.6 GHz incumbents be balanced against the public interest in potential new service providers obtaining access to any 5.6 GHz band spectrum that is not required by existing 3.6 GHz licensees?

> Acknowledging that the 5.6 GHz band offers less spectrum than is currently available in the 3.6 GHz band, how should any contention for limited spectrum in areas best be managed?

The ACMA proposes to develop a dedicated applicant information paper (AIP) to manage the transition from the 3.6 GHz to the 5.6 GHz band. The AIP will be developed after comments from this consultation process have been reviewed.

We are also proposing the following changes to support the introduction of arrangements for P-MP licensing in the 5.6 GHz band:> amending subsection 11T(1) of the Radiocommunications Licence Conditions

(Fixed Licence) Determination 2015 (Fixed LCD) to add the bands 5600–5620 and 5630–5650 MHz to the existing P-MP adjacent channel interference management provisions

> permitting usage of the frequency range 5600–5650 MHz by the Fixed service—a decision to be made under subsection 10(10) of the Australian Radiofrequency Spectrum Plan 2017 (ARSP).

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Issues for commentThe purpose of this consultation is to seek stakeholder feedback on the proposed:> new RALI FX 23> amendment of the Fixed LCD> decision to be made pursuant to subsection 10(10) of the ARSP to facilitate use of

the Fixed service in the 5600–5650 MHz frequency range.

In addition to general or specific comments on the proposals, the ACMA invites comments on the following aspects of the proposed RALI, the transitional arrangements that would apply when the RALI is introduced and related changes to the Fixed LCD and ARSP:

Proposed new RALI FX 231. Section 3.4 of the proposed RALI provides a procedure for interference protection

of radar receivers from remote stations of P-MP systems. For simplicity, the coverage area of the P-MP system is described by a simple 15 km radius circle. It would, however, be possible to create a more accurate P-MP coverage contour using terrain and P-MP system details. Would replacing the 15 km radius approach, or supplementing it as a calculated coverage contour, improve the utility of the RALI without adding unjustified complexity?

2. The out-of-band emission mask for P-MP systems defined in Annex B, table B.1 of the RALI is intentionally tighter than that of IEEE 802.11g 5 GHz RLAN systems. The mask proposed in the RALI is an envelope of emission measurements of better performing equipment performed by the NTIA (see NTIA Report TR-12-486). Respondents are invited to advise on the practicality of meeting the proposed mask and to provide relevant supplementary information (for example, acceptance test data or specifications from equipment operators’ manuals).

3. In Annex B, table B.5 of the RALI, the proposed out-of-band spectral mask for 5.6 GHz radar systems was derived from measurements of a 5.6 GHz radar system performed by the NTIA (see NTIA Report TR-12-486). Limited measurements of the radiated spectra of a number of operating BoM weather watch radars showed reasonable consistency with this mask. However, the proposed mask is not as tight as the radar emission masks that have been adopted by US and European regulators.2 Respondents are invited to advise on the suitability of using the proposed mask for calculations of interference from 5.6 GHz weather watch radar systems and to provide relevant supplementary information (for example, acceptance test data or specifications from equipment operators’ manuals).

4. It is proposed that the Annex B, table B.5 of the RALI values would be used to define the out-of-band performance of a radar receiver for the purpose of coordination calculations. Respondents are invited to advise on the suitability of using the proposed mask for calculations of interference to 5.6 GHz weather watch radar receivers and to provide relevant supplementary information (for example, acceptance test data or specifications from equipment operators’ manuals).

Proposed transition arrangements5. It is intended there will be a period where 3.6 GHz P-MP licensees affected by the

recent ministerial reallocation declarations will be, to the extent possible, given preference in the consideration of new licence applications in the 5.6 GHz band.

2 NTIA Manual of Regulations and Procedures for Federal Radio Frequency Management (Red Book) May 2014 revision of the May 2013 Ed. and ECC Recommendation (02) 05.

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The ACMA is developing a process to deal with the prospect of several applicants applying for a limited amount of available spectrum in some areas. A possible transition process is outlined in the body of this consultation paper. We are interested in advice from stakeholders on the suitability of the possible transition process outlined or on any alternative proposals.

6. Specific aspects that interested stakeholders may wish to comment on are:> Timing of application window—should applications be invited as soon as

possible after the arrangements for the band are finalised, or would it be better to invite applications after the outcomes of the 3.6 GHz spectrum auction are announced? If so, when?

