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

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Contents

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1. Introduction 5 1.1. Background 6 1.2. Outline of this paper 6

2. Review considerations 8 2.1. Certainty and flexibility 8 2.2. Industry requests 8 2.3. Band loading 9 2.4. Technology trends 9 2.5. Implementation issues 9

3. Spectrum trends 10 3.1. Spectrum arrangements 10 3.2. Usage and analysis of fixed services 11 3.2.1. Low-capacity, long-haul bands 12 3.2.2. High-capacity, long-haul bands 15 3.2.3. Medium-haul bands 19 3.2.4. Urban network bands 24 3.3. Summary 29

4 Proposed band amendments 31 4.1 1.8 GHz band 31 4.1.1 Channel plan 32 4.2 6 GHz band 33 4.2.1 New wider bandwidth channels 33 4.2.2 Grandfathering interleaved raster 33 4.2.3 Channel plan 33 4.3 6.7 GHz band 34 4.3.1 New wider bandwidth channels 34 4.3.2 Remove interleaved raster 34 4.3.3 Channel plan 34 4.4 8 GHz band 35 4.4.1 New wider bandwidth channels 35 4.4.2 Grandfathering main raster 35 4.4.3 Channel plan 35 4.5 10 GHz band 36 4.6 11 GHz band 37 4.6.1 New wider bandwidth channels 37 4.6.2 Grandfathering main raster 37 4.6.3 Channel plan 37 4.7 13 GHz band 38 4.8 15 GHz band 38

Contents (Continued)

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4.8.1 Channel plan 39 4.9 22 GHz band 39 4.9.1 Channel plan 40

5 New channel plan 43 5.1 Proposed channel arrangement in the 28 GHz band 43 5.2 International arrangements and equipment 44 5.2.1 ITU 44 5.2.2 FCC 44 7.1.1 EUROPE 44 7.1.2 Equipment 45 7.2 Path length 45 7.3 Antenna gain and pattern 45 7.4 Overseas licensing arrangements 46 7.4.1 Ofcom 46 7.4.2 Federal Communications Commission 46 7.4.3 European Communications Office 46 7.4.4 Licensing options in Australia 46

8 Summary 48 8.1 1.8 GHz band 50 8.2 6 GHz band 50 8.3 6.7 GHz band 50 8.4 8 GHz band 50 8.5 10 GHz band 50 8.6 11 GHz band 50 8.7 13 GHz band 50 8.8 15 GHz band 50 8.9 22 GHz band 51 8.10 28 GHz band 51

9 Invitation to comment 52 Making a submission 52

10 References 54

Appendix 1: Backhaul for mobile broadband 56

Appendix 2: Equipment availability 0

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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 20101 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 (27.5–29.5 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’.

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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.

1.1. 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 GHz2. 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.

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> 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.

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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.

2.1. 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.

2.2. 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 155–310 Mbit/s. Current arrangements only allow for a maximum data rate of 155 Mbit/s. To achieve data rates of 155–310 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.

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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 long- haul radio relay networks.

2.4. 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 1.

2.5. 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.

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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 high-capacity 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.

3.1. 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.

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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

1.5 1427–1535 Low-/medium-capacity long haul

2 Mbit/s 20 4MHz: 22

1.5 DRCS

1427–1535 Fixed radio access 0.7–2 Mbit/s - 2MHz: 44


8/17 Mbit/s 20 14MHz: 12 main, 12 interleaved


34 Mbit/s 20 29MHz: 12 main, 12 interleaved

2.2 2025–2285 Medium-capacity long haul

34 Mbit/s 20 14MHz: 12

2.5 2500–2690 TOB FM video - 28MHz: 8

3.8 3580–4200 High-capacity long haul 140/155 Mbit/s 20 40MHz: 14

6 5925–6425 Medium-/high-capacity long haul

34/155 Mbit/s 20 29.65MHz:16 main, 16 interleaved

6.7 6425–7110 High-capacity long haul 140/155 Mbit/s 20 40MHz: 16 main, 16 interleaved

7.2 7100–7425 TOB FM video - 30MHz: 9 main, 9 interleaved

7.5 7425–7725 Low-/medium-capacity medium-haul links

2–17 Mbit/s 20 14MHz: 20 overlapping 7 MHz 7MHz: 40 overlapping 14 MHz

8 7725–8275 Medium-/high-capacity long-haul links

34/155 Mbit/s 10 29.65MHz: 16 main, 16 interleaved

8.3 8275–8400 TOB FM video - 28 MHz: 4 main, 4 interleaved

10 10.55–10.68 Low-/medium-capacity medium-haul links

2-34 Mbit/s & FM video

5 14MHz: 8 overlapping 7 MHz 7MHz: 16 overlapping 14 MHz

11 10.7–11.7

High-capacity medium-haul/urban networks

155 Mbit/s 5 40MHz: 24 main, 24 interleaved

13 12.75–13.25 Medium-capacity medium-haul TOB

FM video & 34/68 Mbit/s

- 28MHz: 16 main (8 TOB), 16 interleaved (8 TOB), only three channels available for point-to-point

15 14.5–15.35 Low-/medium-capacity backhaul/urban networks

2–68 Mbit/s 5 28MHz:6, 14MHz 10, 7MHz 12

18

17.7–19.7 Low-/medium-capacity backhaul/urban networks

8–155 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: 20

22 21.2–23.6 Low-/medium-capacity backhaul/urban networks, TOB

2–34 Mbit/s, FM video

- 50MHz: 14; 28MHz: 8 overlapping 14MHz; 14MHz: 16 overlapping 28 MHz, 7MHz:16, 3.5MHz 20

38 37–39.5 Low-/medium-capacity backhaul/urban networks

2–34 Mbit/s - 7MHz: 40; 14MHz 36; 28MHz 20

49 49.2–49.95 Temporary links - - 40MHz: 10

50 50.4–51.15 Low-capacity urban networks

- - 40MHz: 10

3.2. 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

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> 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.

3.2.1. Low-capacity, long-haul bands

3.2.1.1. 1.5 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 1452–1492 MHz was allocated to Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB). In the late 1990s, the frequency range 1525–1535 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. 3.2.1.2. 1.8 GHz band

The 1.8 GHz band was created to support long-haul, low to medium-capacity point-to-point fixed links using 14 MHz bandwidth channels. In the early to mid-1990s the allocation between 1880–1900 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:

> 1710–1725/1805–1820 MHz for PCS in city and regional areas

> 1725–1785/1820–1880 MHZ for PCS in city areas only

> 1900–1920 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.

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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. 3.2.1.3. 2.1 GHz band

The 2.1 GHz band was established to accommodate a range of long-haul, medium-capacity 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 1900–1980 MHz and 2110–2170 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 2025–2110 MHz and 2200–2300 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 1980–2010 MHz and 2170–2200 MHz. In 2004, parts of the 2.1 GHz band the fixed point-to-point service were designated as a secondary service by the 1900–1920 MHz and 2010–2025 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 (1980–2110 MHz and 2170-2300 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 2010–2110 MHz and 2200–2300 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):

> 1980–2010 MHz Australia-wide

> 2010–2110 MHz

> 2170–2200 MHz Australia-wide

> 2200–2300 MHz.

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> Embargo 26 (12):

> 1900–1980 MHz

> 2170–2200 MHz.

> Embargo 49 (12):

> 2025–2100 MHz

> 2100–2130 MHz

> 2200–2280 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 services4 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. 3.2.1.4. 2.2 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 2001. 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 1980–2110 MHz and 2170–2300 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 (1980–2110 MHz and 2170–2300 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 1980-2110 MHz and 2170-230 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.

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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. 3.2.1.5. 3.8 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 2000. 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 3575–3710 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 3400–3600 MHz, 3600-4200 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.

3.2.2. High-capacity, long-haul bands

3.2.2.1. 6 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 2012. 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. 3.2.2.2. 6.7 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 2012.

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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. 3.2.2.3. 7.5 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 2012. 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. 3.2.2.4. 8 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 2011. 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.

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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). 3.2.2.5. 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

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.

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

6 GHz 6.7 GHz 7.5 GHz 8 GHz

Nu

mb

er

of

ass

ign

me

nts

Frequency band

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

18 | acma

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

acma | 19

Figure 4 Number of assignments per site—8 GHz vs 7.5 GHz links

3.2.2.6. Proposal

Considering the utilisation of these bands, possible options to support growth of high-capacity 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 4.4.

3.2.3. Medium-haul bands

3.2.3.1. 10 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 2012. Assignment analysis indicates that this band is utilised primarily in low- and high-density 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).

20 | acma

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 low-density 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. 3.2.3.2. 11 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 2012. Assignment analysis indicates that this band is utilised primarily in low- and high-density 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), low-density (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. 3.2.3.3. 13 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 2012. Assignment analysis indicates that this band is utilised primarily in low- and high-density 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.

acma | 21

3.2.3.4. 15 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 2012. Assignment analysis has indicated that this band is utilised primarily in low- and high-density 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). 3.2.3.5. 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.

22 | acma

Figure 5 Assignment trend comparison for 10, 11, 13 and 15 GHz bands

The 10 GHz band (10.55–10.68 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 co-primary 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

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000

4500

5000

10 GHz 11 GHz 13 GHz 15 GHz

Nu

mb

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of

ass

ign

men

ts

Frequency band

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

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

24 | acma

Figure 7 Number of assignments per site for 11 GHz vs. 15 GHz bands

3.2.3.6. 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 4.5.

3.2.4. Urban network bands

3.2.4.1. 18 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 2012

acma | 25

was 6,937.This represents an increase of 1,096 assignments, or approximately 19 per cent, between January 2008 and January 2012. 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 low-density 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). 3.2.4.2. 22 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 2012. 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. 3.2.4.3. 38 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 2012. The assignment analysis has indicated that this band is utilised primarily in high-density 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

26 | acma

assignments (-51 per cent) and the increase, in larger bandwidth services in the 14 MHz and 28 MHz bandwidths over this period, by 142 assignments (49 per cent) and 48 assignments (five per cent) respectively. However, the majority of all services use either 7 MHz or 28 MHz bandwidths. It should also be noted that there has been an increase in this band’s utility since January 2011. The total number of assignments has increase by 208 assignments (10 per cent) and overall spectrum usage has increased by 4.2 GHz (12 per cent). 3.2.4.4. Comparison between bands

The number of fixed point-to-point link assignments in the 18 GHz (55, 27.5, 13.75 and 7.5 MHz channels), 22 GHz (50, 28, 14, 7 and 3.5 MHz channels) and 38 GHz (28, 14 and 7 MHz channels) bands is shown in Figure 8.

Figure 8 Assignment trend comparison for the 18, 22 and 38 GHz bands

The 18 and 22 GHz have similar channel arrangements and consequently a similar number of assignments. The 38 GHz band has fewer assignments than the 18 and 22 GHz bands due to the higher propagation loss (shorter links). The number of assignments in the 18 GHz and 22 GHz bands has remained relatively level over the last five years. The 18 GHz band (with ten 27.5 MHz channels) has been used for both medium-haul and urban networks, while the 22 GHz band (supporting multiple channel bandwidths: 50, 28, 14, 7 and 3.5 MHz channels) is only used for urban networks, as shown in Figure 9. Although the 55, 27.5 and 13.75 MHz channels are available in the 18 GHz band, the full utilisation is partially constrained due to their mutual overlapping. Likewise, access to the 50 MHz channels in the 22 GHz band is constrained by the ITU-R Radio Regulation Resolution 525 (Rev.WRC-07) (16) and 551 (Rev.WRC-07) (17). The 22 and 38 GHz links are mostly concentrated in the metropolitan/city areas as shown in Figure 10. This is consistent with the main purpose of the 38 GHz band; however, the technical capability of the 22 GHz suggests that it can support medium-haul networks if the appropriate channel arrangement is available. The 38 GHz band is designated for urban (short-haul) networks, with a significant number of 28 MHz channels still available.

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

8000

18 GHz 22 GHz 38 GHz

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2009

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2011

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acma | 27

Figure 9 Number of assignments per site—18 GHz vs 22 GHz links

28 | acma

Figure 10 Number of assignments per site—38 GHz vs 22 GHz links

3.2.4.5. Proposals

Considering the utilisation of these bands, possible options to support growth of high-capacity links are:

> The introduction of additional 28 MHz channels in the 22 GHz band. This requires consideration of the impact on existing services—see section 4.9.

> Reappropriation of the 3.5 MHz channels band with one 28 MHz channel in the 22 GHz. This requires consideration of the impact on existing services—see section 4.9.

> Reappropriation of the 50 MHz channels band with 28 and 56 MHz channels in the 22 GHz. This requires consideration of the impact on existing services—see section 4.9.

> Introduction of a new channel plan in the 27.5–29.5 GHz band with 28, 56 and 112 MHz channels, which is considered in section 5.

acma | 29

3.3. Summary The findings of the assignment statistics and geographical band-loading analysis and the proposed variations are listed in Table 2.

Table 2 Current channel arrangements, loading level and proposed changes to RALI FX 3 bands

Frequency band

(band limits)

Width

[MHz]

Number

of

channels

Current

typical

capacity

[Mbit/s]

Band-loading level Proposal

1.5 (1427–1535 MHz)

4 22 2 Not considered No changes.

1.8 (1700–1900 MHz)

14 24 8/17 Not considered Introducing 7 MHz channel arrangements.

2.1 (1900–2300 MHz)

29 24 34 Not considered No changes.

2.2 (2025–2285 MHz)

14 12 34 Not considered. No changes

3.8 (3580–4200 MHz)

40 14 140/155 Not considered. No changes.

6 GHz (5925–6425 MHz)

29.65

16

34–155

Significant occupancy along existing trunk routes; large opportunity outside of major trunk routes.

New wider bandwidth channels. Grandfathering the unused raster.

6.7 GHz (6425–7110 MHz)

40 16

140/155

Partial occupancy along existing trunk routes; large opportunity outside of major trunk routes.


7.5 GHz (7425–7725 MHz)

14 20 2–17 Opportunity on the major trunk routes.

No changes.

7 10 8 GHz (7725–8275 MHz)

29.65 16

34/155

Partial occupancy along existing trunk routes; large opportunity outside of major trunk routes.


10 GHz (10.55–10.68 GHz)

7 8 2–34 Introducing sharing criteria with EESS (passive).

14 4

11 GHz (10.7–11.7 GHz)

40 24 155

Medium occupancy along existing trunk routes; large opportunity outside of major routes.


13 GHz (12.75–13.25 GHz)

28 3 (+4 for TOB)

34/68

Medium occupancy along existing trunk routes; large opportunity outside of major routes.

Increasing the number of 28 MHz channels.

15 GHz (14.5–15.35 GHz)

28 3 2–68

Significant opportunity on the major trunk routes.

Increasing the number of 28 MHz channels. 14 5

7 6 18 GHz (17.7–19.7 GHz)

7.5 10

2–155 Medium occupancy along existing trunk routes; large opportunity outside of major routes.

No changes.

13.75 20 27.5 10 55 5

22 GHz (21.2–23.6GHz) 50

4 (+3 for TOB)

2–34

Significant opportunity on the major trunk routes.

Introducing 56 MHz channels. Increasing the number of 28 MHz channels. 28 4

30 | acma

14 8 Reappropriation of 3.5 and 50 MHz channels. 7 8

3.5 10 28 GHz (27.5–29.5 GHz)

Introducing 28, 56 and 112 MHz channel plans.

38 GHz (37–39.5 GHz)

7 20 2–34

No changes. 14 18 28 10

acma | 31

4 Proposed band amendments The following is a summary of the proposals provided in section 3:

> Modifying the existing 1.8 GHz channel arrangements to improve spectrum utilisation and efficiency with a new 7 MHz channel raster. This raster is for existing licensed services only and the embargo on new assignments will be maintained.

> Modifying existing channel plans to provide wider bandwidth channels in the following bands:

> 6 GHz

> 6.7 GHz

> 8 GHz

> 10 GHz

> 11 GHz

> 13 GHz

> 15 GHz

> 22 GHz.

> Improving the operational efficiency by grandfathering lightly used rasters or removing unused rasters in the following bands:

> 6 GHz

> 6.7 GHz

> 8 GHz

> 11 GHz.

> Introduction of sharing criteria with EESS to align with ITU requirements in the 10 GHz band.

> Introduction of new channel plan in the 28 GHz band (27.5–29.5 GHz).

This section discusses the proposed amendments in the channel arrangements for the microwave bands above 1 GHz bands. The most recent international arrangements (including ITU-R, FCC, ETSI, and ECC) for the microwave bands are examined and incorporated to the extent possible in the proposed amendments.

4.1 1.8 GHz band In order to improve spectrum utilisation and efficiency the introduction of an additional 7 MHz channel raster is proposed. As of June 2013 more than half of the fixed point-to-point links in the band use a bandwidth of 7 MHz or less. The introduction of a 7 MHz channel raster will support increased 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.

32 | acma

4.1.1 Channel plan

The proposed new raster consists of 13 × 7 MHz paired channels using the same duplex split, 119 MHz, as the existing main and interleaved rasters. Details of the proposed 7 MHz channel raster are shown in Figure 11 along with the existing main and interleaved rasters.

Figure 11 Proposed channel arrangements for the 1.8 GHz band

1710 1725 1785 1805 1820 1880

14 MHz119 MHz

1700 1900fo

1808

INTERLEAVED

1 2 6543 1' 2' 6'5'4'3'

14 MHz119 MHz

MAIN

1700 1900fo

1808

1 2 6543 1' 2' 6'5'4'3'

7 MHz 119 MHz

7 MHz CHANNELS

19001700fo

1808

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1' 2' 3' 4' 5' 6' 7' 8' 9' 10' 11' 12' 13'

PCS Spectrum licensed bands in major city areas and regional areas

PCS Spectrum licensed bands in major city areas only

Cordless Band.No additional point-to-point fixed services Australia-wide

3G Spectrum licensed bands in Capital City areas only

acma | 33

4.2 6 GHz band In order to further improve its spectrum utilisation and efficiency, the following measures have been proposed:

> introducing wider bandwidth channels

> grandfathering of the interleaved raster.

4.2.1 New wider bandwidth channels

In the 6 GHz band, it will be possible to create channels of 59.3 MHz bandwidth, with the centre frequency lying at the central point between the two existing channels. The wider bandwidth channels should provide opportunities for equipment utilising spectrum-efficient modulation schemes with data rates of 310 Mbit/s and greater. This arrangement is supported by the Recommendation ITU-R F.383-8 (18).

