Electronic Communications Act, 2005 (Act No. 36 of 2005) ICASA Radiocommunication Frequency Migration Plan 2019 Part 2 : Radio Frequency Migration Plan 2019 4. Development of the Radio Frequency Migration Plan

 

The figure below illustrates the time line and sequence of documents and conferences that informed the creation of the Radio Frequency Migration Plan.

 

The radio Frequency Migration Plan reflects all relevant activities to date and comments on potential long-term migration issues.

 

 

The use of the Radio Frequency Spectrum is fundamentally determined through the ITU Radio Regulations which are established by treaty and modified by treaty in the form of the Resolutions and decisions of the World Radiocommunication Conferences in which South Africa has participated since 1994. South Africa fundamentally follows the allocations in the Radio Frequency Plan for Region 1 in the ITU Radio Regulations and the primary driver for a change in use is a change in allocation stemming from a World Radiocommunication Conference Resolution.

 

As Region 1 also includes Europe, it is common for South Africa to harmonise the way it uses and manages frequency bands with Europe on the grounds that this facilitates coordination and allows South Africa to benefit from potential economies of scale with regard to equipment as well being able to capitalize on existing development work. South Africa also participates in the African Telecommunications Union and again will seek to harmonise its frequency allocations with other African countries.

 

For Southern Africa, South Africa is part of SADC, the Southern African Development Community. South Africa has actively participated in the preparation of the SADC Frequency Allocation Plan (SADC FAP) and to keep the National Radio Frequency Plan as harmonised as possible with the latest version of the SADC FAP is necessary to maintain international co-ordination with neighbouring countries.

 

 

The Radio Frequency Migration Plan is drawn up using the latest National Radio Frequency Plan (NRFP 2018) as a baseline.

The first step was to check progress made concerning the frequency migrations proposed in SABRE6 (see below) with respect to the following:

 

Evaluating the current utilization of these bands by the incumbent

 

Determining whether these bands could be put to better use

 

The next step was, the proposals in the SADC Frequency Allocation Plan 2016 (SADC FAP 2016) are considered for relevancy in the Republic of South Africa. In terms of relevancy, points under consideration are:

 

 

The third step involves looking at the resolutions adopted at the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) 2007, 2012 and 2015 applicable to Region 1 and determine applicability for South Africa. Similar criteria as used to evaluate SADC proposals would be applied here.

 

The fourth step involves identifying South Africa specific migration issues. In this manner, all matters of significance from global, regional and national context along with the historical activities around migration are awarded due consideration in drafting the frequency migration plan.

 

 

 

There were two South African Band Re-Planning Exercises (SABRE) carried out in 1997 and 2001. SABRE 1 has been the most comprehensive spectrum migration exercise to date.

 

 

SABRE 17 was a significant programme to re-plan the radio frequency in line with the ITU Region 1 frequency allocation plan from 20 MHz to 3 GHz and to migrate users that either did not accord with the existing allocation plan or prevented efficient use of the spectrum. A prime example of this was the drive to migrate fixed links to over 3 GHz. SABRE 1 was extended to cover 3.4 – 3.6 GHz

 

The primary services which were targeted for this exercise were:

 

SABRE 28 was a programme to re-plan the radio frequency spectrum from 3 GHz to 70 GHz (with the exception of 3.4 – 3.6 GHz which was part of SABRE 1), partly driven by the need to in-migrate fixed-links from below 3 GHz. Extracts from SABRE 2 are given in the appendix (6.1Appendix C).

 

The analysis conducted showed that the following migration of services out of specified bands as proposed under SABRE (1 and 2) was taken into consideration in developing the Radio Frequency Migration Plan 2019.

 

Table 1 SABRE planned allocations that have been taken into consideration in the Frequency Migration Plan 2019

 

After SABRE, there have been four (4) national radio frequency plans, SATFA, NRFP 2010, NRFP 2013 and NRFP 2018.

 

SATFA: The South African Table of Frequency Allocations 20049 consolidated SABRE 1 and SABRE 2 in one plan covering the range 20MHz to 70 GHz.

 

This plan is discussed in the 6.1 Appendix D with respect to frequency migration.

 

The National Radio Frequency Plan 201010 updated SATFA 200411 and extended the frequency range covered (now 9 kHz – 3000 GHz). Its stated aim was to incorporate the decisions taken by WRC and include updates on the Table of Frequency Allocations extending up to 3000 GHz.