> Duration of application window—is a four-week period sufficient or would a longer period (or multiple application windows) be more appropriate?

> Multiple application windows—is there merit in having more than one AIP process (for example, multiple application windows over one or more years)? If so, when should the second (or further) AIP processes be conducted?

7. To mitigate the effects of the reallocation of 3.6 GHz, the ACMA is considering measures to reduce the potential for 5.6 GHz band licences being obtained but not used. One approach could be for those applying for priority in obtaining 5.6 GHz licences to undertake to relinquish their corresponding 3.6 GHz licence within a reasonable period of time after the ‘replacement’ 5.6 GHz licence is issued. The aim would be to ensure service providers looking to migrate existing services actually obtain priority over service providers wishing to use 5.6 GHz to expand the number of services they can offer in an area. Interested stakeholders are invited to comment on this idea, including what might be a reasonable period of time to relinquish a 3.6 GHz licence and any other concepts that may help to ensure that 5.6 GHz licences are used to facilitate the timely transition from the 3.6 GHz band.

Proposed revision of the Fixed LCD8. The ACMA seeks comment on the proposed amendment to subsection 11T(1) of

the Radiocommunications Licence Conditions (Fixed Licence) Determination 2015 to extend the adjacent channel interference management provision to include the 5600–5620 MHz and 5630–5650 MHz frequency ranges.

Proposal to allow Fixed service licensing in the 5600–5650 MHz band9. The ACMA seeks comments on a proposal to authorise operation of the Fixed

service in the 5600–5650 MHz band by way of a decision made pursuant to subsection 10(10) of the ARSP.

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Proposed 5.6 GHz band arrangementsRALI FX 23The proposed new RALI provides arrangements to manage P-MP systems access to the 5600–5620 MHz and 5630–5650 MHz frequency ranges. The 5600–5650 MHz band is currently used by radiodetermination systems; most notably; weather watch radars operated by BoM. The arrangements in the proposed new RALI are designed to protect these radars, and to provide for coordination and licensing of P-MP systems in the band.

The proposed new RALI addresses each of the interference scenarios relevant to introducing P-MP services in the 5.6 GHz band. These are potential interference: > between different P-MP services> from P-MP systems into radar receivers> from radar systems into P-MP systems.

Coordination procedures have been detailed that apply to and from the base station of the P-MP system. Remote stations of the P-MP system will not be individually licensed so additional, more general, conditions are included to ensure that interference from (and to) the remote stations is appropriately managed.

While all aspects of the proposed new RALI are open for discussion, the ACMA has identified several key issues on which comment would be appreciated. These are identified in the Issues for comment section of this paper.

To help stakeholders assess the proposed new RALI, some of its more notable features are summarised below:> The provision of 10, 15 and 20 MHz channelling options for P-MP systems (see

section 2.1 of the RALI).> Reservation of the 5620–5630 MHz range for use by radar services only (see

section 2.1).> An in-band EIRP limit of 42.5 dBm/MHz radiated in the horizontal direction (see

section 2.2). This limit applies for emissions in the horizontal direction. This means higher maximum EIRP density levels could be used, provided systems employ an adequate amount of antenna down-tilt.

> At this stage, licensing will be limited to the regional areas covered by the 3.6 GHz Reallocation Declaration. It is expected this area will be of most interest to 3.6 GHz band P-MP licensees that are subject to the reallocation declarations, as well as for the deployment of new or expanded P-MP services. Future consideration could be given to extending this to metropolitan and remote areas. Regional areas are defined in the form of HCIS coordinates in Annex C of the proposed new RALI. The area where P-MP licensing will be permitted is illustrated in Figure 1 below.

> Section 3 of the proposed new RALI covers the different frequency coordination scenarios. Section 3.2 deals with coordination between P-MP transmitters and P-MP receivers. Section 3.4 deals with coordination to ensure that P-MP transmitters provide adequate protection to radar receivers. Section 3.5 provides a procedure for determining if a prospective P-MP system would receive interference from a radar transmitter. In general, P-MP system remote stations are encompassed within the coordination umbrella provided by the base station

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coordination, but for coordination with radar receivers other requirements are detailed in section 3.4 of the RALI.

> Section 4 of the RALI covers licensing matters, including generic and special conditions that may be applied to P-MP licences. It is proposed that, where coordination calculations predict a radar transmitter may cause interference to a proposed P-MP system, the aspirant P-MP licensee may agree to accept the predicted interference and proceed with licensing, provided an appropriate special condition is added to any issued licence.