4.2.2 Grandfathering interleaved raster

Currently, links are assigned on the main raster, wherever possible, with only six assignments residing in interleaved channels. Grandfathering the interleaved raster will exempt it from future assignments and will allow for more efficient spectrum management.

4.2.3 Channel plan

The proposed new channel plan consists of:

> 8 x 29.65 MHz paired channels (existing main raster)

> 4 x 59.3 MHz paired channels (new raster).

The details of the proposed channel arrangements are shown in Figure 12

34 | acma

Figure 12 Proposed channel arrangement for the 6 GHz band

4.3 6.7 GHz band In order to further improve its spectrum utilisation and efficiency, the following measures have been proposed:


> removing of the interleaved raster.


In the 6.7 GHz band, it will be possible to create channels of 80 MHz width, with the centre frequency lying at the central point between the two existing adjacent 40 MHz channels. This arrangement is supported by the Recommendation ITU-R F.384-10 (19).

4.3.2 Remove interleaved raster

Assignment priority is currently given to the main raster and there are no assignments on interleaved channels. As such, there is no reason to maintain the interleaved raster. The removal of this raster will allow for more efficient spectrum management.

4.3.3 Channel plan


> 8 x 40 MHz paired channels (existing main raster)

> 4 x 80 MHz paired channels (new raster).

The details of the proposed channel arrangements are shown in Figure 13.

acma | 35

Figure 13 Proposed channel arrangement for the 6.7 GHz band



> grandfathering of the main raster.


In the 8 GHz band, it will be possible to create channels of 59.3 MHz bandwidth, with the centre frequency lying at the central point between the two existing channels. The wider bandwidth channels should provide opportunities for equipment utilising more spectrum-efficient modulation schemes with high data rates. This arrangement is supported by the Recommendation ITU-R F.386-8 (20).

4.4.2 Grandfathering main raster

As illustrated from the channel loading, the practice has been to assign to interleaved channels, where possible. However, as noted in SPP 04/2003 (21), this is not explicitly stated in RALI FX 3. By introducing grandfathering, the main raster will be exempt from further use, and new assignments cannot be inadvertently made on this (main) raster. This will allow for more efficient spectrum management.

4.4.3 Channel plan


> 8 x 29.65 MHz paired channels (existing interleaved raster)

> 4 x 59.3 MHz paired channels (new raster).

1

6460

2

6500

3

6540

4

6580

5

6620

6

6660

7

6700

8

6740

1'

6800

2'

6840

3'

6880

4'

6920

5'

6960

6'

7000

7'

7040

8'

7080

7110

340 MHz40 MHz

6770

fo

6425

7110

340 MHz80 MHz

6770

fo

6425

1

6480

2

6560

3

6640

4

6720

1'

6820

2'

6900

3'

6980

4'

7060

36 | acma



4.5 10 GHz band This proposal introduces sharing criteria in the band 10.6–10.68 GHz between active services (fixed) and passive services (EESS and SRS) in order to internationally harmonise this band based on the ITU-R Radio Regulation Resolution 751 (WRC-07) (15). Sharing criteria defines the operational parameters for the EESS and fixed services in order to reduce the interference to EESS from fixed service, while allowing continuing operation of fixed links in the 10.6–10.68 GHz band. The parameters for EESS and fixed point-to-point links are provided in Table 3 and Table 4 respectively.

Table 3 Earth exploration-satellite service (passive) parameters

Parameter Value Incidence angle (defined as the angle at the Earth’s surface between the local vertical and the direction of the passive sensor)

60°

Spatial resolution (defined as the maximum cross-section of the passive sensor -3 dB contour on the Earth’s surface)

50 km

Main-beam efficiency (defined as the energy of main and cross-polarisation components within 2.5 times the -3 dB beamwidth region, relative to the total energy within all angles)

85 %

acma | 37

Table 4 Fixed link station parameters

Parameter ValueMaximum elevation angle 20° Maximum transmitter power at the antenna port -15 dBW



> grandfathering of the interleaved raster.


In the 11 GHz band, it will be possible to create channels of 80 MHz bandwidth, with the centre frequency lying at the central point between the two existing channels. The wider bandwidth channels should provide opportunities for equipment utilising more spectrum-efficient modulation schemes with data rates of 310 Mbit/s and greater. This arrangement is supported by the Recommendation ITU-R F.387-11 (22).

4.6.2 Grandfathering main raster

Currently, links are assigned on the main raster, wherever possible, with only 23 assignments residing in interleaved channels. Grandfathering the interleaved raster will exempt it from future assignments and will allow for more efficient spectrum management.

4.6.3 Channel plan


> 12 x 40 MHz paired channels (existing main raster)

> 6 x 80 MHz paired channels (new raster).


38 | acma


4.7 13 GHz band In order to further improve its spectrum utilisation and efficiency, the following measure has been proposed:

> Allocate the 2/2’ pair for fixed link services.

As a consequence of a previous review, no new assignments have been allowed on channels 2/2’ (main and interleaved) while the future use of these channels were under consideration. The increased growth on other channels in this band indicates that there is a requirement from industry to use this band. Furthermore, this band is well-suited to be used for trunk routes due to the availability of three channels in metropolitan/city areas and four channels in all other areas.

4.8 15 GHz band Industry members have requested access to a greater number of large bandwidth channels for backhaul services. As shown in sections 3.2.3 and 3.2.4; the 11 GHz and 18 GHz bands are limited in the number of additional assignments they can accommodate in the future as they are already heavily loaded. The analysis of the 15 GHz band in section 3.2.3 indicated that the band is moderately loaded and can accommodate new assignments. Further analysis demonstrated a distinct trend over the last five years towards a decrease in use of 7 and 14 MHz channels and increase in use of 28 MHz channels as the preferred channel bandwidth. However, there is still a significant number of 7 MHz and 14 MHz channel assignments that cannot be relocated. As such, any amendments to the existing channel plan will have to ensure the existing services are not affected. With the above considerations, the following has been proposed:

> introducing four new 28 MHz channels to augment the existing 28 MHz channel raster. This will increase the number of 28 MHz channels from three to seven

acma | 39

> defining the assignment priority for the 28 MHz channel raster from the highest channel downward

> keeping the 7 MHz and 14 MHz channel plans unchanged.

4.8.1 Channel plan


> 6 x 7 MHz paired channels (existing raster)

> 5 x 14 MHz paired channels (existing raster)

> 7 x 28 MHz paired channels (four new paired channels).



4.9 22 GHz band Industry members have requested access to a greater number of wider bandwidth channels for backhaul services. As shown in section 3.2.4; the 18 GHz and 38 GHz bands are limited in the number of additional assignments they can accommodate in the future, as they are already heavily loaded. The analysis of the 22 GHz band in section 3.2.4 indicated that the band is moderately loaded and can accommodate new assignments. The 22 GHz band has five different channel arrangements. Both the 3.5 MHz and 50 MHz channels have very limited use, with only 30 and 130 assignments respectively. The 7 MHz channel assignments have declined steadily, but still have a significant

40 | acma

number of assignments. The 14 MHz and 28 MHz have a moderate number of assignments and usage indicates that the current arrangements are adequate. It should be noted that the majority of vendors provide equipment with multiple of 7 MHz (7, 14, 28, 56 and 112 MHz) channel width rather than 50 MHz (refer to Appendix 2). The following measures have been proposed:

> the number of the 28 MHz channels should be increased from eight (four paired) to a total of 24 (12 paired)

> reappropriation of the 3.5 MHz channel plan

> reappropriation of four 50 MHz channels with the 56 MHz channel plan, due to the worldwide availability of equipment for the 56 MHz channels, and harmonisation with international arrangements

> the arrangement for the TOB applications (the first three 50MHz channels) should be kept unchanged.

4.9.1 Channel plan


> 8 x 7 MHz paired channels


> 12 x 28 MHz paired channels (seven new paired channels)

> 3 x 50 MHz paired channels for TOB applications (existing raster reduced from seven)

> 7 x 56 MHz paired channels for fixed services (new raster).

The details of the proposed channel arrangements are shown in Figure 17 and Figure 18.

acma | 41

Figure 17 Proposed channel arrangement for the 22 GHz band—the lower part of band (22.1–22.4 GHz)

42 | acma

Figure 18 Proposed channel arrangement for the 22 GHz band—the upper part of band (22.4–23.6 GHz)

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5 New channel plan In this section, the introduction of the new channel plan—the 28 GHz (27.5–29.5 GHz) band—is considered in order to accommodate the requests for the wider channel bandwidths supporting data rates between 155–310 Mbit/s, which may not be able to be satisfied in existing bands.

5.1 Proposed channel arrangement in the 28 GHz band To accommodate high -apacity links, the channel arrangements need to accommodate wider channel bandwidths. The proposed channel bandwidths are as follows:

> 12 pairs of 28 MHz channels

> six pairs of 56 MHz channels

> three pairs of 112 MHz channels.

The proposed channel arrangement, based on the Recommendation ITU-R F.748-4 (23), is shown in Figure 19.


44 | acma

5.2 International arrangements and equipment The 28 GHz band is allocated for the fixed services in the USA, UK and several CEPT members. This band is regulated by the following rules and recommendations.

5.2.1 ITU

Recommendation ITU-R F.748-4 (05/2001) Rec. ITU-R F.748-4 (23) provides arrangements for systems in the fixed service with channel separations ranging from 2.5 to 112 MHz in the bands 24.5–26.5 GHz, 27.5–29.5 GHz and 25.27–26.98 GHz. Annex 2 of this recommendation presents the following channel arrangements that are relevant to this proposal:

> frequency range of 27.5485–28.4445 GHz paired with 28.5565–29.4525 GHz

> 3.5 MHz, 7 MHz, 14 MHz, 28 MHz, 56 MHz and 112 MHz channelling options.

5.2.2 FCC

Under the Part 101 (24), the 24.250–25.250 GHz band is allocated for the common carrier fixed point-to-point services. The 27.5–28.350 GHz and 29.1–29.250 GHz are allocated for the Local Multipoint Distribution Service (LMDS). The 29.1–29.250 GHz band is allocated for fixed-satellite services as well. The maximum authorised bandwidth in the 24.250–25.250 GHz band is 40 MHz, while the 27.5–28.350 GHz and 29.1–29.250 GHz bands have allocations with 850 MHz and 150 MHz maximum authorised bandwidths respectively. The details are summarised in Table 5.

Table 5 The 26 GHz, 28 GHz and 29 GHz band arrangement

Frequency band (GHz) 6 Radio service 7 Maximum authorised bandwidth (MHz)

24.250–25.250 Common carrier 40 27.5–28.350 LMDS 85029.1–29.250 LMDS, SAT 150

7.1.1 EUROPE

Recommendation T/R 13-02 (05/2010) ECC Recommendation T/R 13-02 (25) specifies preferred channel arrangements for fixed service systems in the frequency range 22–29.5 GHz. The channel arrangements are listed in Table 6.

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Table 6 The channel arrangements in the 22–29.9 GHz band

Frequency band (GHz) Authorised channel bandwidths (MHz)

22.0–26.0 and 23.0–23.6 3.5, 7, 14, 28, 56, 112 22.59075–22.75875 and 22.84275–23.01075

3.5, 7, 14, 28

24.5–26.5 3.5, 7, 14, 28, 56, 112 27.5–29.5 3.5, 7, 14, 28, 56, 112

The preferred channel arrangements for fixed service systems in the frequency range 27.5–29.5 GHz is specified Annex C of ECC Recommendation T/R 13-02. These align with the channel arrangements in the frequency range 27.5–29.5 GHz in Annex 2 to Recommendation ITU-R F.748-4. The 28 MHz channelling arrangement of ERC Recommendation T/R 13-02 was used for the channel arrangements defined in ECC Decision (05)01. ECC recommendation (11)01 (01/2011) ECC Recommendation (11)01 (26) specifies frequency arrangements for operation of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) systems in parts of the bands 24.5–26.5 GHz, 27.5–29.5 GHz and 31.8–33.4 GHz.

7.1.2 Equipment

Equipment supporting 28 MHz, 56 and 112 MHz channels in the 28 GHz band is available from a number of suppliers (see Appendix 2).

7.2 Path length The minimum path lengths for fixed links are not defined for frequency above 17.700 GHz by FCC (Part 101.143) (24). Ofcom defined the minimum path length for fixed links based on the provided minimum bit rate. For the 26 GHz band, minimum path length is three kilometres for bit rates up to 51 Mbit/s, and two kilometres for 140/155 and 310 Mbit/s bit rate. The ACMA defines the minimum path length for 18 GHz band as one kilometre for systems with bandwidths greater than 27 MHz and for systems operating in high-rainfall areas, and two kilometres for all other cases. For the 22 GHz band and above, the minimum path length is not defined. For the 28GHz band, the minimum path length will not be defined.

7.3 Antenna gain and pattern For fixed point-to-point links operating in the 28 GHz band, typical antenna gain is 41 dBi with 0.6 metre dish diameter. The antennas with 47 dBi (1.2 metre) or even 50 dBi (1.8 metre) antennas are also deployed in 23 or 26 GHz networks. The antenna patterns are described in the following recommendations:

> ITU-R F.699 (27)

> ETSI 300 833 (28).

The minimum antenna performance requirements in Table 7 are proposed to be reflected in Appendix 11 to RALI FX 3.

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Table 7 Minimum antenna performance requirements for the 28 GHz band

Band

GHz

XPD (min)

dB

Grade CF/B > x

dB

Grade BF/B > x

dB

Grade AF/B > x

dB

28 30 45 55 65

The values for cross-polar discrimination and Grade C front-to-back ratio also closely align with the respective values for class 2 antennas in the range 24–30 GHz in ETSI EN 300 833 v1.4.1.

7.4 Overseas licensing arrangements 7.4.1 Ofcom

Ofcom has defined three different types of radiocommunication licence. These are:

> pre-packaged

> customised

> spectrum.

The 28 GHz band is allocated to the broadband fixed wireless access radio systems under the spectrum licence arrangement.

7.4.2 Federal Communications Commission

The 27.500–28.350 GHz, 29.100–29.250 GHz and 31.075–31.225 GHz bands are available for assignments to the local multipoint distribution services under the Part 101 of Rules and Regulations (24). The 27.500–28.350 GHz band is authorised on a primary protected basis and is shared with fixed satellite service (FSS) systems. The 29.100–29.250 GHz band is shared on a co-primary basis with feeder links for non-geostationary orbit mobile satellite service (NGSO/MSS) systems in the band and is limited to LMDS hub-to-subscriber transmissions. The 31.075–31.225 GHz band is authorised on a primary protected basis and is shared with licensed private microwave point-to-point systems.

7.4.3 European Communications Office

The Recommendation T/R 13-02 (25) provides the preferred channel arrangements for fixed-service systems in the frequency range 22.0–29.5 GHz. The recommendation has been fully implemented in 31 European countries and partially implemented in one European country.

7.4.4 Licensing options in Australia

The Radiocommunications Act 1992 (29) requires that the operation of all radiocommunications devices must be authorised under one of three licence types: apparatus, class or spectrum licences. 7.4.4.1 Apparatus licensing

The band 27.5–28.35 GHz was previously allocated for spectrum licensing, with spectrum licences expiring on 31 January 2014. The expiry of these licences provided the ACMA with an opportunity to review arrangements in the band. In January 2013, the ACMA released the consultation paper Review of licensing arrangements in the 28/31 GHz bands (30). The paper explained that the ACMA had formed the

acma | 47

preliminary view that introducing apparatus licensing to the bands on an Australia-wide basis would enable the bands to move to their highest value use when current spectrum licences expire. Apparatus licensing would also provide flexibility to meet the changing usage in use for the bands in the future as new technologies emerge. The ACMA invited submissions from interested parties on appropriate future arrangements in the bands. Ten submissions were received. The majority of respondents agreed with the ACMA’s proposal to change the licensing arrangements from spectrum to apparatus licences. Following consideration of those submissions, the ACMA remained of the view that the band 27.5–28.35 GHz should no longer be allocated via the issue of spectrum licences. The then Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy accepted the ACMA’s recommendation to introduce apparatus licensing in the 28 GHz band. As a result, on 26 June 2013, the Radiocommunications (Spectrum Designation) Notice No. 1 of 1998 Instrument of Revocation No. 1 of 2013 (31) was made. This revocation instrument has the effect of removing current restrictions on issuing apparatus licences in the 28 GHz band when current spectrum licences expire. Consequently, the operation of fixed point-to-point services in the 28 GHz band will be authorised under apparatus licences.

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8 Summary The current and proposed bands with the planned amendments are listed in Table 8.

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Table 8 Proposed changes for the band in the RALI FX 3

Frequency band (band limits)

Channels Options

Width [MHz]

Total in current plan

Total in proposed plan

Channel plan changes

Grandfathering Other

1.5 (1427–1535 MHz)

4 44 NOC

1.8 (1700–1900 MHz)

14 24 NOC

7 - 26

2.1 (1900–2300 MHz)

29 24 NOC

2.2 (2025–2285 MHz)

14 12 NOC

3.8 (3580–4200 MHz)

40 14 NOC

6 GHz (5925–6425 MHz)

29.65 32 16

59.3 - 8

6.7 GHz (6425–7110 MHz)

40 32 16

80 - 8

7.5 GHz (7425 – 7725MHz)

7 20 NOC

14 40

8 GHz (8275–8400 MHz)

29.65 32 16

59.3 - 8

10 GHz (10.55–10.68 GHz)

7 17 NOC

14 8

11 GHz (10.7–11.7 GHz)

40 48 24

80 - 12

13 GHz (12.75–13.25 GHz)

28 12 (+20 for TOB)

16 (+16 for TOB)

15 GHz (14.5–15.35 GHz)

7 12 12

14 10 10

28 6 14

18 GHz (17.7–19.7 GHz)

7.5 20

NOC 13.75 40

27.5 20

55 10

22 GHz (21.2–23.6 GHz)

3.5 20 0

7 16 16

14 16 16

28 8 22

50 14 6

56 - 10

28 GHz (27.5–26.5 GHz)

28 - 16

56 - 8

112 - 4

38 GHz (37–39.5 GHz)

7 40

NOCNOC 14 36

28 20

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8.1 1.8 GHz band In the 1.8 GHz band an additional 7 MHz channel raster is proposed. This is to better reflect the bandwidth of many existing licences in the band and support increased spectrum utility in the band by other services such as mobile broadband.