 

This plan is discussed in the Appendix E with respect to frequency migration.

 

The National Radio Frequency Plan 201312 updated National Radio Frequency Plan 2010, its stated aim was to incorporate the decisions taken by WRC and include updates on the Table of Frequency Allocations extending up to 3000 GHz.

 

This plan is discussed in the 6.1 Appendix E with respect to frequency migration.

 

The National Radio Frequency Plan 2018 updated National Radio Frequency Plan 2013 and extended the frequency range covered (now 8.3 kHz – 3000 GHz). Its stated aim was to incorporate the decisions taken by WRC 15 and include updates on the Table of Frequency Allocations extending up to 3000 GHz.

 

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) agreed to development of a regional Frequency Allocation Plan (FAP) that provides for a harmonised framework on the allocation of the radio frequency spectrum in the SADC.

 

The SADC Frequency Allocation Plan revised in 2016 with the frequency range 8.3 kHz – 3000 GHz and guides the use of frequency in the SADC countries as spectrum coordination is required between SADC members.

 

This edition of the SADC FAP seeks to align to the changes made by WRC 15 and also reflect all other spectrum usage needs of the SADC region.

 

The allocations of the SADC FAP are largely consistent with those for South Africa and the SADC FAP is used as a reference in the preparation of the FMP.

 

For WRC 15, South Africa joined together with other SADC countries to adopt a common position on 30 agenda items related to frequency allocation and frequency sharing for the efficient use of spectrum and orbital resources.

 

Key issues with potential implications for spectrum migration as a result of WRC 15 includes the following amongst others:

 

Following the growing demand for spectrum for mobile broadband services, WRC-15 identified frequency bands in the L-band (1427-1518 MHz) and in the lower part of the C-band (3.3 -3.4 GHz).

 

WRC-15 achieved agreement on some additional portions in other bands that were also allocated to mobile broadband services in order to be used in regions where there was no interference with other services.

 

Furthermore, WRC-15 took a key decision that will provide enhanced capacity for mobile broadband in the 694 - 790 MHz frequency band in ITU Region-1 (Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia) and a globally harmonized solution for the implementation of the digital dividend. In taking this decision WRC 15 ensured the full protection is given to television broadcasting between 470 and 694 MHz, as well as to the aeronautical radionavigation systems operating in this frequency band for countries listed in RR No.5.31213.

 

New allocation for amateur radio service in the frequency band 5351.5 - 5366.5 kHz will maintain stable communications over various distances, especially for use when providing communications in disaster situations and for relief operations.

 

WRC-15 identified spectrum in the 694-894 MHz frequency band to facilitate mobile broadband communications for robust and reliable mission critical emergency services in public protection and disaster relief (PPDR), such as police, fire, ambulances and disaster response teams.

 

WRC-15 reinforced protection to Search and Rescue beacons that transmit in the 406-406.1 MHz frequency band signals to uplink to search and rescue satellites, such as the Cospas-Sarsat system. Resolution 205 was modified to ensure that frequency drift characteristics of radiosondes are taken into account when operating above 405 MHz to avoid drifting close to 406 MHz.

 

Administrations were requested to avoid making new frequency assignments for the mobile and fixed services within the adjacent frequency bands to prevent interference in the frequency band 406-406.1MHz. As of December 2013, the Cospas-Sarsat System has provided assistance in rescuing over 37,000 persons in over 10,300 incidents worldwide.

 

WRC-15 resolved on a new allocation in the 7-8 GHz frequency range needed to uplink large amounts of data for operations plans and dynamic spacecraft software modifications that will eventually lead to simplified on-board architecture and operational concepts for future missions of earth-exploration satellite services (EESS).

 

Allocations of spectrum in the 9-10 GHz frequency range leads to the development of modern broadband sensing technologies and space-borne radars on active sensing EESS. Scientific and geo-information applications will provide high quality measurements in all weather conditions with enhanced applications for disaster relief and humanitarian aid, land use and large-area coastal surveillance.

 

WRC-15 opened the way for the development by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) of worldwide standards for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and identified the regulatory conditions that may be applied to such systems internationally.

 

WRC-15 also agreed on spectrum for wireless avionics intra-communications (WAIC) to allow for the heavy and expensive wiring used in aircraft to be replaced by wireless systems.