> Annex A provides a notional deployment model for P-MP systems using this band.> Out-of-band and spurious emission limits are provided in Annex B. The proposed

out-of-band limits for the P-MP transmitters are tighter than the relevant IEEE 802.11 standard limits. It is assumed that equipment for use in this application will meet higher performance standards than would be expected from consumer-grade equipment.

Figure 1: Illustration of 5.6 GHz band P-MP licensing areas (in green)

Transitional arrangementsTo facilitate those P-MP licensees wishing to transition from the 3.6 GHz band to the 5.6 GHz band, an AIP will be developed. This will give effect to the ACMA’s policy position that 3.6 GHz P-MP licensees affected by the recent ministerial reallocation declarations be given initial preference in new licence applications in the 5.6 GHz band during a defined transition period.

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Importantly, the ACMA has not yet settled on the final process for dealing with contention between incumbent 3.6 GHz band licensees wishing to transition to the 5.6 GHz band during the transition period. However, an overview of a possible process is given below. Comments on this, as well as any alternative proposals, are welcomed from interested stakeholders.

We are particularly interested in outcomes that would maximise the incentive for incumbent 3.6 GHz band P-MP licensees and successful 3.6 GHz spectrum licensees to negotiate on the future of P-MP services in the 3.6 GHz band, including possible transition to the 5.6 GHz band. This could include issues such as: > When should the transition period commence?> Should it occur as soon as arrangements are in place, or would it be better to wait

until after the outcomes of the 3.6 GHz band auction are known? > Should 3.6 GHz band P-MP licensees be given a period of a few years to transition

before opening the band for general licence applications?

Each of these approaches has positives and negatives. For example, while some options would provide a longer transition period, this would delay when new P-MP services (or expansions of existing services) could be made within the 5.6 GHz band.

Proposed transition process

Application window> The ACMA will publish an AIP stating that applications from incumbent 3.6 GHz

band P-MP licensees wishing to transition to the 5.6 GHz band will be accepted during a defined application window.

> During the application window, affected incumbent 3.6 GHz band P-MP licensees may submit one or more provisional application(s) for P-MP apparatus licence(s) in the 5.6 GHz band. Consistent with the intent of this process being to support the transition of incumbent 3.6 GHz P-MP licences, it is expected that the details of the system being applied for should not expand the spectrum required or the coverage footprint of the existing 3.6 GHz band services being transitioned. Applicants would also be required to nominate an accredited person (AP) to carry out relevant coordination work.

Processing window> The ACMA will establish an ‘order of receipt list’ to process applications.> In order of receipt, we will ask the nominated AP to process the relevant licence

application(s) on the following basis:> The details of the licence(s) being applied for do not expand the spectrum

footprint of the existing 3.6 GHz band licence(s) being transitioned. The intent is to provide, where possible, a like-for-like replacement of the existing 3.6 GHz service. The bandwidth of the proposed 5.6 GHz licence should be the same as (or less) than the current 3.6 GHz licence. The coverage footprint of the proposed 5.6 GHz licence should be similar to that of the current 3.6 GHz licence and should be provided from the same (or a very close) location with the same (or similar) antenna height.

> The frequency assignment process defined in the new RALI FX 23 must be applied.

> If there is insufficient spectrum available, less spectrum can be applied for.> Applicants can modify their system to facilitate coordination, but only if this

reduces the overall spectrum denial (or interference) footprint of the proposed system.

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> Once coordination is finalised, the nominated AP must proceed to either formally submit a licence application or advise the ACMA if coordination failed.

> For successful applications, a new 5.6 GHz band P-MP licence will be issued and the existing 3.6 GHz band P-MP licence will only be permitted to be reissued for one year beyond its next reissue date. This would provide time for licensees to migrate their services to the 5.6 GHz band.

> The ACMA will process any licence applications submitted by APs according to our normal business practice;

> We will proceed to the next provisionally submitted application on the order of receipt list and will contact the next relevant AP.

> It is difficult to determine the total duration of the processing window until we know the number of applications to be processed. However, a total processing window period of six to 12 months might be required. Mechanisms to improve the efficiency of the process can also be considered. This includes dividing regional Australia into several areas and running parallel application processes in those areas where there is sufficient geographic separation.