8.2 6 GHz band In the 6 GHz band, new 59.3 MHz channels are proposed. The proposal is based on the Recommendation ITU-R F.385-9 (32). Grandfathering of the lightly used (interleaved) raster is proposed. This will generally improve international harmonisation of this band.

8.3 6.7 GHz band In the 6.7 GHz band, new 80 MHz channels are proposed. The proposal is based on the Recommendation ITU-R F.384-10 (19). Removing of the unused (interleaved) raster is proposed. This will generally improve utilisation of this band.

8.4 8 GHz band In the 8 GHz band, new 59.3 MHz channels are proposed. The proposal is based on the Recommendation ITU-R F.386-8 (20). Grandfathering of the lightly used (main) raster is proposed. This will generally improve utilisation of this band.

8.5 10 GHz band In the 10 GHz band, it is proposed to introduce sharing criteria with other services. Internationally, part of the 10 GHz band is allocated to the passive EESS and passive SRS services. This arrangement is based on the ITU Radio Regulation Resolution 751 (WRC-07) (15).

8.6 11 GHz band In the 11 GHz band, new 80 MHz channels are proposed. The proposal is based on the Recommendation ITU-R F.387-11 (22). Removal of the unused (interleaved) raster is proposed. This will generally improve utilisation of this band.

8.7 13 GHz band In the 13 GHz band, the deletion of the restriction constraining the use of the 2/2’ channel pair is proposed. Under current arrangement the 2/2’ channel pair cannot be used either by broadcasting or fixed services. The restriction was put in place twenty years ago, and it is still under pending review.

8.8 15 GHz band In the 15 GHz band, the introduction of eight (four paired) new 28 MHz channels is proposed. This will provide more opportunity for overall band loading growth and respond to the industry requests for spectrum accommodating more backhaul applications.

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8.9 22 GHz band A range of measures have been proposed in the 22 GHz band in order to improve spectrum utilisation. A new channel arrangement with the 56 MHz channels is proposed to be introduced instead of the current 50 MHz channels. The 56 MHz channel arrangement will more properly accommodate worldwide available equipment. Additionally, it is proposed to introduce 16 (eight paired) 28 MHz channels and to remove the 3.5 MHz channel arrangement.

8.10 28 GHz band It is proposed to introduce this new channel plan in order to respond to the growing industry requests for the wider broadband applications over the microwave fixed point-to-point links. The proposed channel arrangements provide 28 MHz, 56 MHz and 112 MHz channels. This proposal is based on the ITU-R F.748-7 Recommendation (23).

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9 Invitation to comment Making a submission The ACMA invites comments on the issues set out in this discussion paper. Submissions should be made:

By email: [email protected]

By mail: The Manager Spectrum Engineering Section Spectrum Planning and Engineering Branch Australian Communications and Media Authority PO Box 78 Belconnen ACT 2616

The closing date for submissions is Friday, 29 August 2014. 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 submissions In general, the ACMA publishes all submissions it receives. 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 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 law Any submissions provided to the ACMA may be released under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (unless an exemption applies) or shared with other Commonwealth Government agencies 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. Privacy The 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 that apply to organisations and Australian Government agencies from 12 March 2014. 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.

acma | 53

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 which 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 through 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.

54 | acma

10 References 1. Australian Communications and Media Authority. Microwave Fixed Services Frequency Coordination. RALI FX 3. 2. Australian Communication and Media Authority. Microwave fixed point-to-point services assignment statistics 1 January 2008 to 1 January 2012. 2014. SPP 2014/04. 3. Australian Communications and Media Authority. Changes to Channel Arrangements for Fixed Point-to-Point Links in the Lower Microwave Bands. 2010. SPP 05/2010. 4. Commonwealth of Australia. Radiocommunications (Spectrum Re-allocation) Declaration No.3 of 1997. 1997.

5. —. Radiocommunications (Spectrum Re-allocation) Declaration No.4 of 1997. 1997. 6. —. Radiocommunications (Spectrum Re-allocation) Declaration No.2 of 1999. 1999. 7. Australian communications and Media Authority. A Shared Strategy for 1800 MHz – Invitation to a Discussion. 2012. IFC41-2012. 8. Commonwealth of Australia. Radiocommunications (Spectrum Re-allocation) Declaration No.2 of 2000. 2000. 9. Australian Communications Authority. Mobile-Satellite Service (2 GHz) Frequency Band Plan 2002. 2002.

10. —. 1900 - 1920 and 2010-2025 MHz Bands Frequency Band Plan 2004. 2004. 11. Australian Communications and Media Authority. TelevisionOutside Broadcast Service (1980–2110 MHz and 2170–2300 MHz) Frequency Band Plan 2012. 2012. 12. —. Spectrum Embargoes. 2007. RALI MS 03. 13. Australian Communications Authority. 2.1 GHz Band Frequency Band Plan 2002. 2002. 14. Australian Communications and Media Authority. Review of the 2.5 GHz band and long-term arrangements for ENG. 2010. 15. ITU Radio Regulation Resolution 751 (WRC-07). Use of the frequency band 10.6-10.68 GHz . 2007. ITU RR Res 751. 16. ITU Radio Regulation Resolution 525(Rev.WRC-07). Introduction of high-definition television systems of the broadcasting-satellite service in the band 21.4-22.0 GHz in Regions 1 and 3. 2007. ITU RR Res 525(Rev.WRC-07). 17. ITU Radio Regulation Resolution 551 (WRC-07). Use of the band 21.4-22 GHz for broadcasting satellite service and associated feeder-link bands in Regions 1 and 3 . 2007. ITU RR Res 551. 18. ITU-R Recommendation F.383-8. Radio-frequency channel arrangements for high capacity radio-relay systems operating in the lower 6 GHz band. s.l. : ITU-R, 1959. F.383-8. 19. ITU-R Recommendation F.384-10. Radio-frequency channel arrangements for medium and high capacity digital fixed wireless systems operating in the upper 6 GHz band. s.l. : ITU-R, 1963. F.384-10.

20. ITU-R Recommendation F.386-8. Radio-Frequency Channel Arrangements for Medium and High Capacity Analogue or Digital Radio-Relay Systems Operating in The 8 Ghz Band. s.l. : ITU-R, 1963. F.386-8. 21. Australian Communications Authority. Utilisation of the Microwave Fixed Services Bands. 2003. SP 04/03. 22. ITU-R Recommendation F.387-11. Radio-Frequency Channel Arrangements for Radio-Relay Systems Operating in The 11 Ghz Band. s.l. : ITU-R, 1963. F.387-11. 23. ITU-R Recommmendation F.748-4. Radio-frequency arrangments for systems of the fixed service operating n the 25, 26 and 28 GHz bands. s.l. : ITU-R, 2001. F.748-4. 24. FCC. PART 101 - Fixed Microwave services. s.l. : FCC, 2009.

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25. ECC Recommenadation T/R 13-02. Preferred channel arrangments for fixed service systems in the frequency range 22.0-29.5 GHz. s.l. : ECC, 2010. 26. ECC Recommenadation (11)01. Guidelines for Assignment of Frequency Blocks for Fixed Wireless Systems in the Bands 24.5-26.5 GHz, 27.5-29.5 GHz and 31.8-33.4 GHz. s.l. : ECC, 2011. 27. ITU-R Recommendation F.699. Reference Radiation Patterns for Line-Of-Sight Radio-Relay System Antennas for Use in Coordination Studies and Interference Assessment in The Frequency Range from 1 to About 40 GHz. s.l. : ITU-R, 1999. F.699. 28. ETSI EN 300 833. Fixed Radio Systems; Point-To-Point Antennas; Antennas for Point-To-Point Fixed Radio Systems. s.l. : ETSI, 2002. EN 300 833. 29. Commonwealth of Australia. Radiocommunications Act 1992. 1992.

30. Australian Communication and Media Austhority. Review of licensing arrangements in the 28/31 GHz . 2013. IFIC 3/2013. 31. Commonwealth of Australia. Radiocommunications (Spectrum Designation) Notice No. 1 of 1998 Instrument of Revocation No. 1 of 2013. 2013. 32. ITU-R Recommendation F.385-9. Radio-frequency channel arrangements for fixed wireless systems operating in the 7GHz (7110-7900MHz) band. s.l. : ITU-R, 2007. F.385-9. 33. ETSI TR 102 565 v1.1.1 (2007-02). Fixed Radio Systems (FRS); Point-to-point systems; Requirements and bit rates of PtP Fixed radio Systems with packet data interfaces, effects of flexible system parameters, use of mixed interfaces and implications on IP/ATM networks. 34. Commonwealth of Australia. Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005. 2005. 35. Australian Communications and Media Authority. Principles for Spectrum Management. 2009. 36. Commonwealth of Australia. Freedom of Information Act 1982. 1982. 37. ERC Report 99. The analysis of the coexistence of two FWA cells in the 24.5-26.5 GHz and 27.5-29.5 GHz bands. s.l. : ERC, 2000. 38. ECC Report (023). Compatibility of Automotive Collision Warning Short Range Radar Operating at 24 GHz with FS, EESS and Radio Astronomy. s.l. : ECC, 2003. 39. ERC Recommendation (00)05. Use of the Band 24.5 - 26.5 GHz for Fixed Wireless Access. s.l. : ERC, 2000. Rec (00)05.

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Appendix 1: Backhaul for mobile broadband The industry has requested that more spectrum opportunities be provided to support microwave backhaul networks for mobile broadband networks. Based on the current arrangements and analysis of bands which can support amendments to their channel plan, the 15 and 22 GHz bands are capable of supporting the maximum data rate up to 68 and 34 Mbit/s respectively (Table 9). The major telecommunication providers claim that the capacity in the range of 155 Mbit/s up to 310 Mbit/s is required for the future backhaul wireless links. By revising the 15 and 22 GHz bands, the overall band loading will be improved, especially on the trunked routes. The trunked routes are associated with backhaul links for high data (i.e. 3G and beyond) mobile wireless networks.

Table 9 Typical capacity based on the current arrangements for the 7.5, 15 and 22 GHz bands

Frequency band (band limits)

Channel width [MHz]

Typical capacity [Mbit/s]

15 GHz (14.5–15.35 GHz)

28

2–68

14

7

13.75

27.5

55

22 GHz (21.2–23.6 GHz)

50

2–34

28

14

7

3.5

14

28

The reviewed channel arrangement should be able to support capacity in the range between 155 and 310 Mbit/s for the wireless backhaul networks. The realisation of such high capacity over the 28 and 56 MHz bandwidth is achievable if equipment operates with highest spectral efficiency. Microwave fixed-links equipment is ranked as class 6, based on spectral efficiency, according to the ETSI TR 102 565 Technical Report (33). In this report, the achievable fixed links capacity is analysed against channel width and equipment class (see Figure 20). Based on these results, the minimum channel width of 28 MHz is required for the requested capacity of 155 Mbit/s with class 5 of equipment. Similarly, the 310 Mbit/s capacity links is achievable with the 56 MHz channel width, and class 5 of equipment

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Figure 20 Requested channel width vs capacity for different class of equipment

0 34 100 155 200 250 310 3500

7

14

28

56

X: 155Y: 28

Radio Interface Capacity vs Channel Width and Equipment Class

Radio Interface Capacity (Mbit/s)

Cha

nnel

wid

th (

MH

z)

class 5 A-Bclass 4

class 2

58 | acma

Table 10 Different classes of equipment in terms of potential capacity and bandwidth

Level of modulation 2 4 8 16 32 64 128 256

Bit rate Data rate

Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 Class 4L

Class 4H

Class 5L

Class 5H

Class 6

Mbit/s (MHz) (MHz) (MHz) (MHz) (MHz) (MHz) (MHz) (MHz) E1 2.048 3.5 1.75

2 x E1 4.096 7 3.5 1.75 E2 8.448 14 7 3.5 1.75 2 x E2 16.898 28 14 7 3.5

E3 34.368 56 28 14 7 2 x E3 68.736 112 56 28 14 4 x E3 137.472 56 28

0.5 x STM-0

25.5 28 14 7

STM-0 51 56 28 14 2 x STM-0 102 56 28 STM-1 155 56 28 4 x STM-1 204 56 2 x STM-1 310 56 40 Minimum spectral efficiency (bits/s/Hz)

0.59 1.17 1.82 2.34 3.64 4.83 5.54 7.75

Maximum spectral efficiency (bits/s/Hz)

0.91 1.23 1.82 2.77 3.64 4.91 5.54 7.75

Table 10 lists different classes of equipment in terms of spectral efficiency. As previously discussed, the equipment has been classified based on the operational bandwidth and achievable capacity. For example, the 155 Mbit/s capacity is achievable within the 56 MHz bandwidth with class 4 of equipment, as well as the 28 MHz channel bandwidth with class 5 of equipment. Class 4 equipment operates with 3.64 bits/s/Hz spectral efficiency, while the spectral efficiency of 5.54 bits/s/Hz is achieved by class 5 equipment.

0 | acma

Appendix 2: Equipment availability The majority of vendors provide microwave radio equipment for the range of frequencies from 6 GHz to 38 GHz. The available equipment operates with channel width from 3.5 to 112 MHz Details of the available microwave radio equipment, including frequency range, channel width and data rates, are provided in Table 11

Table 11 Available microwave digital radio equipment

Vendor Link Frequency bands (GHz)

Channel width(MHz)

Data rates

Alcatel-Lucent 9500 MCX 6–38 7–56 16–311 Mbit/s

AMlinks 6–38

Aviat Networks TRuepoint 4–13 3.5–56 Up to 2.5 Gbit/s

AT Electronics & Communications International

Hiperion series 7–38 7–56 2–345 Mbit/s

Axxcelera ExcelFlex 6–38 7–56 Up to 350 Mbit/s

Ceragon FibreAir 6–38 3.5–56 10–500 Mbit/s

Ericsson MINI-LINK TN 6–38 7–56 4–345 Mbit/s

Motorola PTP 800 series 6–38 7–56 Up to 400 Mbit/s

Nec Pasolink NEO 6–38 7–112 Up to 1.6 Gbit/s

Nokia Siemens FlexiPacket Microwave

3.5–42 3.5–112 Up to 1.2 Gbit/s

TRANGO Systems GigaPro 6–38 3.5–56 Up to 1.5 Gbit/s

Proposed amendments to RALI FX Appendix 1 RF Channel Arrangements and Assignment Instructions Supplement to Spectrum Planning paper SP 2014/05 JULY 2014

Contents

acma | iii

Introduction 1

Purpose 1 Summary of proposed amendments 1

1.8 GHz band 3

6 GHz band 12

6.7 GHz band 15

8 GHz band 18

10 GHz band 21

11 GHz band 25

13 GHz band 28

15 GHz band 32

22 GHz band 37

28 GHz band 45

acma | 1

Introduction

Purpose This report illustrates the amendments to Appendix 1 of the Radiocommunications Assignment and Licensing Instruction (RALI) FX3 Microwave Fixed Services Frequency Coordination1, as proposed in the discussion paper Proposed changes to channel arrangements for microwave fixed point-to-point links.2

Summary of proposed amendments 1.8 GHz band

> New 7 MHz raster (for existing services only).

6 GHz band

> Remove interleaved 29.65 MHz raster (grandfathering of existing services).

> New 59.3 MHz raster.

6.7 GHz band

> Remove interleaved 40 MHz raster.

> New 80 MHz raster.

8 GHz band

> Remove main 29.65 MHz raster (grandfathering of existing services).

> New 59.3 MHz raster.

10 GHz band

> Introduce sharing criteria with EESS and passive SRS services.

11 GHz band

> Remove interleaved 40 MHz raster.

> New 80 MHz raster.

13 GHz band

> Allow fixed services to use the 2-2’ channel pair.

15 GHz band

> Introduce four new 28 MHz channels

1 RALI FX 3, Microwave Fixed Services Frequency Coordination, Australian Communications and Media

Authority. 2 SP 2014/05, Proposed changes to channel arrangements for microwave fixed point-to-point links,

Australian Communications and Media Authority, 2014.

2 | acma

22 GHz band

> Remove 3.5 MHz raster.

> Remove last four 50 MHz channels (channels 4 to 7).

> Introduce seven new 28 MHz channels (channel 5 to 11).

> Introduce new 56 MHz raster.

28 GHz band

> Introduce new band.

> Arrangements to provide 28 MHz, 56 MHz and 112 MHz channels. 6 GHz band.

acma | 3

1.8 GHz band THE 1.8 GHz BAND (1700–1900 MHz) RF CHANNEL ARRANGEMENTS

1710 1725 1785 1805 1820 1880

14 MHz119 MHz

1700 1900fo

1808

INTERLEAVED

1 2 6543 1' 2' 6'5'4'3'

14 MHz119 MHz

MAIN

1700 1900fo

1808

1 2 6543 1' 2' 6'5'4'3'

7 MHz 119 MHz

7 MHz CHANNELS

19001700fo

1808

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1' 2' 3' 4' 5' 6' 7' 8' 9' 10' 11' 12' 13'

PCS Spectrum licensed bands in major city areas and regional areas

PCS Spectrum licensed bands in major city areas only

Cordless Band.No additional point-to-point fixed services Australia-wide

3G Spectrum licensed bands in Capital City areas only

ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS This band is designated for use by low and medium capacity fixed point-to-point links.

Typical use 8/17 Mbit/s data Assignment priority not specified Minimum path length 20 kmAntenna requirements refer to Appendix 11

4 | acma

THE 1.8 GHz BAND (1700–1900 MHz) Note: 1. Some channels are not available for assignment (Assignment Restrictions 1).

2. Proposed fixed link assignments must be coordinated with spectrum licences operating in 1.8 GHz PCS and 2 GHz 3G bands (Assignment Restrictions 2 and refs. 3, 4, 7 & 8).

3. Note potential for interference to/from fixed services operating in the upper band channels of the 1.8 GHz band to/from adjacent 2.1 GHz band fixed services.

4. Note potential for interference to adjacent Met-Sat services near 1.7 GHz from channel 1 of the 14 MHz channel raster and channels 1 and 2 of the 7 MHz channel raster.

5. New and existing apparatus licensed assignments in all areas and with emissions in the frequency ranges 1710–1880 MHz shall be endorsed with Advisory Note BL, but see also notes 6 and 7 (ref. 10).