 

Agreement was reached on the allocation of radio-frequency spectrum for global flight tracking in civil aviation for improved safety. The frequency band 1087.7-1092.3 MHz has been allocated to the aeronautical mobile-satellite service (Earth-to-space) for reception by space stations of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) emissions from aircraft transmitters. This will facilitate reporting the position of aircraft equipped with ADSB anywhere in the world, including oceanic, polar and other remote areas. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) will address the performance criteria for satellite reception of ADS-B signals according to established standards and recommended practices (SARP).

 

WRC-15 considered regulatory provisions and frequency allocations to enable new Automatic Identification System (AIS) applications and other possible new applications to improve maritime Radiocommunication. New applications for data exchange, using AIS technology, are intended to improve the safety of navigation. New allocations were made in the bands 161.9375 - 161.9625 MHz and 161.9875 -162.0125 MHz to the maritime mobile satellite service. Studies will continue on the compatibility between maritime mobile-satellite service (MMSS) in the downlink in the band 161.7875 -161.9375 MHz and incumbent services in the same and adjacent frequency bands.

 

Radio-frequency spectrum needed for the operation of short-range high-resolution automotive radar has been allocated in the 79 GHz frequency band. This will provide a globally harmonized regulatory framework for automotive radar to prevent collisions and improve vehicular safety by reducing traffic accidents. According to the United Nations (UN) data, more than 1.25 million fatalities occur each year on the roads around the world. 4.7.10 Operation of broadband satellite systems: Earth Stations in Motion WRC-15 agreed to facilitate the global deployment of Earth Stations in Motion (ESIM) in the 19.7-20.2 and 29.5-30.0 GHz frequency bands in the fixed-satellite service (FSS), paving

 

WRC-15 agreed to facilitate the global deployment of Earth Stations in Motion (ESIM) in the 19.7-20.2 and 29.5-30.0 GHz frequency bands in the fixed-satellite service (FSS), paving the way for satellite systems to provide global broadband connectivity for the transportation community. Earth stations on-board moving platforms, such as ships, trains and aircraft, will be able to communicate with high power multiple spot beam satellites, allowing transmission rates in the order of 10-50 Mbits/s.

 

WRC-15 decided that further studies regarding current and potential future reference timescales are required, including the modification of coordinated universal time (UTC) and suppressing the so-called “leap second”. A report will be considered by the World Radiocommunication Conference in 2023. Until then, UTC shall continue to be applied as described in Recommendation ITU-R TF.460-6 and as maintained by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM).

 

The National Radio Frequency Plan 2018 takes into consideration these resolutions taken by the World Radiocommunication Conference of 2015 (WRC 15). National Footnotes have been updated to make provision for transitional arrangements where migration of services and use are to be taken care off.

 

The following resolutions from the World Radiocommunication Conferences have been taken into consideration – see Table 4 (WRC Resolutions). The primary focus is on WRC15, however 4 resolutions from WRC07 have also been analysed. WRC15 is discussed in the Appendix F

 

The following explains the approach to key issues regarding the frequency migration plan:

 

Broadcasting Service

 

Mobile Service

The Frequency Migration Plan 2013 identified destination bands for some of the Alarm Assignments. The Radio Frequency Spectrum Assignment Plans have been developed in order to do with the implementation of these Radiocommunication Services.

All public safety services should be consolidated in the same radio frequency band (380 – 400 MHz) and that where possible public safety users should adopt a common standard. This would have multiple benefits including economic benefits borne out of infrastructure sharing as well as increased effectiveness due to interoperability between users using a common equipment base.

 

The Frequency Migration Plan 2013 identified the destination bands. The Radio Frequency Assignment Plans have been developed in order to implement the migration process.

 

This section focusses on the migration issues as listed in the Frequency Migration Plan 2019 and the actions taken to address the migration issues.

 

The band is primarily used by Repeaters (Private, Communal) in several applications such as mining, farming and other small businesses. SABRE 1 had proposed migration of the dual-frequency alarms into this band. The Radio Frequency Spectrum Assignment Plan was published for public consultation in Government Gazette Number 41164 (Notice 781 of 2017).

 

The band is primarily used by Repeaters (Private, Communal) in several applications such as mining, farming and other small businesses along with SF alarms. In addition, there is an assignment for remote controlled industrial apparatus (ISM Licence exempt band 141 – 142)15.