After all applications on the order of receipt list(s) have been processed, we would advise APs that the transition process is complete and further licence applications for P-MP systems in the 5.6 GHz band (including for new P-MP systems and expansions of existing P-MP systems) will be accepted from all interested parties, and will be treated according to normal ACMA business practice.

Under the process described above, applications to transition from the 3.6 GHz to the 5.6 GHz band would be assessed on a first-in-time basis. This means that, depending on the level of demand for spectrum in a given area (and taking into account incumbent radar services), it may not be possible for every applicant to obtain a licence in the band.

Amending the Fixed LCDSubsection 11T(1) of the Fixed LCD provides for the management of potential adjacent channel interference between time division duplex P-MP. At present, it applies to the frequency ranges 1900–1920 MHz and 3400–3700 MHz. Section 11T aims to address the potential interference situation that could occur if the licensee of one channel is transmitting while the licensee of an adjacent channel at the same (or a nearby) site is receiving.

It is proposed that subsection 11T(1) be amended to include the 5600–5620 MHz and 5630–5650 MHz frequency ranges.

The ACMA invites any comment on this proposed amendment of the Fixed LCD.

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Fixed service licensing in 5600–5650 MHz bandThe ARSP allocates the 5600–5650 MHz band to Maritime Radionavigation, Mobile except aeronautical mobile and Radiolocation services. There is no Fixed service allocation in this band. However, under subsection 10(10) of the ARSP, the ACMA proposes to authorise use of an ‘unspecified service’ (in this case, the Fixed service) in the 5600–5650 MHz band, subject to us being satisfied that this is unlikely to cause harmful interference to another service.

If adopted, this proposed change would be recorded on the ARSP page on the ACMA website.

The ACMA considers that allowing Fixed P-MP services to be licensed in accordance with the proposed new RALI will provide sufficient protection to incumbent services in the band. We seek comments on the proposal to authorise the operation of the Fixed service in the 5600–5650 MHz band.

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Invitation to commentMaking a submissionThe ACMA invites comments on the issues set out in this discussion paper or any other relevant issues. > Online submissions —submissions can be made via the comment function or by

uploading a document. The online consultation page provides details.> Submissions by post—can be sent to:

The Manager, Spectrum Planning SectionSpectrum Planning and Engineering BranchCommunications Infrastructure DivisionPO Box 78, Belconnen, ACT 2616

The closing date for submissions is COB, Friday 29 June 2018.

Electronic submissions in Microsoft Word or Rich Text Format are preferred.

Enquiries> Media enquiries can be directed to Emma Rossi on 02 9334 7719 or by email to

media@acma.gov.au.

Effective consultation The ACMA is working to enhance the effectiveness of its stakeholder consultation processes, which are an important source of evidence for its regulatory development activities. To assist stakeholders in formulating submissions to its formal, written consultation processes, it has developed Effective consultation—a guide to making a submission. This guide provides information about the ACMA’s formal written public consultation processes and practical guidance on how to make a submission.

Publication of submissionsIn general, the ACMA publishes all submissions it receives, including any personal information in the submissions (such as names and contact details of submitters). The ACMA prefers to receive submissions that are not claimed to be confidential. However, the ACMA accepts that a submitter may sometimes wish to provide information in confidence. In these circumstances, submitters are asked to identify the material (including any personal information) over which confidentiality is claimed and provide a written explanation for the claim.

The ACMA will consider each confidentiality claim on a case-by-case basis. If the ACMA accepts a claim, it will not publish the confidential information unless authorised or required by law to do so.

Release of submissions where authorised or required by lawAny submissions provided to the ACMA may be released under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (unless an exemption applies) or shared with various other government agencies and certain other parties under Part 7A of the Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005. The ACMA may also be required to release submissions for other reasons including for the purpose of parliamentary processes or where otherwise required by law (for example, under a court subpoena). While the ACMA seeks to consult submitters of confidential information before that information is provided to another party, the ACMA cannot guarantee that confidential information will not be released through these or other legal means.

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PrivacyThe Privacy Act 1988 imposes obligations on the ACMA in relation to the collection, security, quality, access, use and disclosure of personal information. These obligations are detailed in the Australian Privacy Principles.

The ACMA may only collect personal information if it is reasonably necessary for, or directly related to, one or more of its functions or activities.

The purposes for which personal information is being collected (such as the names and contact details of submitters) are to:> contribute to the transparency of the consultation process by clarifying, where

appropriate, whose views are represented by a submission > enable the ACMA to contact submitters where follow-up is required or to notify

them of related matters (except where submitters indicate they do not wish to be notified of such matters).