6. New assignments of all types and in all areas and with emissions in the frequency range 1785–1805 MHz are embargoed (ref. 9).

7. New apparatus licensed assignments in certain spectrum licensed areas and with emissions in the frequency ranges 1710–1785 MHz and 1805–1880 MHz are embargoed (ref. 5).

8. Prospective new apparatus licensed assignments within specified zones around specified radio astronomy facilities and with emission bandwidths in the frequency range 1250–1780 MHz must be notified to CSIRO (ref. 11).

9. The 7 MHz channel raster is to support migration of existing assignments with an emission bandwidth of 7 MHz from the 14 MHz to 7 MHz raster. No other services are to be assigned on these channels.

References 1. Rec. ITU-R F.283-5, "Radio-frequency channel arrangements for low and medium

capacity analogue or digital radio-relay systems operating in the 2 GHz band".

2. The "1.9 GHz Band Plan", 14 March 1996. 3. "Spectrum Re-allocation Declaration No. 3 of 1997". 4. "Spectrum Re-allocation Declaration No. 4 of 1997". 5. RALI MS 3, "Spectrum Embargoes", Embargo 26. 6. "Radiocommunications (Cordless Telecommunications Devices) Class Licence

2001". 7. "Spectrum Re-allocation Declaration No. 2 of 1999". 8. "Radiocommunications (Spectrum Re-allocation) Declaration No. 2 of 2000". 9. RALI MS 3, "Spectrum Embargoes", Embargo 38. 10. Issue for comment 41/2012 ”1800 MHz: a shared strategy” 11. RALI MS 31, "Notification Zones for Apparatus Licensed Services around Radio

Astronomy Facilities".

acma | 5

THE 1.8 GHz BAND (1700–1900 MHz) ASSIGNMENT RESTRICTIONS 1. Channels that may NOT be assigned. 1.1 1.9 GHz Band Plan Provisions of the 1.9 GHz Band Plan (ref. 2) which introduced the cordless telecommunications service (CTS) in the band 1880–1900 MHz do not permit additional (new or re-tuned) point-to-point fixed stations in this band. No point-to-point assignments are to be made Australia wide on the following 1.8 GHz band channels: 14 MHz channel raster:

1874.5 MHz (4M') (may be available in some areas if the occupied bandwidth (BW) < 11 MHz);

1881.5 MHz (4I');

1888.5 MHz (5M');

1895.5 MHz (5I'); and

1902.5 MHz (6M') (may be available in some areas if the BW < 5 MHz).

7 MHz channel raster:

1881.5 MHz (8M’);

1888.5 MHz (9M');

1895.5 MHz (10M’); and

1902.5 MHz (11M') (may be available in some areas if the BW < 5 MHz).

1.2 Spectrum Licences Apparatus licensing is not permitted in spectrum licensed bands and areas, refer RALI MS 3 Embargo 26 (ref. 5). Therefore, no new assignments are to be made in certain areas in the 1.8 GHz PCS bands (1710 to 1785 MHz and 1805 to 1880 MHz) and the 3G bands (1900 to 1980 MHz) due to spectrum licensing (refs. 3, 4, 7 & 8). 1.3 Affected Channels See Tables 1 and 2 for details on affected channels. 2. Coordination requirements with PCS and 3G spectrum licenses. Proposed fixed link assignments must be coordinated with spectrum licences operating in the 1.8 GHz PCS (1710 - 1785 MHz and 1805 - 1880 MHz) and 3G bands (1900 - 1980 MHz) in accordance with Appendix 7 of this RALI. Proposed fixed link assignments planned for co-channel operation with respect to spectrum licences in areas adjacent to spectrum licensed areas must be coordinated with spectrum licences if they are within a threshold distance of 200 km of the spectrum licence boundary. Proposed fixed link assignments planned for adjacent channel operation with respect to spectrum licences inside or adjacent to spectrum licence boundaries must also be coordinated. The map at page 8 illustrates the geographic boundaries and coordination threshold contours for these coordination requirements for the 1.8 GHz PCS spectrum licenses. A similar map for the 3G spectrum licenses is provided at Figure 1 of the 2.1 GHz channelling arrangements. Tables 1 and 2 detail the affected channels. Note: The terms ‘remote, ‘regional’ and ‘major city’ are used to describe areas in the context of 1.8 GHz spectrum licensing. Areas defined in the Spectrum Re-allocation Declarations No. 3 of 1997 (ref. 3) for Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney constitute ‘major city’ areas. The areas defined in Spectrum Re-allocation Declarations No. 4 of 1997 (ref. 4) are referred to as ‘regional’ areas, and the remainder of Australia is referred to as ‘remote’. See also the map at page 9.

6 | acma

THE 1.8 GHz BAND (1700–1900 MHz) 3. Coordination requirements with CTS. The operation of private CTS devices in the 1.9 GHz band are authorised by the Radiocommunications (Cordless Telecommunications Devices) Class Licence 2001(ref. 6). Under the class licensing arrangements, CTS devices are not coordinated with other services, as such, existing fixed services in this band are not protected from CTS transmitter interference. 4. Coordination with existing fixed link assignments. In addition to the coordination requirements stated above, proposed new assignments must be coordinated with existing fixed link assignments in this band and the 2.1 GHz band in accordance with normal FX-3 assignment procedures. 5. Channels available for assignment. See Tables 2 and 3 for channels available for assignment. 6. Non-standard channelling. Due to the number of restrictions placed on the 1.8 GHz band for fixed services the use of non-standard channel pairing is permitted. The use of non-standard channel centre frequencies will also be permitted where this will lead to improved spectrum productivity.

acma | 7

THE 1.8 GHz BAND (1700–1900 MHz) Table 1: Channel Arrangements (Lower Channel Set) — Channel Availability and Restrictions and Inter-Service Coordination Channel Number (14 MHz)

Channel Number (7 MHz)

Centre (MHz)

Channel Availability and Restrictions Inter-Service Coordination

1.8 GHz Major City Areas*

1.8 GHz Regional Areas* 1.8 GHz Remote Areas*

Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and

Sydney

Canberra, Darwin and Hobart**

Area A - Eastern Region and Area B Western Region***

All Other Areas

1M 1M 1713.5 Not Available (ref. 3and ref. 4)

1.8 GHz PCS Spectrum Licences

(within 200 km of a Spectrum Licence boundary).

1I 2M 1720.5

2M 3M 1727.5 Not Available (refs. 3&4) BW < 5 MHz (refs. 3&4) See Note # 2I 4M 1734.5

Not Available (ref. 3)

3M 5M 1741.5

3I 6M 1748.5 4M 7M 1755.5 4I 8M 1762.5

5M 9M 1769.5

5I 10M 1776.5

6M 11M 1783.5 6I 12M 1790.5 BW < 11 MHz (ref. 3) See Note ## - 13M 1797.5

* See refs. 3, 4 & 8 for definition of these areas and the map on page 8.

** See ref. 7 for definition of 2 GHz 3G Spectrum Licensed areas. Note: Canberra, Darwin and Hobart of part of the capital city areas for 2 GHz 3G Spectrum Licenses.

*** Note: the 2 GHz 3G Spectrum Licence Areas A and B are slightly different than those of the 1.8 GHz PCS Spectrum Licenses, see Figure 1 of 2.1 GHz channel arrangements.

# Note: if BW > 5 MHz coordination with major city or regional spectrum licences will be required if proposed station is within 200 km of the spectrum licence boundary.

## Note: if BW > 11 MHz coordination with major city spectrum licences will be required if proposed station is within 200 km of the major city spectrum licence boundary.

8 | acma

THE 1.8 GHz BAND (1700–1900 MHz) Table 2: Channel Arrangements (Upper Channel Set) — Channel Availability and Restrictions and Inter-Service Coordination.



Centre (MHz)

Channel Availability and Restrictions Inter-Service Coordination

1.8 GHz Major City Areas*

1.8 GHz Regional Areas* 1.8 GHz Remote Areas*

Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and

Sydney*

Canberra, Darwin and Hobart**

Area A - Eastern Region and Area B Western Region***

All Other Areas

1M' 1M 1832.5


1.8 GHz PCS Spectrum Licences

(within 200 km of a Spectrum Licence boundary).

1I' 2M 1839.5

2M' 3M 1846.5 2I' 4M 1853.5 3M' 5M 1860.5

3I' 6M 1867.5 4M' 7M 1874.5 BW < 11 MHz (refs. 2, 3 & 4) 4I' 8M 1881.5

Not Available (ref. 2) 5M' 9M 1888.5 5I' 10M 1895.5 6M' 11M 1902.5


BW<5 MHz (refs. 2 & 8) 2GHz 3G Spectrum Licences(within 200 km of a Spectrum

Licence boundary). 6I' 12M 1909.5 - 13M 1916.5

* See refs. 3, 4 & 8 for definition of these areas and the map on page 8.

** See ref. 7 for definition of 2 GHz 3G Spectrum Licensed areas. Note: Canberra, Darwin and Hobart of part of the capital city areas for 2 GHz 3G Spectrum Licenses.

*** Note: the 2 GHz 3G Spectrum Licence Areas A and B are slightly different than those of the 1.8 GHz PCS Spectrum Licenses, see Figure 1 of 2.1 GHz channel arrangements.

acma | 9

THE 1.8 GHz BAND (1700–1900 MHz) PROTECTION RATIOS 1. Protection ratios required between digital systems.

Frequency Offset (MHz)

PROTECTION RATIO (dB) Digital Interferer Tx Digital Victim Rx

7 MHz

7 MHz

7 MHz

14 MHz

14 MHz

7 MHz

14 MHz

14 MHz 0 60 60 60 60 7 30 45 50 53 14 36 27 30 21 6 20

2. Protection ratios required between digital and analogue systems.


PROTECTION RATIO (dB) Analogue Interferer Tx

Digital Victim Rx

Digital Interferer Tx

Analogue Victim Rx 7 MHz

7 MHz

14 MHz

14 MHz

7 MHz

7 MHz

14 MHz

14 MHz 0 60 60 60 60 7 30 50 30 50 14 20 20

3. Protection ratios between analogue systems.


PROTECTION RATIO (dB) Analogue Interferer Tx Analogue Victim Rx

14 MHz 14 MHz 0 60 7 50 14 10

Notes: 1. Protection ratios are based on a 60 km path length and PL (Percentage of time

that the average refractivity gradient in the lowest 100 m of the atmosphere is less than or equal to -100 N units/km) of 20. For other path lengths and PL values

refer to the appropriate protection ratio correction factors graph on the following page.

10 | acma

THE 1.8 GHz BAND (1700–1900 MHz) PROTECTION RATIO CORRECTION FACTORS MULTI PATH

PL: Percentage of time that the average refractivity gradient in the lowest 100 m of

the atmosphere is less than or equal to -100 N units/km. For further details refer to Annex A to Appendix 1.

-30

-25

-20

-15

-10

-5

0

5

10

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120

Co

rrec

tio

n F

acto

r (

dB

)

Path Length (km)

PL=5

PL=10

PL=20

acma | 11

THE 1.8 GHz BAND (1700–1900 MHz) 1.8 GHz Spectrum Licensed Area Boundaries and Coordination Threshold Contours

12 | acma

6 GHz band THE 6 GHz BAND (5925–6425 MHz) RF CHANNEL ARRANGEMENTS

ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS This band is designated for use by medium and high capacity fixed point-to-point links.

Typical use 64 Mbit/s data Assignment priority not specifiedMinimum path length 20 km Antenna requirements refer to Appendix 11

Note: 1. Proposed links need to be coordinated with licensed earth stations operating in

this band.

2. The channel raster known previously as the interleaved raster is grandfathered. No new assignments are to be made; existing services may continue to operate.

Reference 1. Rec. ITU-R F.383-9, Radio-frequency channel arrangements for high capacity

fixed wireless systems operating in the lower 6 GHz (5925 to 6425 MHz) band.

acma | 13

THE 6 GHz BAND (5925–6425 MHz) PROTECTION RATIOS 1. Protection ratios required between digital systems.



29.65 MHz

29.65 MHz

29.65 MHz

59.3 MHz

59.3 MHz

29.65 MHz

59.3 MHz

59.3 MHz 0 60 68

14.825 57 67 56 29.65 30

44.475 36 25 59.3 34

74.125 13 13 103.775 7 3

118.6 17 2. Protection ratios required between digital and analogue systems.


PROTECTION RATIO (dB)

Analogue Interferer Tx

Digital Victim Rx


Analogue Victim Rx

29.65 MHz

29.65 MHz

29.65 MHz

29.65 MHz

0 60 60 14.825 55 58 29.65 21 30




29.65 MHz 29.65 MHz 0 60

14.825 50 29.65 20

Notes: 1. Protection ratio for digital systems is based on a 50 km path length and PL

(Percentage of time that the average refractivity gradient in the lowest 100 m of the atmosphere is less than or equal to -100 N units/km) of 20. For other path lengths and PL values refer to the appropriate protection ratio correction factors

graph on the following page.

14 | acma

THE 6 GHz BAND (5925–6425 MHz) PROTECTION RATIO CORRECTION FACTORS MULTI PATH

PL: Percentage of time that the average refractivity gradient in the lowest 100 m of the atmosphere is less than or equal to -100 N units/km.

For further details refer to Annex A to Appendix 1.

-35

-30

-25

-20

-15

-10

-5

0

5

10

15

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110

Co

rrec

tio

n f

acto

r (

dB

)

Path length (km)

PL=5

PL=10

PL=20

acma | 15

6.7 GHz band THE 6.7 GHz BAND (6425–7110 MHz) RF CHANNEL ARRANGEMENTS

ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS This band is designated for use by digital high capacity fixed point-to-point links. Typical use 168 Mbit/s data Assignment priority not specified Minimum path length 20 km Antenna requirements refer to Appendix 11

Note: 1. Proposed links need to be coordinated with licensed earth stations operating in

this band.

2. The channel raster known previously as the interleaved raster has been removed. No new assignments are to be made.

Reference 1. Rec. ITU-R F.384-11, Radio-frequency channel arrangements for medium and

high capacity digital fixed wireless systems operating in the 6 425–7125 MHz band.

16 | acma

THE 6.7 GHz BAND (6425–7110 MHz) PROTECTION RATIOS


PROTECTION RATIO (dB) Interferer Tx Victim Rx

40 MHz

40 MHz

40 MHz

80 MHz

80 MHz

40 MHz

80 MHz

80 MHz 0 60 69 20 68 56 40 30 60 50 35 80 0 46 100 15 12 140 8 4 160 15

Note: 1. Protection ratios for digital systems are based on a 50 km path length and PL

(Percentage of time that the average refractivity gradient in the lowest 100 m of the atmosphere is less than or equal to -100 N units/km) of 20. For other path lengths and PL values refer to the protection ratio correction factors graph on the following page.

acma | 17

THE 6.7 GHz BAND (6425–7110 MHz) PROTECTION RATIO CORRECTION FACTORS MULTI PATH


For further details refer to Annex A to Appendix 1

-35

-30

-25

-20

-15

-10

-5

0

5

10

15

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110

Co

rrec

tio

n f

acto

r (

dB

)

Path length (km)

PL=5

PL=10

PL=20

18 | acma

8 GHz band THE 8 GHz BAND (7725–8275 MHz) RF CHANNEL ARRANGEMENTS

ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS This band is designated for use by medium and high capacity fixed point-to-point links.

Typical use 64 Mbit/s data Assignment priority from the lowest channel upwards. See Note 1. Minimum path length 10 km Antenna requirements refer to Appendix 11

Notes: 1. No assignments shall be made on channels 7 and 8, except in cases where the

availability of other channels in the band is precluded through unsuccessful coordination.

2. The channel raster known previously as the main raster is grandfathered. No new assignments are to be made; existing services may continue to operate.

Reference 1. Rec. ITU-R F.386-9, Radio-frequency channel arrangements for fixed wireless

systems operating in the 8 GHz (7725 to 8500 MHz) band.

acma | 19

THE 8 GHz BAND (7725– 8275 MHz) PROTECTION RATIOS 1. Protection ratios required between digital systems.



29.65 MHz

29.65 MHz

29.65 MHz

59.3 MHz

59.3 MHz

29.65 MHz

59.3 MHz

59.3 MHz 0 60 69

14.825 57 68 56 29.65 30

44.475 36 24 59.3 35

74.125 14 13 103.425 8 3

118.6 14 2. Protection ratios required between digital and analogue systems.




Digital Victim Rx


Analogue Victim Rx

29.65 MHz

29.65 MHz

29.65 MHz

29.65 MHz

0 60 60 14.825 55 58 29.65 21 30




29.65 MHz 29.65 MHz 0 60

14.825 50 29.65 20

Notes: 1. Protection ratio for digital systems are based on a 50 km path length and PL

(Percentage of time that the average refractivity gradient in the lowest 100 m of the atmosphere is less than or equal to -100 N units/km) of 20. For other path lengths and PL values refer to the appropriate protection ratio correction factors

graph on the following page.

20 | acma

THE 8 GHz BAND (7725–8275 MHz) PROTECTION RATIO CORRECTION FACTORS MULTI PATH



-35

-30

-25

-20

-15

-10

-5

0

5

10

15

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110

Co

rrec

tio

n f

acto

r (

dB

)

Path length (km)

PL=5

PL=10

PL=20

acma | 21

10 GHz band THE 10 GHz BAND (10.55–10.68 GHz) RF CHANNEL ARRANGEMENTS

ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS This band is designated for use by low and medium capacity fixed point-to-point links. Typical use 2 Mbit/s data, narrow-deviation FM video Assignment priority See Note 1 Minimum path length 5 km Antenna requirements refer to Appendix 11

Notes: 1. Assignment priorities are defined as follows:

> 7 MHz channels— from the lowest channel upward

> 14 MHz channels—from the highest channel downward

> for one-way links using the 7 MHz channels—channel 9 should be utilised first.

2. In accordance with Radio Regulations Resolution 751 (WRC-07), fixed links must meet assignment criteria (Assignment Restrictions 1).

References 1. Rec. ITU-R F.747, Radio-frequency channel arrangements for radio-relay

systems operating in the 10 GHz band. 2. Radio Regulations Resolution 751 (WRC-07), Sharing criteria in the band 10.6–

10.68 GHz.

65 MHz7 MHz

10.68

3 4 5 6 7 8 91 2

10.565

10.572

10.579

10.586

10.593

10.600

10.607

10.61410.5

5810.