 

Final Radio Frequency Spectrum Assignment Plan was published for public consultation in Government Gazette Number 41512 (Notice 146 of 2018).

 

A feasibility study will be performed to establish the destination band for Transnet operation in this band. In the interim Transnet’s license will be amended to co-exist with the alarms and to operate until 31 March 2020.

 

The current users may continue to operate in this band in line with the rules contained in the Final Radio Frequency Spectrum Assignment Plan that was published for public consultation in Government Gazette Number 41512 (Notice 149 of 2018).

 

Although SF Mobile may continue to operate within 156.375 – 156.7625 MHz on a non-interference basis and non-protection basis to Maritime mobile services in inland areas, there are many occasions where these are situated in proximity (50 km or less to water bodies). The conditions for the use of this frequency and the band 156.4875-156.5625 MHz are contained in Articles 31 and 52 of the ITU Radio Regulations, and in Appendix 18, in line with ITU RR 5.226. Refer to:

 

 

The planned frequency assignment as per the NRFP in this band is as shown in Figure 3

 

However, at present the MTX-DF (165.55 – 167.5 MHz) and BTX-DF (172.05 – 174 MHz) are interchanged as indicated in Figure 4.

This has resulted in the situation that the BTX lies within the MTX assignment and vice-versa, leading to interference and other challenges during assignment.

It is therefore planned to:

 

The current analogue Television Services operating in this band is being migrated to DTT since February 2016 in accordance with the Terrestrial Broadcast Frequency Plan 2013. The new assignment could be carried out in line with SADC FAP proposed common sub-assignment / utilization Including the SADC guidelines on Digital Sound Broadcasting.

 

Refer to the Radio Frequency Migration Plan 2013. Government Gazette No 36334 (Notice no. 352 of 2013) and the Terrestrial Broadcasting Frequency Plan GG 36321 (Notice 298 of 2013).

 

The Radio Frequency Spectrum Assignment Plans is to be optimised to increase T-DAB multiplexes on a national and regional basis.

 

The process is under way for the use of the band for T-DAB. Refer to the Radio Frequency Migration Plan 2013, Government Gazette No 36334 (Notice no. 352 of 2013), the Terrestrial Broadcasting Frequency Plan GG 36321 (Notice 298 of 2013), and the Digital Sound broadcasting discussion document published in Government Gazette, No. 41534 (Notice No 161 of 2018). (Refer to section 4.10.6)

 

This band is currently partially being occupied by Analogue TV. Consequent to the planned migration in line with GE-06, the band can be used for the following purposes as per SADC proposed sub-allocation / utilization:

 

Spectrum in this band could be freed up for rural broadband if equipment for BFWA in this band is available in the market. The current players have shown indications that they may relinquish this spectrum due to spectrum fees imposed.

 

Planned feasibility study on the use of this band as per SADC FAP proposed sub-allocation/ utilization including BFWA and UAV’s:

 

This band will be assigned as a continuous block for Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR) as well as Public Safety with users including SAPS, SANDF, the Ambulance Service, Metro Police and Fire-Fighting Services. All other users will migrate out of this band. This assignment recognizes the importance of having a band dedicated for Public Safety and free of any other potential sources of interference. In ideal circumstances these users could make use of a common digital public trunking network which could also promote interoperability between such users in periods of emergency.

 

The Authority is of the view that private establishments who serve private health care should work alongside public institutions since they are all responsible for Public Safety operating within this band. This is to allow interoperability with other Public Safety/ Emergency Service users.

 

The planned assignment of this band would be as per SADC proposed sub-allocation utilization.

 

Radio Frequency Spectrum Assignments Plan was published for public consultation in Government Gazette Number 41164 (Notice 787 of 2017). The final Radio Frequency Spectrum Assignment Plan was subsequently published in GG No. 41512 (Notice 418 of 2018) dealing with the band 380 – 400 MHz.

 

The frequency band 410 to 430 MHz is exclusively allocated for Digital Public Trunking. A feasibility study within the frequency band 410 – 430 MHz is to be performed.

 

This band is allocated for Short Range Business Radio (440 – 440.1 MHz) while the remaining portion is allocated for PMR (both UHF repeaters and DMR). The Short-Range Business Radio has wide application in South Africa and is type approved (unlicensed). It is important to ensure that this sub-band is maintained for Short Range Business Radio purposes. There is no migration planned in the PMR446 sub-band which is license exempted.