The ACMA will not use the personal information collected for any other purpose, unless the submitter has provided their consent or the ACMA is otherwise permitted to do so under the Privacy Act.

Submissions in response to this paper are voluntary. As mentioned above, the ACMA generally publishes all submissions it receives, including any personal information in the submissions. If a submitter has made a confidentiality claim over personal information that the ACMA has accepted, the submission will be published without that information. The ACMA will not release the personal information unless authorised or required by law to do so.

If a submitter wishes to make a submission anonymously or use a pseudonym, they are asked to contact the ACMA to see whether it is practicable to do so in light of the subject matter of the consultation. If it is practicable, the ACMA will notify the submitter of any procedures that need to be followed and whether there are any other consequences of making a submission in that way.

Further information on the Privacy Act and the ACMA’s privacy policy is available at www.acma.gov.au/privacypolicy. The privacy policy contains details about how an individual may access personal information about them that is held by the ACMA, and seek the correction of such information. It also explains how an individual may complain about a breach of the Privacy Act and how the ACMA will deal with such a complaint.

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Appendix 1—Analysis of spectrum availabilityThe ACMA has performed a simple study to assess the viability of the 5.6 GHz band for use by P-MP apparatus licences. The study focused on the viability of transitioning existing 3.6 GHz band P-MP licences into the 5.6 GHz band. It took into account the limitations on spectrum availability due to incumbent radar services as well as possible contention for spectrum from multiple P-MP operators in an area. The study assumed that all existing P-MP operators affected by the 3.6 GHz reallocation declarations would seek to transition to the 5.6 GHz band, noting this is the ‘worst-case’ scenario in terms of demand for spectrum in the 5.6 GHz band.

This appendix provides a summary of the study undertaken.

A number of factors affect spectrum availability at a particular location, so the methodology used should be seen as ‘indicative’ only.

ParametersThe technical characteristics of P-MP services and BoM radars used in the analysis are defined in Table 1 and the draft new RALI FX23, respectively. For the most part, services were modelled using data contained on the Register of Radiocommunications Licences (RRL). However, simplifying assumptions were made to some P-MP parameters, such as the antenna pattern and azimuths used.

The propagation model in Recommendation ITU-R P.452-16, together with a three-second digital terrain model (STRM 2-1), was used to model path loss.

Table 1: Generic P-MP base station parameters/assumptions

Parameter ValueSite Site details for 3.6 GHz band P-MP licences as recorded in the

RRLAntenna height Antenna height for 3.6 GHz band P-MP licences as recorded in

the RRLTx power > Value recorded in the RRL

> However, licences with recorded bandwidths of 30 MHz were treated as 3 x 10 MHz sectors and the transmitter power was divided by three to obtain the power in each 10 MHz channel/sector

Antenna > Collinear antennas modelled as omni-directional antennas and antenna gain recorded in the RRL

> Panel antennas modelled using Recommendation ITU-R F.1336 with 15.4 dBi gain and 8 vertical beam-width

Down tilt > Collinear antennas: none> Panel antenna: 3°

Azimuth Antennas were assumed to point directly at incumbent radars

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MethodologyThere were two steps in the study. These were:1. Determine the total amount of spectrum available in the 5600–5620 MHz and

5630–5650 MHz bands at each existing 3.6 GHz band P-MP site after coordination with incumbent radar service(s).

2. Determine the amount of spectrum available in the 5600–5620 MHz and 5630–5650 MHz bands at each existing 3.6 GHz band P-MP site after assessing possible contention for spectrum between different 3.6 GHz band P-MP licensees. This was done by dividing the amount of spectrum available at each site (as determined in step 1) by the number of unique 3.6 GHz band P-MP licensees within 60 km of a site. (As a simple sensitivity analysis, the same process was also performed for licensees within 40 km of a site.) This step provides a simple estimate of the separation distance required before a frequency can be reused by another P-MP service without causing interference (the distance could be smaller or larger depending on terrain and actual system parameters used).

Please note that: > Coordination with radar services was performed as described in draft RALI FX 23.

It assumed the main beam azimuth of both the P-MP and radar services pointed at each other (that is, the worst case with respect to radar co-existence).

> The study assumed the same radar receiver performance as specified in draft RALI FX 23. This is still being verified with BoM.

> It is assumed a single licensee can reuse spectrum and manage interference between their own services, regardless of the separation distance.