62310.6

3010.6

3710.

64410.6

5110.

65810.

66510.

672

1' 2' 3' 4' 5' 6' 7' 8'

10.68

14 MHz65 MHz

1 2 3 4

10.5615 10.5755 10.5895 10.6035

1' 2' 3' 4'

10.6265 10.6405 10.6545 10.6685

10.55

10.55

22 | acma

ASSIGNMENT CRITERIA 1. In accordance with ITU-R Radio Regulation Resolution 751 (WRC-07), fixed

services in the 10.6–10.68 GHz band are required to meet the following parameters in order to reduce the interference to EESS from fixed services.

Parameter Value Maximum elevation angle 20° Maximum transmitter power at the antenna port -15 dBW

acma | 23

THE 10 GHz BAND (10.55–10.68 GHz) PROTECTION RATIOS 1. Protection ratios required between systems operating on 7 and 14 MHz channels.



7 MHz

7 MHz

7 MHz

14 MHz

14 MHz

7 MHz

14 MHz

14 MHz 0 55 60 55 60 3.5 60 55 7 30 55 51 60 10.5 50 40 14 18 25 15 50 17.5 10 0

Notes: 1. Protection ratio for digital systems are based on a 30 km path length and PL

(Percentage of time that the average refractivity gradient in the lowest 100 m of the atmosphere is less than or equal to -100 N units/km) of 20. For other path lengths, rainfall rates and PL values refer to the appropriate propagation path correction

factors graph on the following page.

24 | acma

THE 10 GHz BAND (10.55–10.68 GHz)

PROTECTION RATIO CORRECTION FACTORS RAIN AND MULTI PATH


the atmosphere is less than or equal to -100 N units/km. R: Rainfall rate in mm/hr for 0.01% of the worst month.


-30

-25

-20

-15

-10

-5

0

5

10

15

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80

Co

rrec

tio

n f

acto

r (

dB

)

Path length (km)

PL=5

PL=10

PL=20

R=60 mm/hr

R=80 mm/hr

acma | 25

11 GHz band 11 GHz BAND (10.7–11.7 GHz) RF CHANNEL ARRANGEMENTS

ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS This band is designated for use by digital high capacity fixed point-to-point links (see Notes). Typical use 168 Mbit/s data Assignment priority not specified Minimum path length 5 km Antenna requirements refer to Appendix 11 Note: 1. Deleted.

2. Proposed fixed links need to be coordinated with earth stations operating in this band.

3. Requests for assignments within 150 km of the GPOs of Darwin (NT) or Geraldton (WA) are to be referred to the Manager, Spectrum Planning Section, ACMA, for preliminary coordination consultation.

4. The channel raster known previously as the interleaved raster has been removed. No new assignments are to be made.

Reference 1. Rec. ITU-R F.387-12, Radio-frequency channel arrangements for fixed wireless

systems operating in the 10.7-11.7 GHz band.

26 | acma

11 GHz BAND (10.7–11.7 GHz) PROTECTION RATIOS 1. Protection ratios required between digital systems.


PROTECTION RATIO (dB) Interferer Tx Victim Rx

40 MHz

40 MHz

40 MHz

80 MHz

80 MHz

40 MHz

80 MHz

80 MHz 0 60 70 20 70 56 40 30 60 51 35 80 0 48 100 16 12 140 10 4 160 16

Notes: 1. Protection ratios for digital systems are based on a 30 km path length and PL

(Percentage of time that the average refractivity gradient in the lowest 100 m of the atmosphere is less than or equal to -100 N units/km) of 20. For other path lengths, rainfall rates and PL values refer to the protection ratio correction factors graph on the following page.

acma | 27

11 GHz BAND (10.7–11.7 GHz) PROTECTION RATIO CORRECTION FACTORS MULTI PATH


R: Rainfall rate in mm/hr for 0.01% of the worst month.


-30

-25

-20

-15

-10

-5

0

5

10

15

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80

Co

rrec

tio

n f

acto

r (

dB

)

Path length (km)

PL=5

PL=10

PL=20

R=60 mm/hr

R=80 mm/hr

28 | acma


ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS

This band is designated for use by medium capacity fixed point-to-point links and Television Outside Broadcast (TOB) services (See Notes 1 to 6).

Typical use FIXED: 34 Mbit/s data TOB: temporary links for live coverage of events—teleconferencing, outside broadcast, etc.

Assignment priority not specified Minimum path length not specified Antenna requirements FIXED: refer to Appendix 11

TOB: 0.6 m standard parabolic dish Notes: 1. With the exception of interleaved channel 8', all channels are 28 MHz wide.

2. Fixed assignments may be made only on main channels 1-1', 2-2', 3-3' and 5-5'. However, assignments for fixed services on channels 5-5' are not permitted within 100 km of a capital city.

3. TOB channel designations for the major television networks are shown above.

4. Non-network TOB operators share channels 5-5'.

5. TOB assignments shall be endorsed with Special Condition 27.

6. TOB sharing arrangements are described in Reference 1.

acma | 29

References 1. Spectrum Planning Document No. SP 1/90, Spectrum and Licensing Arrangements

for Outside Broadcast Television Services, March 1990.

2. Rec. ITU-R F.497-4, Radio-frequency channel arrangements for radio-relay systems operating in the 13 GHz frequency band.

30 | acma

THE 13 GHz BAND (12.75–13.25 GHz) PROTECTION RATIOS 1. Protection ratios required between digital systems.



14 MHz

14 MHz

14 MHz

28 MHz

28 MHz

14 MHz

28 MHz

28 MHz 0 50 50 50 50 14 20 35 45 47

2. Protection ratios required between digital and analogue systems.




Digital Victim Rx


Analogue Victim Rx 28 MHz

14 MHz

28 MHz

28 MHz

14 MHz

28 MHz

28 MHz

28 MHz 0 50 50 60 60 14 35 45 40 55




28 MHz 28 MHz 0 6014 50

Notes: 1. Protection ratios for digital systems are based on a 20 km path length and R

(Rainfall rate in mm/hr for 0.01% of the worst month) of 80 mm/hr. For other path lengths, rainfall rates and PL (Percentage of time that the average refractivity gradient in the lowest 100 m of the atmosphere is less than or equal to -100 N units/km) values refer to the appropriate protection ratio correction factors graph on the following page.

acma | 31

THE 13 GHz BAND (12.75–13.25 GHz) PROTECTION RATIO CORRECTION FACTORS RAIN AND MULTI PATH


the atmosphere is less than or equal to -100 N units/km.



-25

-20

-15

-10

-5

0

5

10

15

20

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80

Co

rre

ctio

n f

act

or

(d

B)

Path length (km)

PL=5

PL=10

PL=20

R=60 mm/hr

R=80 mm/hr

32 | acma


acma | 33

ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS This band is designated for use by low and medium capacity fixed point-to-point links. Typical use low capacity: 2/8 Mbit/s

medium capacity: 34 Mbit/sAssignment priority see Note 1 Minimum path length 5 km Antenna requirements refer to Appendix 11

Note: 1. Assignment priorities are defined as follows:

> 28 MHz channels—from highest channel downward;

> 14 MHz channels—from lowest channel upward; and

> 7 MHz channels—from lowest channel upward. References 1. Rec. ITU-R F.636-3, Radio-frequency channel arrangements for radio-relay

systems operating in the 15 GHz band.

34 | acma

THE 15 GHz BAND (14.5–15.35 GHz) PROTECTION RATIOS

1. Protection ratios between digital systems operating on the same channel arrangements.

> Co -channel 60 dB

> 1st adjacent channel 30 dB

> 2nd adjacent channel 0 dB

2. Protection ratios between digital systems requiring 7 and 14 MHz channels.



7 MHz 14 MHz 14 MHz 7 MHz 7 60 59 10.5 58 49 14 44 37 17.5 32 26 21 23 13 24.5 15

3. Protection ratios between digital systems requiring 7 and 28 MHz channels.



7 MHz 28 MHz 28 MHz 7 MHz 3.5 60 53 10.5 57 53 17.5 42 33 24.5 13 19 31.5 0 14

4. Protection ratios between digital and analogue systems requiring 14 and 28 MHz channels.

Frequency Offset


(MHz) Digital Tx

Digital Rx

Analogue Tx

Digital Rx

Digital Tx

Analogue Rx 14 MHz

28 MHz

28 MHz

14 MHz

28 MHz

14 MHz

14 MHz

28 MHz 0 60 60 60 60 7 60 58 60 60 21 35 33 30 30

acma | 35

5. Protection ratios between digital and analogue systems requiring 28 MHz channels.



Analogue Tx

Analogue Rx

Analogue Tx

Digital Rx

Digital Tx

Analogue Rx 0 60 60 60 28 20 21 30

Notes: 1. Protection ratio for digital systems are based on a 20 km path length and R

(Rainfall rate in mm/hr for 0.01% of the worst month) of 80 mm/hr. For other path lengths and rainfall rates refer to the appropriate protection ratio correction factors graph on the following page.

36 | acma

THE 15 GHz BAND (14.5–15.35 GHz) PROTECTION RATIO CORRECTION FACTORS RAIN AND MULTI PATH


the atmosphere is less than or equal to -100 N units/km.



-40

-35

-30

-25

-20

-15

-10

-5

0

5

10

0 10 20 30 40 50

Co

rrec

tio

n f

acto

r(d

B)

Path length (km)

PL=5

PL=10

PL=20

R=40 mm/hr

R=60 mm/hr

R=80 mm/hr

acma | 37


38 | acma

acma | 39

CHANNEL CENTRE FREQUENCIES (GHz)

Channels 56 MHz Channels 50 MHz Channels 28 MHz Channels 14 MHz Channels 7 MHz Channels

1 1’ 21.868 23.100 21.675 22.875 21.826 23.058 22.015 23.247 22.1235 23.3555

2 2’ 21.924 23.156 21.725 22.925 21.854 23.086 22.029 23.261 22.1305 23.3625

3 3’ 21.980 23.212 21.775 22.975 21.882 23.114 22.043 23.275 22.1375 23.3695

4 4’ 22.036 23.268 21.91 23.142 22.057 23.289 22.1445 23.3765

5 5’ 22.092 23.324 21.938 23.17 22.071 23.303 22.1515 23.3835

6 6’ 21.966 23.198 22.085 23.317 22.1585 23.3905

7 7’ 21.994 23.226 22.099 23.331 22.1655 23.3975

8 8’ 22.022 23.254 22.113 23.345 22.1725 23.4045

9 9’ 22.050 23.282

10 10’ 22.078 23.310

11 11’ 22.106 23.338

40 | acma

THE 22 GHz BAND (21.2–23.6 GHz) ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS This band is designated for use by fixed point-to-point links and Television Outside Broadcast (TOB) services (See Note 1). Typical use 2/8 Mbit/s data, FM video Assignment priority see Note 2 Minimum path length not specifiedAntenna requirements refer to Appendix 11

Notes: 1. (a) The 50 MHz channels 1/1’..3/3’ are designated for TOB services. Licensed TOB

operators may use any of these channels in any area on a co-equal basis with other TOB operators and are expected to coordinate their use among themselves;

(b) Deleted 2. Assignment priorities for point-to-point services are defined as follows:

> 56 MHz channels—from the lowest channel upward;


> 14 MHz channels—from the highest channel downward;


3. Special Condition BL shall be applied to all licences between 21.65–22.00 GHz. See Reference 1.

References: 1. Australian Radiofrequency Spectrum Plan, (Footnote 530A).

2. Rec. ITU-R F.637-2, Radio-frequency channel arrangements for radio-relay systems operating in the 23 GHz band.

acma | 41

THE 22 GHz BAND (21.2–23.6 GHz) PROTECTION RATIOS 1. Protection ratios required between digital systems operating on the same

channel arrangements.

> Co-channel 60 dB

> 1st adjacent channel 30 dB

> 2nd adjacent channel 0 dB

2. Protection ratios required between digital systems operating on 3.5 MHz and 7 MHz channels.



3.5 MHz 7 MHz 7 MHz 3.5 MHz 5.25 55 48 8.75 18 20

12.25 0 3. Protection ratios required between digital systems operating on 7 MHz channels

and digital systems operating on 14 MHz and 28 MHz channels.

Frequency Offset PROTECTION RATIO (dB) Digital Interferer Tx Digital Victim Rx

(MHz) 7 MHz14 MHz 14 MHz7 MHz 7 MHz28 MHz 28 MHz7 MHz 10.5 58 49 17.5 32 26 45 35 24.5 15 10 20

4. Protection ratios required between digital systems operating on 14 MHz and 28

MHz channels.



28 MHz 14 MHz 14 MHz 28 MHz 7 58 6021 33 35


MHz channels.



7 MHz 56 MHz 56 MHz 7 MHz 31.5 53 3538.5 21 15 45.5 11 13 52.5 9 12 59.5 9 10 66.5 9 9

42 | acma

6. Protection ratios required between digital systems operating on 14 MHz and 56 MHz channels.



14 MHz 56 MHz 56 MHz 14 MHz 7 65 53 21 64 5335 49 34 49 15 16 63 10 13 77 9 9 91 9 4


MHz channels.



28 MHz 56 MHz 56 MHz 28 MHz 14 65 56 42 45 3370 15 15 98 10 5 126 9 4


MHz channels.



28 MHz 50 MHz 50 MHz 28 MHz 51 17 18 79 7 983 6 8 101 4 5 107 4 5 111 4 5

9. Protection ratios required between digital systems operating on 56 MHz channel.



56 MHz 56 MHz 0 6556 41 128 13

acma | 43

10. Protection ratios required between digital systems operating on 50 MHz and 56 MHz channels.



50 MHz 56 MHz 56 MHz 50 MHz 93 17 12 143 4 149 6

Notes: 1. Protection ratio for digital systems are based on a 5 km path length and R

(Rainfall rate in mm/hr for 0.01% of the worst month) of 80 mm/hr, for other path lengths and rainfall rates refer to the appropriate path length correction factors graph on the following page.

44 | acma

THE 22 GHz BAND (21.2–23.6 GHz) PROTECTION RATIO CORRECTION FACTORS RAIN FADE



-30

-20

-10

0

10

20

30

40

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20

Co

rrec

tio

n f

acto

r (

dB

)

Path length (km)

R=40 mm/hr

R=60 mm/hr

R=80 mm/hr

acma | 45


CHANNEL CENTRE FREQUENCIES (GHz)

28 MHz Channels 56 MHz Channels 112 MHz Channels

1 1’ 28.1225 29.1305 1 1’ 28.1365 29.1445 1 1’ 28.1645 29.1725

2 2’ 28.1505 29.1585

3 3’ 28.1785 29.1865 2 2’ 28.1925 29.2005

4 4’ 28.2065 29.2145

5 5’ 28.2345 29.2425 3 3’ 28.2485 29.2565 2 2’ 28.2765 29.2845

6 6’ 28.2625 29.2705

7 7’ 28.2905 29.2985 4 4’ 28.3045 29.3125

8 8’ 28.3185 29.3265

9 9’ 28.3465 29.3545 5 5’ 28.3605 29.3685 3 3’ 28.3885 29.3965

10 10’ 28.3745 29.3825

11 11’ 28.4025 29.4105 6 6’ 28.4165 29.4245

12 12’ 28.4305 29.4385

46 | acma

THE 28 GHz BAND (27.5–29.5 GHz) ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS This band is designated for use by fixed point-to-point links. Typical use wireless access system backhaul Assignment priority highest channel downward Minimum path length not specified Antenna requirements refer to Appendix 11

Notes: 1. Proposed fixed link assignments must be coordinated with licensed earth stations

operating in this band. Coordination must be in accordance with the requirements of RALI MS 38 (ref. 2).

2. Fixed link transmitters or receivers should not be deployed in the 28 GHz band within 3 km of body scanners located at Australian airports, as registered in the Register of Radiocommunications Licences.

3. Proposed fixed link assignments planned for operation must take account of the requirements for geostationary satellite orbit avoidance of recommends 3.1 and 3.2 of Recommendation ITU-R F.1249.

References 1. Rec. ITU-R F.748-4, Radio-frequency arrangements for systems of the fixed

service operating in the 25, 26 and 28 GHz bands. 2. RALI MS 38, Coordination between satellite Earth station transmitters in the fixed

satellite service and terrestrial stations in the fixed service between 27.5–30 GHz.

acma | 47

THE 28 GHz BAND (27.5–29.5 GHz) PROTECTION RATIOS Protection ratios required between digital systems operating in various channel bandwidths (with offset between centre frequencies ∆f) are provided in the tables below. Protection ratios for 28 MHz systems


28 MHz 28 MHz 56 MHz 28 MHz 112 MHz 28 MHz

0 64 14 60.4 57.4 28 36 42 35 57.4 56 15 70 18 35 98 19

Protection ratios for 56 MHz systems



0 64 14 64 28 60.4 42 42 56 36 70 15 84 35

112 15 140 18

Protection ratios for 112 MHz systems



0 64 14 64 28 64 42 64 70 43 84 40 98 14

112 15 36 140 224 15

Notes: 1. Protection ratios for digital systems include a rain fade margin of 28 dB. This is

the rain fade margin exceeded for 0.01% time of the average year calculated with Recommendation ITU-R P.530-15, Section 2.4, and is based on a 2 km path length and R (Rainfall rate in mm/hr for 0.01% of the worst month) of 80 mm/hr. For other path lengths and rainfall rates refer to the appropriate path length correction factors graph on the following page.

48 | acma

THE 28 GHz BAND (27.5–29.5 GHz) PROTECTION RATIO CORRECTION FACTORS RAIN FADE

R: Rainfall rate in mm/hr for 0.01% of the average year.