 

It is hence resolved that:

 

This band is currently used amongst others for Trunked Mobile with several users including the Railways (Transnet, previously referred to as Transtel as well in various publications) and mines (Figure 5). The SADC FAP proposed common sub-allocation/ utilization seeks to allocate this spectrum for Mobile IMT. This is important to note that several adjacent countries (e.g. Mozambique) are moving to implement this proposal. Although the band has a large number of assignments, a recently concluded spectrum audit indicates that the spectrum usage is quite low – indicating inefficient spectrum use.

 

 

Note that the numbers in Figure 5 above refer to MHz and the total MHz available for the specific service.

 

In view of the other spectrum that has been identified for IMT, it was decided therefore:

This decision is based on the fact that Transnet was given the option of vacating this frequency band or shifting in this frequency band, if Transnet can proof the co-existence without interference with other telecommunication operators/providers within the band. Transnet has performed trials in the IMT450 in 2018.

 

 

This band has been allocated for IMT (Terrestrial) for Region 1 countries at WRC-07) and is often termed as Digital Dividend 1. Currently this band is occupied by UHF TV. Migration is currently underway.

 

It is proposed that:

 

This band currently has several users including:

It is essential to note that alarms were not part of the SABRE proposed allocations and may need to be consolidated within designated alarm bands. It is proposed to:

Refer to IMT 850 consultation in Government Gazette number 38640 (notice no. 274 of 2015), Government Gazette number 41082 (Notice 678 of 2017) and Government Gazette number 41082 (Notice no. 648 of 2017).

 

NOTE:

The migration plan as contained in Government Gazette number 36334 (Notices Number (352 and 353 of 2013) were implemented through the following notices:

 

This band was implemented through a notice in the Government Gazette;

 

This band was implemented through a notice in Government Gazette number 38640 (Notice Number 275 of 2015).

 

This band is currently allocated to low capacity PTP / DF links. Spectrum is available on a radio coordinated basis. Based upon availability of equipment as well as user demand, ICASA proposes that:

 

This band is currently allocated to T-DAB and S-DAB due to the current South African allocations of BROADCASTING and BROADCASTING-SATELLITE. Given the allocation of DAB+ in the VHF band (from 214 – 230 MHz) it is important to determine whether the frequency allocation is sufficient or additional spectrum in the L-band needs to be allocated for the purpose. Consideration of this depends upon:

Under the present and forecasted situation, it is believed that the DAB+ allocation in the VHF band is sufficient to meet the requirements of T-DAB. This would also result in lower equipment costs since any receiver would have to be designed to cover only a single band rather than two distinct bands. In addition, S-DAB may have only very limited potential within South Africa and this spectrum may be better utilized for other purposes. It is there proposed by ICASA to:

Radio Frequency Spectrum Assignment Plan to be developed in line with the study results conducted within ITU-R WP 5D and in accordance with the latest version of Recommendation 1036 in respect of L-Band.

 

The band was allocated for both SF links as well as the IMT satellite component. However, this band remains unoccupied and there are views that the IMT (satellite) will have limited usage within South Africa.

 

Due to these factors, ICASA proposes to:

 

The band has been identified for IMT (satellite); Res. 225 (WRC applies). In the band 1530 – 1544 MHz priority for maritime mobile distress, urgency and safety communication (GMDSS); Res. 222 applies. The band is currently being used by INMARSAT. The Radio Frequency Spectrum Assignment Plan to be developed.

 

The band has been identified for the satellite component of IMT; Res 225 applies. However, the use of IMT (Satellite) within South Africa is limited and it is unclear whether this application would ever become significant for broadband with the strong growth of IMT (Terrestrial).

 

It was therefore decided to:

1668 – 1668.4 MHz:

1668.4 – 1670 MHz:

1670 – 1675 MHz:

FIXED service allocations are currently not included in Government Gazette Number 41650 (Notice 266 of 2018)

 

The band was allocated for cordless DECT by SABRE proposed allocation. This is being currently in use by Telkom to provide WLL services. Depending upon the current utilization of this band, as per SADC FAP proposed common sub-allocation/ utilization, the Authority decided to:

 

The band has been identified for the satellite component of IMT; Res 225 applies. However, the use of IMT (Satellite) within South Africa is limited and it is unclear whether this application would ever become significant for broadband with the strong growth of IMT (Terrestrial). The band is also allocated for Fixed Links, but currently lies unused in the lower band and utilized by SANDF, amongst other users in the upper band; this is however under-utilized.