> Results were rounded down to a multiple of 10 MHz. For example, if 30 MHz is available for two operators that are within 40/60 km of each other, the results will only show that 10 MHz is available per operator.

> The analysis did not take into account various mitigation techniques that P-MP licensees could use to manage interference both to and from their services. These include, but are not limited to, reducing EIRP, reducing antenna height, increasing antenna down tilt, synchronisation and deployment of sectors that do not point directly at the radar system.

> Spectrum availability was determined assuming all existing 3.6 GHz band P-MP apparatus licensees will transition to the 5.6 GHz band.

ResultsThe results of the indicative study are presented in terms of the amount of spectrum available to an operator (in multiples of 10 MHz) at each site. Results for step 1 of the methodology only are provided in Figure 2. Results for step 2 of the methodology are presented in figures 3 and 4. All results are summarised in Table 2.

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Table 2: Summary of indicative spectrum availability in the 5.6 GHz band for existing 3.6 GHz band P-MP licences

Bandwidth available per operator at a site

Number of operator unique sites

Without P-MP contention(Figure 2)

With P-MP contention and a 40 km frequency reuse (Figure 3)

With P-MP contention and a 60 km frequency reuse (Figure 4)

40 MHz 124 49 3930 MHz 21 10 420 MHz 32 60 6310 MHz 4 24 350 MHz 15 53 55

Figure 2: Summary of indicative spectrum availability in the 5.6 GHz band for existing 3.6 GHz band P-MP licences—not including contention for spectrum assessment

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Figure 3: Indicative spectrum availability in the 5.6 GHz band for existing 3.6 GHz band P-MP licences—assuming 40 km frequency reuse distance

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Figure 4: Indicative spectrum availability in the 5.6 GHz band for existing 3.6 GHz band P-MP licences—assuming 60 km frequency reuse distance

ConclusionsImpact of radar compatibility requirements (only) on spectrum availabilityThe indicative results in column 2 of Table 1 and Figure 2 show locations where spectrum availability in the 5.6 GHz band may be limited due to incumbent radar services only. These results give an indication of the total spectrum availability at existing 3.6 GHz P-MP licence sites. They do not consider the effect of contention for spectrum with other P-MP licences. Nor do the results consider engineering techniques that could be employed by prospective P-MP licensees to reduce the potential for interference to BoM radars.

Based on the indicative results it appears that: > the full 40 MHz of potentially available spectrum in the 5.6 GHz band could be

available at 63 per cent of existing 3.6 GHz band P-MP sites> at least 20 MHz of spectrum could be available at 90 per cent of existing 3.6 GHz

band P-MP sites> at least 10 MHz of spectrum could be available at 98 per cent of existing 3.6 GHz

band P-MP sites> spectrum availability is lowest for sites that are close to BoM radars and where

there is little terrain-shielding to BoM radars.

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Further reduction in spectrum availability due to contention with other prospective P-MP licenseesThe indicative results in columns 3 and 4 of Table 1 and figures 3 and 4 show locations where spectrum availability in the 5.6 GHz band may be limited due to incumbent radar services and contention for spectrum between transitioning 3.6 GHz band P-MP licensees. These results give an indication of spectrum availability per operator at existing 3.6 GHz P-MP licence sites.

Based on the indicative results, for sites with current 3.6 GHz licences it appears that if the available spectrum was equally shared among all applicable existing 3.6 GHz band P-MP licensees3:> 40 MHz per licensee could be available at 20–25 per cent of sites> 20 or 30 MHz (or 40 MHz) per licensee could be available at 54–60 per cent of

sites> 10 MHz (or 20/30/40 MHz) per licensee could be available at 72–73 per cent of

sites.In many cases, the separation distance to other relevant P-MP sites is sufficiently large that only one P-MP licensee affects spectrum availability at the site being considered.

> Overall, the results suggest that, while there are some locations where spectrum availability will be limited due to incumbent radar services and possible contention for spectrum, there are also significant opportunities for P-MP services in the 5.6 GHz band. In addition, spectrum availability could be further improved, on a case-by case basis, if some incumbent 3.6 GHz band licensees choose not to transition to the 5.6 GHz band.

> P-MP operators employ engineering techniques to reduce or manage potential interference to BoM radars and potential interference to and from other P-MP services.

3 This assumes all regional 3.6 GHz band P-MP licensees will choose to transition to the 5.6 GHz band.

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