‐40

‐30

‐20

‐10

0

10

20

30

40

50

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Correction factor (dB)

P ath length (km)

R=40mm/hr

R=60mm/hr

Proposed Amendments to RALI FX3: Protection Ratios Assumptions and Methodology Spectrum Planning Report SPP 2014/07 JULY 2014

Contents

acma | iii

1 Introduction 1

2 Protection Ratio Methodology 2 2.1 Co-channel Protection Ratio calculations 2 2.1.1 Multipath fading 2 2.1.2 Rain fading 3 2.1.3 Correction Factors calculations 3 2.2 Adjacent Channel Protection Ratio calculations 4 2.2.1 Adjacent Channel Protection Ratio Assumption 4 2.2.2 Frequency Dependant Rejection 4

3 Equipment Performance Assumptions 6 3.1 Transmitter assumptions 6 3.1.1 Radiofrequency spectrum mask 6 3.1.2 Spectral efficiency classes 6 3.1.3 Emission masks 7 3.2 Receiver assumptions 8 3.2.1 Receiver threshold and noise figure 8 3.2.2 Receiver selectivity 9

4 Bibliography 10

Appendix A Transmitter and Receiver Characteristics 11

Appendix B Transmitter Emission Masks and Receiver Selectivity Graphs 16

acma | 1

1 Introduction This paper outlines the methodology and assumptions used to calculate the protection ratios in support of the June 2014 proposed amendments to RALI FX 3 Appendix 1 “RF Channel Arrangements and Assignments Instructions” (1). For details of the proposed changes refer to SP 2014/05, “Proposed changes to channel arrangements for microwave fixed point-to-point links” (2) and supplement “Proposed amendments to RALI 3 Appendix 1 “RF Channel Arrangements and Assignments Instruction” (3). Consistent with the approach used in first developing RALI FX 3, for new channel rasters protection ratios have been calculated by first determining the co-channel protection for a notional path length and then using frequency dependent rejection1 (FDR) technique as a model of the interference between a transmitter and receiver calculate protections for various frequency offsets. Calculation of co-channel protection ratios requires assumptions about required fade margin, receiver noise floor, receive threshold level (receiver selectivity) and transmitted emission spectral density. The required information has been sourced from ITU-R and ETSI documents. To calculate protections between new channel rasters and existing channel raster, the FDR approach has been used. For calculation purposes, for existing channel rasters receiver selectivity and transmitted emission spectral density have been determined (reversed engineered) using existing protection ratios and ITU-R and ETSI information.

1 Frequency dependent rejection: a measure of the rejection produced by the receiver selectivity curve

on an unwanted transmitter emission spectra.

2 | acma

2 Protection Ratio Methodology This section details the methodology used to calculate the protection ratios for new channel rasters. The co-channel protection ratio is first calculated and then adjacent channel protection ratio determined from it.

2.1 Co-channel Protection Ratio calculations As outlined in earlier versions of RALI FX3 co-channel protection is calculated in terms of the allowable level of interference which degrades a typical receiver threshold and path fade margin. The equation is:

where

Tmx is receiver threshold for specified S/N and BER [dBm], FM is fade margin in [dB] and Iall is minimum allowable interference level [dBm].

With reference ETSI EN 302 217-2-2 (4) Tmx (RSL - receiver signal level in the ESTI standard) can be determined for a specified bandwidth, spectral efficiency (spectral class) and required BER. The maximum allowable interference power can be calculated as follows:

10 log ⁄ where

k is Boltzmann constant [W/(Hz K)] T is absolute temperature [K], B is receiver bandwidth [Hz], NF is noise figure [dB], I/N is interference to noise level [dB].

For the range of frequency bands 1-50 GHz noise figures (NF) values can be found in the ETSI TR 101 854 (5). For new channel rasters, protection ratio calculation has been based on 10-6 BER, compared to 10-3 BER when RALI FX 3 was first developed. The interference-to-noise (I/N) value generally depends of frequency bands and sharing conditions. It is taken to be 6 dB as recommended in the ITU-R F.758-5 (6). Fading Mechanisms Two fading mechanisms need to be considered when determining fade margin (FM): multipath and rain fading. Multipath fading describes the combination of various clear-air fading mechanisms such as surface and atmospheric multipath, beam spreading etc. Rain fading occurs as a result of absorption and scattering by hydrometeors as rain, snow, hail and fog. Multipath fading is the dominant fading factor below 10 GHz. Rain fading is the dominant fading factor for frequencies above 18 GHz. Between 10 GHz and 18 GHz both fading mechanisms need to be considered. Fade margin are to be calculated for the notional path lengths as listed in

2.1.1 Multipath fading

As outlined in Appendix 4 of RALI FX 3, ITU-R Rec.530-6 (7) is used to calculate multipath fade margin and hence path length correction factors for paths length different than the benchmarked notional path length. While path length correction factors will be continued to reference against ITU-R Rec.530-6, for the new channel

acma | 3

rasters co-channel protections ratios will be calculated using the more recent ITU-R Rec 530-15 [10]. It is acknowledged that a review of RALI FX 3 is required to consider the latest ITU-R documentation; however that is a larger task that will be considered at later date. From Rec 530-15 the fade margin can be calculated as follows:

10 log ∗ . ∗ . ∗ 1 . 10 log 0.0089 where: hL is altitude of the lower antenna (above sea level) [m]; |ɛp |=|hr-he|/d is the magnitude of the path inclination in mrad; hr and he are emitting and receiving antenna heights (above sea level) [m]; K is geoclimatic factor calculated by using the point refractivity gradient (dN1).

10 . . where:

dN1 is point refractivity gradient in the lowest 65 m of the atmosphere not exceeded for 1% of an average year. It is provided on a 1.5 grid in latitude and longitude in Recommendation ITU-R P.453 (8).

2.1.2 Rain fading

Rain attenuation, [db/km] depends of frequency, polarisation and rain rate . and is given by:

. Parameters α and β are provided in Rec. ITU-R P.838 (9) and rain rate statistics are detailed in Rec. ITU-R P.837 (10). As a rain is not uniform, only a part of path is affected by rain, the effective path length has to be calculated. From the Rec ITU-R P.530-6, the effective path length factor can be calculated as: and 35 . .

From the Rec ITU-R P.530-15, the effective path length factor can be calculated as:

10.477 .

.. . 10.579 1 .

Finally, an estimate of the path attenuation exceeded for 0.01% of the time is given by:

. For other percentage of time in the range 0.001% to 1%, the attenuation can be calculated from Rec ITU-R 530. For path length and geoclimatic factor that are different from reference values, the correction factors are then used to calculate the protection ratios.

2.1.3 Correction Factors calculations

No changes to path length correction factors, the existing graphs continue to apply.

4 | acma

2.2 Adjacent Channel Protection Ratio calculations The adjacent channel protection ratio is calculated by subtracting the frequency dependant rejection (FDR) factor from co-channel protection ratio.

2.2.1 Adjacent Channel Protection Ratio Assumption

The approach for determining the spectral separation for the specification of protection ratios is the same as has been used previously in RALI FX 3. The FDR calculations are calculated:

> Using transmitter emission masks and receiver selectivity curves as detailed in section 3;

> at frequency offsets referenced to channel centre frequencies;

> for closest possible co-channel permutation to the furthest spectral limit of both transmitter emission mask and receiver selectivity curve. These are modelled out to ±250 precent of channel bandwidth around the channel centre frequency. Hence the maximum offset between channel centre is 2.5 times the transmitter and receiver bandwidth; and

> for all possible discrete channel offsets between the above two points.

2.2.2 Frequency Dependant Rejection

Recommendation ITU-R SM.337 (11) defines frequency dependant rejection (FDR) as a measure of the interference coupling mechanism between interferer and receiver. The goal is to provide an estimate of the minimum frequency and distance separation between interferer and receiver required for acceptable receiver performance. The FDR is defined by:

∆ 10| ∆ |

where

P(f) is power spectral density (emission mask) of the interfering signal [W/Hz], H(f) is frequency response of the receiver (receiver selectivity) and ∆f=ft-fr is frequency offset between transmitter’s – ft and receivers’ frequency - fr. [Hz]

The FDR can be divided into two terms, the on-tune rejection (OTR) and off-frequency rejection (OFR) as follows: ∆ ∆ where

10| ∆ |

and

∆ 10| |

| ∆ |

The on-tune rejection, also called the correction factor, can often be approximated by:

20 for BR BT

acma | 5

where

BT and BR are interferer and receivers bandwidths [MHz] respectively. Transmitter power spectral density masks have been determined using ETSI EN 302 217 (4) and receiver selectivity using ETSI TR 101 854 (5).

6 | acma

3 Equipment Performance Assumptions

This section details the assumptions related to the applicability of the interference protection methodology. A summary of parameters is at Appendix A

3.1 Transmitter assumptions

3.1.1 Radiofrequency spectrum mask

The emission masks, proposed for the updated version of Appendix 1 of RALI FX3, are:

> applicable for digital services only;

> based on the ETSI EN 302 217 standard, which lists a set of radiofrequency spectrum masks in accordance with their associated spectral efficiency classes;

> determined by applying already defined protection ratios from Appendix 1 of RALI FX3 for currently available channel arrangements in order to maintain consistency for all current and future licensees,

> specified, for proposed wider channel arrangements, using a higher order spectral efficiency where consistent with the channel arrangements in other frequency bands;

> defined for the limits up to and including ±250 precent of channel bandwidth around the channel centre frequency ;

> for 50 MHz channel, as not been defined by ETSI standards, it has been obtained from the 56 MHz mask by scaling with the 50/56 factor;

> specified for 80 MHz channel. Based on CEPT/ERC/REC 12-06 E Recommendation (12), the same spectral efficiency (class 5) as for 40 MHz should be adopted for 80 MHz channels.

3.1.2 Spectral efficiency classes

The ETSI EN 302 217 standard specifies different classes of equipment in accordance to their spectral efficiency. The spectral efficiency classes are defined for typical modulation formats and are limited by a “minimum radio interface capacity (RIC) density” (Mbit/s/MHz). The list of spectral efficiency classes used for protection ratio evaluation, their minimum RIC density and typical modulation are given in Table 1.

acma | 7

Table 1 — Spectral efficiency classes details

Spectral efficiency class

Minimum RIC density (Mbit/s/MHz)

Modulation

1* 0.57 2-states modulation schemes (2 FSK, 2 PSK etc)

2 1.14 4-states modulation schemes (4 FSK, 4 QAM etc)

3 1.7 8-states modulation schemes (8 PSK etc)

4L 2.28 16-states modulation schemes (16 QAM, 16 APSK etc)

4H 3.5 32-states modulation schemes (32 QAM, 32 APSK etc)

5L 4.2 64-states modulation schemes (64 QAM etc)

5H 4.9 128-states modulation schemes (128 QAM etc)

* Note: class 1 spectral efficiency is below the minimum requirement defined by the RALI FX3.

3.1.3 Emission masks

Emission masks are specified in ETSI EN 302 217 standard. For the purpose of coordination, the emission masks are determined as minimum requirements as shown in Table 2. Emission masks are show at Appendix B.

8 | acma

Table 2 — Recommended emission masks

Frequency band Channel width Recommended class

6 GHz 29.65 MHz class 4L

59.3 MHz class 4H

6.7 GHz 40 MHz class 5

80 MHz class 5

7.5 GHz 7 MHz class 1-3

14 MHz class 4L

28 MHz class 4L


59.3 MHz class 4H


59.3 MHz class 4H

11 GHz 40 MHz class 5

80 MHz class 5

13 GHz 28 MHz class 4L

15 GHz 7 MHz class 1-3

14 MHz class 4L

28 MHz class 4L

18 GHz 7.5 MHz class 1-3

13.75 MHz class 4L

27.5 MHz class 4L

55 MHz class 4H


14 MHz class 4L

28 MHz class 4L

50 MHz class 4H

56 MHz class 4H

28 GHz 28 MHz class 5LB

56 MHz class 5LB

128 MHz class 5LB


14 MHz class 4L

28 MHz class 4L

50 GHz 40 MHz class 5

3.2 Receiver assumptions

3.2.1 Receiver threshold and noise figure

ETSI EN 302 217-2 provides receiver threshold, as receiver input signal level RSL, in terms of particular receiving bandwidth. Values used are show in Appendix A, Table 6.

acma | 9

For the range of frequency bands 1-50 GHz receiver noise figures (NF) values can be found in the ETSI TR 101 854. For new channel rasters, protection ratio calculation has been based on 10-6 BER. Values used are show in Appendix A, Table 5.

3.2.2 Receiver selectivity

For the purpose of the protection ratio calculation, the receiver selectivity has been derived from the corresponding emission mask as specified in the ETSI TR 101 854. The ETSI technical report specifies a conservative and more realistic approach. Following the analysis undertaken by the ACMA on the resulting protection ratio calculations for both the conservative and more realistic receiver selectivity, the proposed protection ratios are based on the more realistic receiver approach. The resulting receiver masks are show at Appendix B. For these, the receiver filter is a combination of a Nyquist filtering and 2 straight lines until the limits of 2.5 x channel bandwidth. Nyquist receiver filter is defined by equation:

√1 1

1

1 1

1

where

rof is cosine roll-of factor and fn is Nyquist frequency defined by the following expression:

2 ∗∗ 100

where N equals to modulation order 2N. Details related to payload, overhead and modulation order are provided in the Appendix A, Table 4.

10 | acma

4 Bibliography 1. Australian Communications and Media Authority. Microwave Fixed Services Frequency Coordination. 2006. RALI FX 3. 2. Australian Communicaitons and Media Authority. Proposed changes to channel arrangements for microwave fixed point-to-point links. 2014. SPP 2014/05. 3. Australian Communications and Media Authority. Proposed amendments to RALI 3 Appendix 1 “RF Channel Arrangements and Assignments Instruction". 2014. SPP 2014/06. 4. ETSI. Fixed Radio System; Characteristics and requirements for point-to-point equipment and antennas; Part 2-2: Digital systems operating in frequency bands where frequency coordination is applied; . Harmonized EN covering the essential requirements of article 3.2 of the R&TTE Directive. ETSI EN 302 217-2-2 . 5. —. Fixed Radio Systems; Point-to-point equipment; Derivation of receiver interference parameters useful for planning fixed service point-to-point systems operating different equipment classes and/or capacities. ETSI TR 101 854. 6. ITU-R Reccomendation F.758-5. System parameters and considerations in the development of criteria for sharing or compatibility between digital fixed wireless systems in the fixed service and systems in other services and other sources of interference. s.l. : ITU-R. F.758-5. 7. ITU-R Recommendation P.530. Propagation data and prediction methods required for design of terrestrial line-of-sight systems. s.l. : ITU. P.530. 8. ITU-R Recommendation P.453-10. The radio refractive index: its formula and refractivity data. s.l. : ITU. P.453-10. 9. ITU-R Recommendation P.838-3. Specific attenuation model for rain for use in prediction methods. s.l. : ITU. P.838-3. 10. ITU-R Recommendation P.837-6. Characteristics of precipitation for propagation modelling. s.l. : ITU. P.837-6. 11. ITU-R Recommendation SM.337-6. Frequency and distance separation. s.l. : ITU. SM.337-6. 12. CEPT/ERC/RECOMMENDATION 12-06 E. Preferred channel arrangements for fixed service systems operating in the frequency band 10.7 - 11.7 GHz. s.l. : CEPT, Rome 1996, revised Rottach Egern, February 2010. ERC 12-06E.

acma | 11

Appendix A Transmitter and Receiver Characteristics

Table 3 – Emission masks details

Band Channel width (MHz) Modulation Recommended class

k1 f1 k2 f2 k3 f3 k4 f4 k5 f5 k6 f6 k7 f7

6 GHz 29.65 16 QAM, 16 APSK 4L 2 12.8 -27 17 -55 56

59.3 32 QAM, 32 APSK 4H 2 24 -10 30 -33 33.6 -40 70 -55 110

6.7 GHz 40 64QAM 5 2 18 -10 21.5 -32 24.5 -35 29 -45 57 -55 77 -55 77

80 64QAM 5 2 36 -10 43 -32 49 -35 58 -45 114 -55 154 -55 154

7.5 GHz 7 4 FSK, 4QAM and 8PSK 2,3 1 3.4 -23 4.2 -23 6.8 -45 12

14 16 QAM, 16 APSK 4L 1 6.4 -28 8.8 -55 28

8 GHz 29.65 16QAM, 16APSK etc 4L 2 12.8 -27 17 -55 56

59.3 32QAM, 32APSK etc 4H 2 24 -10 30 -33 33.6 -40 70 -55 110

10 GHz 7 4 FSK, 4QAM and 8PSK 2,3 1 3.4 -23 4.2 -23 6.8 -45 12

14 16 QAM, 16 APSK 4L 1 6.4 -28 8.8 -55 28

11 GHz 40 64QAM 5 2 18 -10 21.5 -32 24.5 -35 29 -45 57 -55 77

80 64QAM 5 2 36 -10 43 -32 49 -35 58 -45 114 -55 154

13 GHz 28 16 QAM, 16 APSK 4L 2 12.8 -27 17 -55 56

15 GHz 7 4 FSK, 4QAM and 8PSK 2,3 1 3.4 -23 4.2 -23 6.8 -45 12

12 | acma

14 16 QAM, 16 APSK 4L 1 6.4 -28 8.8 -55 28

28 16 QAM, 16 APSK 4L 2 12.8 -27 17 -55 56

18 GHz

7.5 4 FSK, 4QAM and 8PSK 2, 3 3.4 -23 4.2 -23 6.8 -45 12 3.4

13.75 16 QAM, 16 APSK 4L 1 6.4 -28 8.8 -55 28

27.5 16 QAM, 16 APSK 4L 2 12.8 -27 17 -55 56

55 32 QAM, 32 APSK 4H 2 24 -10 30 -33 33.6 -40 70 -50 96.6

22 GHz

7 4 FSK, 4QAM and 8PSK 2,3 1 3.4 -23 4.2 -23 6.8 -45 12

14 16 QAM, 16 APSK 4L 1 6.4 -28 8.8 -50 24.8

28 16 QAM, 16 APSK 4L 2 12.8 -27 17 -50 49

50 32 QAM, 32 APSK 4H 2 21.43 -10 26.79 -33 30 -40 62.5 -50 86.25

56 32 QAM, 32 APSK 4H 2 24 -10 30 -33 33.6 -40 70 -50 96.6

28 GHz

28 64 QAM 5LB 2 12 -10 14.5 -32 15.5 -36 17 -45 40 -50 47

56 64 QAM 5LB 2 24 -10 29 -32 31 -36 34 -45 80 -50 94

112 64 QAM 5LB 2 48 -10 58 -32 62 -36 68 -45 160 -50 188

38 GHz

7 4 FSK, 4QAM and 8PSK 2,3 1 3.4 -23 4.2 -23 6.8 -45 12

14 16 QAM, 16 APSK 4L 1 6.4 -28 8.8 -50 24.8

28 16 QAM, 16 APSK 4L 2 12.8 -27 17 -50 49

50 GHz 40 64QAM 5 2 18 -10 21.5 -32 24.5 -35 29 -45 57 -55 77

acma | 13

Table 4 - Receiver characteristics details

Band Channel width (MHz)