 

The implementation of satellite component of IMT in the frequency bands 1885 – 2025 MHz and 2110 – 2200 MHz will be addressed at WRC-19 under agenda item 9.1.1. Any further decisions regarding the use of the bands 1980 – 2010 MHz and 2170 – 2200 MHz will be taken after WRC-19.

 

The Authority has therefore decided to:

 

The band is currently allocated for fixed links – but is under-utilized. SABRE proposed use of 2075 - 2110 MHz for WLL was never implemented.

 

It is decided to:

 

Currently unused; In line with SADC proposed common sub-allocation/ utilization, ICASA proposes to:

 

The band is currently in use for several services including:

As per SADC FAP proposed common sub-allocation/ utilization, it is proposed to:

The Authority decided that;

 

Centre gap (i.e. 2570 – 2620 MHz) is included with respect to migration only and this centre gap will be subject to a separate Radio Frequency Spectrum Assignment Plan which needs to be developed.

An amendment to the Radio Frequency Spectrum Assignment Plan IMT2600 to be undertaken in order to change the channel arrangement from FDD to TDD to maximise the efficient use of spectrum.

 

 

 

This band (C-band) is currently being utilized for PTP links (terrestrial backhaul) and Satellite links including VSAT, Satellite downlink and tracking. The proposed the following allocation:

The sub-band 3600-4200 is used for FSS. The sub-band 3 600-3 800 MHz could be used for BFWA where frequency sharing with FS PTP and/or FSS is feasible. The channelling arrangement for PTP links in this band is based on ITU-R Recommendation F.635 Annexure 1. The sub-band 3 600-4 200 MHz is used for medium and high capacity PTP links and FSS. In the band 3 600-3 800 MHz, FS PTP and FSS applications will have to operate on coordinated basis.

 

As per as per SADC proposed common sub-allocation/ utilization, the band can be allocated for:

 

This band is currently being used for ISM, amateur and SRD services. As per ITU footnote 5.453 the band can also be allocated for fixed and mobile services on a primary basis. SADC FAP footnote SADC18 allocates this band for similar services in Swaziland and Tanzania. The NRFP can be updated to reflect the assignment if there is an interest within South Africa for this service in the band.

 

The upper C-band is currently being used for terrestrial backhaul and satellite (uplink, VSAT). As per the SADC FAP proposed common sub-allocation/ utilization outside broadcasting links could also be potentially migrated into this band with the proposed allocation as follows:

 

As per the SADC proposed common sub-allocation/ utilization the current band would be allocated as follows:

 

This is the defined Ku band.

 

No Migration at this stage

 

Although out-migration is not an issue above 40GHz, the following comment should be made:

 

The following table summarises the Authority’s decision regarding frequency migration as extracted from the previous section. These decisions are additional to those proposals made by SABRE and migrations stemming from the WRC and the SADC FAP.

 

Table 2 Consolidated list of New ICASA proposals for migration

 

 

Spectrum re-farming is defined as a process of changing the conditions of frequency usage in any part of the radio spectrum18. This includes:

 

This definition is directly in line with the Spectrum Re-Farming Definition in Recommendation ITU-R SM.1603, which reads as thus:

"Spectrum redeployment (spectrum refarming) is a combination of administrative, financial and technical measures aimed at removing users or equipment of the existing frequency assignments either completely or partially from a particular frequency band. The frequency band may then be allocated to the same or different service(s). These measures may be implemented in short, medium or long time-scales;"

 

For more see Appendix H to this document.

 

Frequency bands in the sub- GHz range are attractive to operators since it offers better propagation characteristics leading to better coverage at lower cost as well as indoor coverage in comparison to higher frequency bands.

 

At the same time mobile broadband subscriptions and traffic continue to grow at a rapid rate and is expected to reach over 5 billion devices by 2016, worldwide. This is mainly due to a shift towards mobile-broadband enabled smart phones over voice centric phones in the mass market coupled with a rapid declining price for the same. However, in order to provide a good quality of mobile broadband service requires better network quality. This can be achieved either through:

 

 

 

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