Modulation Class Payload Overhead factor

Modulation order

6 GHz 29.65 16QAM, 16APSK etc 4L 67 20 4

59.3 32QAM, 32APSK etc 4H 197 5 5

6.7 GHz

40 64QAM 5 149 20 6

80 64QAM 5 298 20 6

7.5 GHz

7 4 FSK, 4QAM and 8PSK 2,3 12.5 20 3

14 16 QAM, 16 APSK 4L 34 20 4

8 GHz 29.65 16QAM, 16APSK etc 4L 67 20 4

59.3 32QAM, 32APSK etc 4H 197 5 5

10 GHz

7 4 FSK, 4QAM and 8PSK 2,3 12.5 20 3

14 16 QAM, 16 APSK 4L 34 20 4

11 GHz

40 64QAM 5 149 20 6

80 64QAM 5 298 20 6

13 GHz

28 16 QAM, 16 APSK 4L 67 20 4

15 GHz

7 4 FSK, 4QAM and 8PSK 2,3 12.5 20 3

14 16 QAM, 16 APSK 4L 34 20 4

28 16 QAM, 16 APSK 4L 67 20 4

18 GHz

7.5 4 FSK, 4QAM and 8PSK 2, 3 12.5 20 3

13.75 16 QAM, 16 APSK 4L 34 20 4

27.5 16 QAM, 16 APSK 4L 67 20 4

55 32 QAM, 32 APSK 4H 186 10 5

22 GHz

7 4 FSK, 4QAM and 8PSK 2,3 12.5 20 3

14 16 QAM, 16 APSK 4L 34 20 4

28 16 QAM, 16 APSK 4L 67 20 4

50 32 QAM, 32 APSK 4H 168 10 5

56 32 QAM, 32 APSK 4H 188 10 5

28 GHz

28 64 QAM 5LB 100 20 6

56 64 QAM 5LB 200 20 6

112 64 QAM 5LB 400 20 6

38 GHz

7 4 FSK, 4QAM and 8PSK 2,3 12.5 20 3

14 16 QAM, 16 APSK 4L 34 20 4

28 16 QAM, 16 APSK 4L 67 20 4

50 GHz

40 64QAM 5 149 20 6

14 | acma

Table 5 — Additional parameters required for protection ratio calculation

Frequency band (GHz)

Path length (km)

NF (dB)

6 50 4

6.7 50 4

7.5 50 4

8 50 4

10 30 4.5

11 30 4.5

13 20 5

15 20 5

18 10 5

22 5 5.5

28 2 6.5

38 2 7.5

50 2 10

Notes: 1. Path length (d km) is the notional path length used in FX 3 for calculating path

length correct factors 2. Noise figure from ETSI TR 101 854 V1.2.1 (2005-01), Table 2: Typical Noise

Figures (NF) and associated Industrial Margins (IMF), column 2 “Typical Noise Figure (NF) (dB)

acma | 15

Table 6 – Parameters related to protection ratio calculation for new channels

Band (GHz)

Channel width (MHz)

Modulation

S/N based on ITU-R F.1101 (dB)

Fade margin based on

ITU-R 530-15 (dB)

Rain fade based on

ITU-R 530-15 (p=0.01%,R=80)

(dB)

Receiver input signal level RSL (upper bound) for BER 10-6

(dBm)

Co-channel protection

ratio based on

ITU-R 530-15 (dB)

RSL ETSI Reference: ETSI EN 302 217-2-2 v2.1.0

6 59.3 32QAM,

32APSK etc 23.5 38.05 - -68 68.1

Table b.6, Reference index 5, Class 4H

6.7 80 64QAM 23.8 - 26.5 38.4 - -66 69.2 Based on Table c.6, Reference index 6, Class 5LB

8 59.3 32QAM,

32APSK etc 23.5 40.02 - -68 69.1

Table b.6, Reference index 5, Class 4H

11 80 64QAM 23.8 - 26.5 32.8 40.2 -65 70.5 Based on Table c.6, Reference index 6, Class 5LB

22 56 32 QAM, 32

APSK 20.6 - 23.5* - 35.7 -67 65.5

Table E.8B, Reference index 5, Class 4H

28

28 64 QAM 23.8 - 26.5* - 27.81 -63 64.6 Table E.8B, Reference index 7, Class 5HA/5HB

56 64 QAM 23.8 - 26.5* - 27.81 -60 64.6

112 64 QAM 23.8 - 26.5* - 27.81 -57 64.6

16 | acma

Appendix B Transmitter Emission Masks and Receiver Selectivity Graphs

THE 6 GHz BAND (5925 - 6425 MHz)

Emission Masks

f1 f2 f3

Offset (MHz) 12.8 17 56

Attenuation (dB) 2 -27 -55

f1 f2 f3 f4 f5

Offset (MHz) 24 30 33.6 70 110

Attenuation (dB) 2 -10 -33 -40 -55

acma | 17

18 | acma


Receiver Masks

acma | 19

THE 6.7 GHz BAND (6425 - 7110 MHz)

Transmitter Emission Masks

f1 f2 f3 f4 f5 f6

Offset (MHz) 18 21.5 24.5 29 57 77

Attenuation (dB) 2 -10 -32 -35 -45 -55

f1 f2 f3 f4 f5 f6

Offset (MHz) 36 43 49 58 114 154

Attenuation (dB) 2 -10 -32 -35 -45 -55

20 | acma

THE 6.7 GHz BAND (6425 - 7110 MHz)

Receiver Masks

acma | 21



f1 f2 f3

Offset (MHz) 12.8 17 56


f1 f2 f3 f4 f5

Offset (MHz) 24 30 33.6 70 110

Attenuation (dB) 2 -10 -33 -40 -55

22 | acma


Receiver Masks

acma | 23

THE 10 GHz BAND (10.55 - 10.68 GHz)


f1 f2 f3 f4

Frequency (MHz) 3.4 4.2 6.8 12

Attenuation (dB) 1 -23 -23 -45

f1 f2 f3

Frequency (MHz) 6.4 8.8 28


24 | acma

THE 10 GHz BAND (10.55 - 10.68 GHz)

Receiver Masks

acma | 25

THE 11 GHz BAND (10.7 - 11.7 GHz)


f1 f2 f3 f4 f5 f6

Offset (MHz) 18 21.5 24.5 29 57 77

Attenuation (dB) 2 -10 -32 -35 -45 -55

f1 f2 f3 f4 f5 f6

Offset (MHz) 36 43 49 58 114 154

Attenuation (dB) 2 -10 -32 -35 -45 -55

26 | acma

THE 11 GHz BAND (10.7 - 11.7 GHz)

Receiver Masks

acma | 27

THE 15 GHz BAND (14.5 - 15.35 GHz)


f1 f2 f3 f4



f1 f2 f3

Frequency (MHz) 6.4 8.8 28


28 | acma

f1 f2 f3

Frequency (MHz) 12.8 17 56 Attenuation (dB) 2 -27 -55

acma | 29

THE 15 GHz BAND (14.5 - 15.35 GHz)

Receiver Masks

30 | acma

THE 22 GHz BAND (21.2 - 23.6 GHz)

f1 f2 f3 f4



f1 f2 f3

Frequency (MHz) 6.4 8.8 24.8


acma | 31

f1 f2 f3

Frequency (MHz) 12.8 17 49


f1 f2 f3

Frequency (MHz) 22.8 30.4 87.5

Attenuation (dB) 2 27 -50

32 | acma

f1 f2 f3 f4 f5

Frequency (MHz) 24 30 33.6 70 96.6

Attenuation (dB) 2 -10 -33 -40 -50

acma | 33

THE 22 GHz BAND (21.2 - 23.6 GHz)

Receiver Masks

34 | acma

acma | 35

THE 28 GHz BAND (27.5 – 29.5 GHz)

f1 f2 f3 f4 f5 f6

Frequency (MHz) 12 14.5 15.5 17 40 47

Attenuation (dB) 2 -10 -32 -36 -45 -50

f1 f2 f3 f4 f5 f6

Frequency (MHz) 24 29 31 34 80 94

Attenuation (dB) 2 -10 -32 -36 -45 -50

36 | acma

f1 f2 f3 f4 f5 f6

Frequency (MHz) 48 58 62 68 160 188

Attenuation (dB) 2 -10 -32 -36 -45 -50

acma | 37

THE 28 GHz BAND (27.5 – 29.5 GHz)

Receiver Masks

Microwave fixed point-to-point services assignment statistics— 1 January 2008 to 1 January 2012 Spectrum planning report 2014/04MAY 2014

Contents

acma | iii

Introduction 1

Purpose 1 Background 1 Band-by-band analysis 1

6 GHz band 3 Current arrangement 3 International arrangements 3 Assignment statistics and analysis 4

6.7 GHz band 8 Current arrangement 8 International arrangements 8 Assignment statistics and analysis 9

7.5 GHz band 13 Current arrangement 13 International arrangements and equipment 13 Assignment statistics and analysis 14





Contents (Continued)

iv | acma

Fixed services 35 TOB services 39



22 GHz band 51 Current arrangement 51 International arrangements 52 Assignment statistics and analysis 52 Fixed services 52 TOB services 57


References 63

acma | 1

Introduction

Purpose The purpose of this report is to provide assignment statistics and trends for microwave fixed point-to-point links for bands in Radiocommunications Assignment and Licensing Instruction (RALI) FX3 Microwave Fixed Services Frequency Coordination (1) over 5 GHz. Detailed information is provided for the five year period from 1 January 2008 to 1 January 2012.

Background The spectrum arrangements in RALI FX 3 support fixed systems operating in bands between 1 to 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.

Band-by-band analysis For each of the bands considered in this report, the following information is provided:

> current channel plan

> summary of typical use

> assignment trends including:

> spectrum occupancy

> assignments by year

> assignments by emission bandwidth

> assignments by channel

> summary of observed trends.

In presenting this information, the following definitions 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. 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.

Statistics for the following bands are considered in this report:

> 6 GHz (5925–6425 MHz) band

2 | acma

> 6.7 GHz (6425–7110 MHz) band

> 7.5 GHz (7425–7725 MHz) band

> 8 GHz (7725–8275 MHz) band

> 10 GHz (10.55–10.68 GHz) band

> 11 GHz (10.7–11.7MGz) band

> 13 GHz (12.75–13.25 GHz) band

> 15 GHz (14.5–15.35 GHz) band

> 18 GHz (17.7–19.7 GHz) band

> 22 GHz (21.2–23.6 GHz) band

> 38 GHz (37–39.5 GHz) band.

Bands not considered in this report Bands below 5 GHz (.5 GHz, 1.5 GHz DCRS, 1.8 GHz, 2.1 GHz, 2.2 GHz and 3.8 GHz) were previously considered in a 2010 ACMA discussion paper and are not considered in this paper.1 The 5 GHz band is primarily used for Department of Defence purposes. No assignment for non-Defence fixed link services have been allowed since July 1998. The band was not included in this report.

1 See IFC 38/2010, Proposed changes to channel arrangements for fixed point-to-point links in the lower

microwave frequency bands.

acma | 3

6 GHz band Current arrangement Channel arrangements in the 6 GHz band (5295–6325 MHz) consist of eight main and eight interleaved 29.65 MHz wide channel pairs (see Figure 1). This band is designated for medium and high capacity links, and is commonly used to form long haul (trunk) routes.

Figure 1: Current channel arrangement for the 6 GHz band

International arrangements Channel arrangements for fixed links operating in the 6 GHz band are covered in ITU-R Recommendation F.383 (2). The recommendation presents arrangements for channel separations of 5, 10, 20, 28, 29.65, 40, 60, 80 and 90 MHz. The current channel plan conforms to ITU recommendations.

1

5945

.20

2

5974

.85

3

6004

.50

4

6034

.15

5

6063

.80

6

6093

.45

7

6123

.10

8

6152

.75

1'

6197

.24

2'

6226

.89

3'

6256

.54

4'

6286

.19

5'

6315

.84

6'

6345

.49

7'

6375

.14

8'

6404

.79

2

5960

.025

3

5989

.675

4

6019

.325

5

6048

.975

6

6078

.625

7

6108

.275

8

6137

.925

1'

6182

.415

2'

6212

.065

3'

6241

.715

4'

6271

.365

5'

6301

.015

6'

6330

.665

7'

6360

.315

8'

6389

.965

5925 6425

5925 6425

252.04 MHz29.65 MHz

6175fo

29.65 MHz252.04 MHz

6175

MAIN

INTERLEAVED

fo

1

5930

.375

4 | acma

Assignment statistics and analysis

Figure 2: 6 GHz band assignment trends by density areas

Table 1: 6 GHz assignments by density area

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

High density 195 205 208 205 249

Medium density 34 32 64 78 90

Low density 1,124 1,176 1,245 1,357 1,541

Remote 28 24 26 34 60

Australia 1,381 1,437 1,543 1,674 1,940

0200400600800

1,0001,2001,4001,6001,8002,000

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Nu

mb

er

of

ass

ign

me

nts

Year

High Density

Medium Density

Low Density

Remote

Australia

acma | 5

Figure 3: 6 GHz band spectrum usage trends by density area

Table 2: 6 GHz spectrum usage by density area

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

High density 5.5 5.9 6.0 5.9 7.1

Medium density 1.0 0.9 1.8 2.2 2.6

Low density 37.2 34.0 36.0 39.3 44.4

Remote 0.8 0.8 0.8 1.0 1.7

Australia 44.5 41.6 44.6 48.4 55.8

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

To

tal

occ

up

ied

ban

dw

idth

(G

Hz)

Year

High Density

Medium Density

Low Density

Remote

Australia

6 | acma

Figure 4 6 GHz assignments.

Green = low density, blue = medium density, red = high density.

Figure 5: 6 GHz band major users’ occupied bandwidth

0

5

10

15

20

25

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Total O

ccupied Ban

dwidth

(GHz)

Year

DDA

Southern Cross Telco

Optus Networks Pty Limited

acma | 7

The three largest licensees (Digital Distribution Australia, Southern Cross Telecommunications and Optus Mobile) together hold 73 per cent of all assignments in this band and total spectrum in use. As Figure 5 illustrates, Optus Mobile is the only major licensee to significantly increase its use of the band in the last five years. Between 2011 and 2012, Optus increased their occupied bandwidth by 72 per cent, accounting for 76 per cent of the rise in overall spectrum usage and overall assignments

Figure 6: 6 GHz band distribution of emission bandwidths

Figure 7: Channel loading in the 6 GHz band—Use of main vs interleaved rasters

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

18 23.4 24 28 29 29.5 29.6 29.7 other

Nu

mb

er o

f as

sig

nm

ents

Emission bandwidth (MHz)

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

200

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1' 2' 3' 4' 5' 6' 7' 8'

Nu

mb

er

of

ass

ign

me

nts

Channel number

main

interleaved

8 | acma

6.7 GHz band Current arrangement The existing channel arrangement for the 6.7 GHz band (6425–7110 MHz) consists of eight main and eight interleaved channel pairs of 40 MHz width (see Figure 8). The designated use of this band is high capacity, long haul radio relay.

Figure 8: Current channel arrangement for the 6.7 GHz band

International arrangements ITU-R Recommendation F.384 (3) provides arrangements for channel bandwidths of 40, 30, 20 and 10 MHz, with a preferred centre frequency of 6770 MHz. The current channel arrangement complies with ITU recommendations.

1

6460

2

6500

3

6540

4

6580

5

6620

6

6660

7

6700

8

6740

1'

6800

2'

6840

3'

6880

4'

6920

5'

6960

6'

7000

7'

7040

8'

7080

1

6440

2

6480

3

6520

4

6560

5

6600

6

6640

7

6680

8

6720

1'

6780

2'

6820

3'

6860

4'

6900

5'

6940

6'

6980

7'

7020

8'

7060

7110

7110

340 MHz40 MHz

6770fo

40 MHz340 MHz

6770fo

6425

6425

MAIN

INTERLEAVED

acma | 9


Figure 9: 6.7 GHz band assignment trends by density areas

Table 3: 6.7 GHz assignments by density area

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

High density 338 334 326 272 258


Low density 2,108 2,060 2,033 2,041 1,864

Remote 866 788 750 788 785

Australia 3,436 3,302 3,206 3,207 2,984

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

3,500

4,000

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Nu

mb

er

of

ass

ign

me

nts

Year

High Density

Medium Density

Low Density

Remote

Australia

10 | acma

Figure 10: 6.7 GHz band spectrum usage trends by density area

Table 4: 6.7 GHz spectrum usage by density area

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

High density 12.3 12.2 11.9 9.9 9.5

Medium density 4.5 4.3 3.6 3.9 2.9

Low density 75.7 74.9 75.1 75.5 69.8

Remote 29.6 26.8 25.1 26.7 26.5

Australia 122.1 118.2 115.8 116.1 108.8

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

To

tal o

ccu

pie

d b

and

wid

th (

GH

z)

Year

High Density

Medium Density

Low Density

Remote

Australia

acma | 11

Figure 11: 6.7 GHz assignments.

Green = low density, blue = medium density, red = high density, black = remote.

Figure 12: 6.7 GHz band major users’ occupied bandwidth

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

To

tal o

ccu

pie

d b

and

wid

th

(GH

z)

Year

Ergon Energy

Southern Cross Telco

Telstra

12 | acma

The three largest licensees (Ergon Energy, Southern Cross Telecommunications and Telstra) together hold 61 per cent of all assignments in this band and 58 per cent of total spectrum in use. As Figure 12 illustrates, Telstra is the only major licensee to significantly decrease its use of the band in the last five years. Between 2011 and 2012, Telstra decreased their occupied bandwidth and assignments by 21 per cent. Conversely, Ergon Energy increased their occupied bandwidth and assignments by 58 per cent.

Figure 13: 6.7 GHz band distribution of emission bandwidths

Figure 14: Channel loading in the 6.7 GHz band—Usage of main vs interleaved rasters

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,400

1,600

1,800

below30

30 35 38 38.1 40 46.2 other

Nu

mb

er o

f as

sig

nm

ents


2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

0

50

100

150

200

250

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1' 2' 3' 4' 5' 6' 7' 8'

Nu

mb

er

of

ass

ign

me

nts

Channel number

main

interleaved

acma | 13

7.5 GHz band Current arrangement The 7.5 GHz band supports 7 MHz and 14 MHz channels as shown in Figure 15. Assignments instructions for the band note that assignments should not be made on channel 1 in the 7 MHz bandwidth plan to avoid band edge interference and that co-ordination with defence is required for assignments in Canberra.

Figure 15: Current channel arrangement for the 7.5 GHz band

International arrangements and equipment ITU-R Rec. F. 385-9 (4) provides RF channel arrangements for fixed wireless systems operating in frequency range 7100–7900 MHz. The Recommendation presents RF channel arrangements with channel separation of 3.5, 5, 7, 14 and 28 MHz. ECC/REC/(02)/06 (5) provides channel arrangements for digital fixed service systems operating in the frequency range 7125–8500 MHz. The recommended channel arrangements are with 56, 2 x 28, 28, 14, 7, 3.5 and 1.75 MHz channel spacing.

161 MHz7 MHz

7575fo

7575fo

7725

14 MHz161 MHz

2 3 4 5 6 7

2 3 4 85 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14

742

8

743

5

744

2

744

9

745

6

746

3

747

0

74 7

7

748

4

749

1

749

8

750

5

751

2

751

9

768

0

767

3

766

6

765

9

765

2

764

5

763

8

76 3

1

762

4

761

7

761

0

760

3

759

6

758

9

743

1.5

744

5.5

745

9.5

747

3.5

748

7.5

750

1.5

751

5.5

767

6.5

766

2.5

764

8.5

763

4.5

762

0.5

760

6.5

759

2.5

7564.5

1

1

7425 7564.5

15 16 17 18 19 20 2' 3' 4' 8'5' 6' 7' 9' 10' 11' 12' 13' 14'1' 15' 16' 17' 18' 19' 20'

9 108 2' 3' 4' 5' 6' 7'1' 9' 10'8'

769

0.5

770

4.5

771

8.5

752

9.5

754

3.5

755

7.5

768

7

769

4

770

1

77 0

8

771

5

772

2

752

6

753

3

754

0

754

7

755

4

756

17725

7425

14 | acma


Figure 16: 7.5 GHz band assignment trends by density areas

Table 5: 7.5 GHz assignments by density area

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

High density 432 422 436 413 441

Medium density 104 128 110 112 108

Low density 1,702 1,697 1,541 1,419 1,554

Remote 486 344 296 286 295

Australia 2,724 2,591 2,383 2,230 2,398

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Nu

mb

er

of

ass

ing

me

nts

Year

High Density

Medium Density

Low Density

Remote

Australia sum

acma | 15

Figure 17: 7.5 GHz band spectrum usage trends by density area

Table 6: 7.5 GHz spectrum usage by density area

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

High density 4.1 4.1 4.1 3.9 4.2

Medium density 1.1 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.1

Low density 17.1 17.3 15.9 14.9 16.6

Remote 4.6 3.6 3.2 3.1 3.2

Australia 26.8 26.3 24.4 23.1 25.1

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

To

tal o

ccu

pie

d b

and

wid

th (

GH

z)

High Density

Medium Density

Low Density

Remote

Australia

16 | acma

Figure 18: 7.5 GHz assignments.


Figure 19: 7.5 GHz band major users’ occupied bandwidth

0123456789

Sp

ectr

um

(G

Hz)

Licensees

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

acma | 17

Figure 19 presents the major users on the 7.5 GHz band over the last five years. From 2008 to 2011the majority of major users demonstrated a decline in total occupied spectrum. However, in 2012, all major users have either shown a distinct increase or have maintained their total occupied spectrum use. Of the major users, in 2012 Telstra and Optus had the greatest increases of 2.7 GHZ (53 per cent) and 2.21 GHz (631 per cent) respectively. The greatest increase of 4.23 GHz (118 per cent) was observed by ‘others’. This indicates that several smaller users have found this band quite useful for their requirements.

Figure 20: 7.5 GHz band distribution of emission bandwidths

Figure 21 shows the 7 MHz channel loading for the 7.5 GHz band. The assignment priority is defined from the lowest channel upward, and it is evident that the assignments have been made in accordance with this rule.

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

below3.5

3.5 4 - 6.15 7 7.09 -13.7

14 14.7 -28

Nu

mb

er

of

ass

ign

me

nts


2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

18 | acma

Figure 21: 7 MHz channel loading in the 7.5 GHz band

Figure 22 shows the 14 MHz channel loading for the 7.5 GHz band. The assignment priority is defined from the highest channel downward, and it is evident that the assignees have generally followed this rule.

Figure 22: 14 MHz channel loading in of the 7.5 GHz band

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 1' 3' 5' 7' 9' 11' 13' 15' 17' 19'

Nu

mb

er o

f as

sig

nm

en

ts

Channels

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1' 2' 3' 4' 5' 6' 7' 8' 9' 10'

Nu

mb

er o

f as

sig

nm

en

ts

Channels

acma | 19

8 GHz band Current arrangement The 8 GHz band (7725–8275 MHz) channel arrangement consists of eight main and eight interleaved 29.65 channel pairs (see Figure 23). This band is typically used for medium haul radio relay and medium and high capacity point-to-point links.


International arrangements ITU-R Recommendation F.386 (6) contains channel arrangements for the band 7725–8500 MHz, with a centre frequency of 8000 MHz. The current channel plan complies with these recommendations. In the case of 29.65 MHz channels, it is recommended that any two adjacent channels may be concatenated for use in very high capacity links.

1

7747

.70

2

7777

.35

3

7807

.00

4

7836

.65

5

7866

.30

6

7895

.95

7

7925

.60

8

7955

.25

1'

8059

.02

2'

8088

.67

3'

8118

.32

4'

8147

.97

5'

8177

.62

6'

8207

.27

7'

8236

.92

8'

8266

.57

1

7732

.875

2

7762

.525

3

7792

.175

4

`782

1.82

5

5

7851

.475

6

7881

.125

7

7910

.775

8

7940

.425

1'

8044

.195

2'

8073

.845

3'

8103

.495

4'

8133

.145

5'

8162

.795

6'

8192

.445

7'

8222

.095

8'

8251

.745

7725 8275

82757725

311.32 MHz29.65 MHz

8000fo

MAIN

INTERLEAVED

29.65 MHz311.32 MHz

8000fo

20 | acma




2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

High density 748 873 943 939 1,004

Medium density 240 286 292 255 272

Low density 1,885 2,538 2,828 3,429 3,815

Remote 351 371 393 459 529

Australia 3,224 4,068 4,456 5,082 5,620

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Nu

mb

er o

f as

sig

nm

ents

Year

High Density

Medium Density

Low Density

Remote

Australia sum

acma | 21



2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

High density 19.4 23.2 24.9 25.0 27.0

Medium density 6.0 7.3 7.5 6.7 7.2

Low density 47.5 66.0 74.6 92.2 103.3

Remote 8.7 9.4 10.1 12.0 14.0

Australia 82.9 107.4 118.5 137.1 151.5

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

To

tal o

ccu

pie

d b

and

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Medium Density

Low Density

Remote

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22 | acma

Figure 26: 8 GHz assignments.



The major licensees in this band are Optus Mobile, Telstra, Digital Distribution Australia, and Vodafone who together occupy 63 per cent of the used spectrum. Between 2011 and 2012, Optus Mobile and Vodafone contributed 72 per cent of the

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acma | 23

overall increase in spectrum occupancy (see Figure 27). Usage by other major licensees has remained stable since 2008.


Figure 29: Channel loading in the 8 GHz band—Usage of main vs interleaved rasters

0

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17 18 27 28 29 29.6 other

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24 | acma

10 GHz band Current arrangement The existing channel plan, shown in Figure 30, for the 10 GHz band (10.55–10.68 GHz) consists of:


> 1 x 7 MHz unpaired channel

> 4 x 14 MHz paired channels.

The propagation characteristics of this band means that it is suited to short haul applications. The narrow channel widths support data rates of 2–8 Mb/s, and narrow deviation FM video services.


International arrangements The frequency band 10.6–10.7 GHz is internationally allocated to Earth exploration-satellite service (EESS) (passive) and space research service (SRS) (passive). ITU Resolution 751 (WRC-07) (7) contains criteria for sharing between EESS and fixed services in this band. ITU-R Recommendation F.747 (8) presents arrangements for channel bandwidths of 1.25, 3.5 and 7 MHz. The 7 MHz return channels in the upper half of the band comply with the homogenous pattern suggested by the ITU. However, channels in the lower half of the band are offset from the pattern by 5 MHz in order to allow for the 14 MHz raster. The offset is absorbed in the mid-band gap (9 MHz instead of the recommended 14 MHz). The 14 MHz overlay is based on the 7 MHz raster.

65 MHz7 MHz

10.68

3 4 5 6 7 8 91 2

10.565

10.572

10.579

10.586

10.593 10.6

0010.6

0710.6

1410.

558 10.623

10.630

10.637 10.6

4410.

65110.6

5810.6

6510.6

72

1' 2' 3' 4' 5' 6' 7' 8'

10.68

14 MHz65 MHz

1 2 3 4

10.5615 10.5755 10.5895 10.6035

1' 2' 3' 4'

10.6265 10.6405 10.6545 10.6685

10.55

10.55

acma | 25




2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

High density 406 356 294 276 248


Low density 824 777 656 638 538

Remote 158 146 147 141 134

Australia 1,469 1,368 1,170 1,118 963

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26 | acma



2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

High density 3.6 3.2 2.7 2.5 2.2

Medium density 0.7 0.8 0.6 0.5 0.4

Low density 6.5 6.1 5.3 5.2 4.5

Remote 1.3 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.1

Australia 12.1 11.2 9.7 9.3 8.1

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14

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acma | 27




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Transend

Telstra

Vodafone

other

28 | acma

The major licensees in this band are Transcend, Telstra, and Vodafone who together occupy 58 per cent of the used spectrum. Between 2008 and 2012, the total occupied spectrum has decreased by 4.0 GHz (–33 per cent). Telstra and Vodafone have also decreased their total occupied spectrum by 0.29 GHz (–17 per cent) and 2.53 GHz (–48 per cent) respectively (see Figure 34). Usage by the other major licensees, Transcend, has remained stable since 2009 at 0.57 GHz.


Figure 36: Channel loading in the 10 GHz band

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acma | 29

11 GHz band Current arrangement The 11 GHz band (10.7–11.7 GHz) is divided in to 12 main and 12 interleaved channels of 40 MHz (see Figure 37). The band is designated for use by digital high capacity point-to-point links. This channelling arrangement is suitable for high capacity trunk and urban network applications. Due to susceptibility to rain outage, trunk usage in Australia is limited and operators prefer the lower frequency high capacity bands at 3.8 and 6.7 GHz for long haul applications. Nevertheless, the band is well suited to high capacity applications in the urban environment and scope exists to accommodate urban and regional links with achievable link paths up to about 40 km. As earth stations also operate in this band, any proposed fixed links may be subject to coordination.


Main

Interleaved

International arrangements ITU-R Recommendation F.387 (9) provides arrangements for channel plans with 40 MHz bandwidth. The current channel plan complies with ITU recommendations.

1

10.735

2

10.775

3

10.815

4

10.855

5

10.895

6

10.935

7

10.975

8

11.015

9

11.055

10

11.095

11

11.135

12

11.175

1'

11.225

2'

11.265

3'

11.305

4'

11.345

5'

11.385

6'

11.425

7'

11.465

8'

11.505

9'

11.545

10'

11.585

11'

11.625

12'

11.665

11.7

490 MHz40 MHz

11.210.7

fo

1

10.715

2

10.755

3

10.795

4

10.835

5

10.875

6

10.915

7

10.955

8

10.995

9

11.035

10

11.075

11

11.115

12

11.155

1'

11.205

2'

11.245

3'

11.285

4'

11.325

5'

11.365

6'

11.405

7'

11.445

8'

11.485

9'

11.525

10'

11.565

11'

11.605

12'

11.645

11.7

490 MHz40 MHz

11.210.7

30 | acma




2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

High density 187 271 355 385 513

Medium density 82 108 162 192 282

Low density 364 448 846 1,134 1,532

Remote 28 38 102 126 218

Australia 661 865 1,465 1,837 2,545

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3,000

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acma | 31



2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

High density 6.7 10.0 13.1 14.4 18.8

Medium density 3.1 4.1 6.1 7.2 10.4

Low density 12.9 15.8 30.0 40.1 53.8

Remote 0.9 1.2 3.2 4.1 7.2

Australia 16.9 21.1 39.2 51.4 90.3

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32 | acma




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Licensees

DDA

Telstra CorporationLimited

Vodafone

Optus

other

acma | 33

The major licensees in this band are Optus, Telstra, and Vodafone who together occupy 58 per cent of the used spectrum. Since 2008, this band has seen a significant increase in occupied spectrum usage with an increase of 65.7 GHz (283 per cent). Both Optus and Vodafone have increased their total occupied spectrum from 0 GHz to 25.9 GHz and 14.736 GHz respectively (see Figure 41). Over the same period Telstra has virtually maintained their total occupied spectrum at 11.6 GHz. ‘Other’ users have increase their total occupied spectrum by 25.94 GHz (398 per cent). Overall, it is evident that this band is favourable to all industry members and continues to see significant annual growth.


Figure 43: Channel loading in the 11 GHz band—Usage of main vs interleaved rastors

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25.9 28 30 35 40 other

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Interleaved

34 | acma

13 GHz band Current arrangement The current channel arrangement consists of main and interleaved channel rasters. The main channel raster consists of 8 x 28 MHz paired channels and an interleaved channel raster consisting of 8 x 28 MHz paired with 7 x 28 MHz and 1 x 23 MHz channels (channel 8). Four channels (4, 6, 7 and 8) are dedicated for the television outside broadcasting (TOB) service and the three channels (1, 3 and 5) are dedicated for the fixed point-to-point services. Channel 2 is restricted for use in this band by either the broadcasting service (TOB) or the fixed services. The channel arrangement is shown in Figure 44.


International arrangements Rec. ITU-R F.497-7 (10) provides RF channel arrangements for fixed wireless systems (FWS) operating in the 13 GHz band. The main text of this recommendation presents an RF arrangement with a channel separation of 28 MHz in the frequency range 12.75–13.25 GHz. Methodologies are provided for subdividing the main 28 MHz wide channels into smaller channels of 14, 7 and 3.5 MHz, as well as for extending the use to 2 x 28 MHz adjacent channels. ETSI EN 302 217-2-2 (11) provides channel arrangements for point-to-point systems operating in the various frequency bands including the 13 GHz band.

12.75 13.25

266 MHz

13.00fo

MAIN

13.00

fo

12.75 13.25

INTERLEAVED

266 MHz

ABC= Seven Network; = Nine Network; = Ten Network;TOB Network Licences : 1097 = ABC Network

9 9

9 9

10 10

10 107 7

7 7ABC ABC

ABC ABC

12.84

9

12.87

7

12.93

3

12.96

1

12.98

9

12.90

5

13.10

1

13.12

9

13.18

5

13.21

3

13.24

1

13.15

7

12.83

5

12.86

3

12.89

1

12.91

9

12.94

7

12.97

5

13.11

5

13.14

3

13.17

1

13.19

9

13.22

7

13.25

0

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1' 2' 3' 4' 5' 6' 7' 8'

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1' 2' 3' 4' 5' 6' 7' 8'

12.765 12.793 12.821 12.877 13.031 13.059 13.087 13.143

12.779 12.807 12.835 12.891 13.045 13.073 13.101 13.157

acma | 35

ETSI EN 301 128 v1.2.1 (2001-02) (12) specifies the minimum performance parameters for terrestrial fixed service digital radio communication equipment operating in the 13 GHz, 15 GHz and 18 GHz frequency bands.

Assignment statistics and analysis The 13 GHz band comprises of both fixed services and TOB services. For TOB services in the 13 GHz band, the analysis of the number of assignments per licensees is provided only.

Fixed services



2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

High density 629 654 605 636 786

Medium density 144 177 171 205 257

Low density 578 691 720 788 906

Remote 40 44 54 76 86

Australia 1,391 1,566 1,550 1,705 2,035

0

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36 | acma



2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

High density 16.1 16.8 15.2 16.1 20.2

Medium density 3.9 4.8 4.6 5.5 7.1

Low density 13.0 15.8 16.6 18.5 22.0

Remote 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.8 2.1

Australia 33.8 38.4 37.6 42.0 51.4

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2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

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acma | 37




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Licensees

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

38 | acma

The major licensees in this band are Soul Pattison, Telstra and Vodafone who together occupy 55 per cent of the used spectrum. Since 2008, this band has seen a steady increase in occupied spectrum usage with an increase of 17.5 GHz (52 per cent). Both Telstra and Vodafone have increased their total occupied spectrum by 1.4 GHz (39 per cent) and 12.5 GHz (159 per cent) respectively (see Figure 48). Over the same period, Soul Pattinson has virtually maintained their total occupied spectrum at 2.6 GHz. ‘Other’ users have increase their total occupied spectrum by 3.1 GHz (25 per cent). Overall, it is evident that this band is favourable to all industry members and continues to see annual growth.


Figure 49 shows the channel loading in the 13 GHz band. The majority of assignments have been recorded in the first and third channel. The fixed service assignments are not permitted on the fifth channel within 100 km of capital cities, and hence the number of assignments is substantially lower than on the first and third channel. The second channel, although it is not assigned either to fixed or broadcasting services, has been occasionally used for fixed services.

0

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1,200

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1,800

0 ‐ 14 14.01 ‐ 27.5 28

Number of assignments


2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

acma | 39

Figure 50: Channel loading in the 13 GHz band—Usage of main vs interleaved rasters

TOB services

Table 15 shows the number of assignments for TOB service in the last five years. Seven, Nine, Ten and ABC networks have Australia-wide assignments for the allocated channels. Only one assignment with limited coverage in Western Australia has been currently allocated to the TOB service on channel 2.


13 GHz 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012ABC 4 4 4 4 4 7 4 4 4 4 4 9 4 4 4 4 4 10 4 4 4 4 4 CFM 1 1 1 1 1

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40 | acma

15 GHz band Current arrangement The current channel arrangement is shown in Figure 51. It consists of:



> 3 x 28MHz paired channels.

This band is designated for use by low and medium capacity fixed point-to-point links, operating at data rates of 2-34 Mbit/s.


International arrangements ITU-R Rec. F.636-3 (13) provides radio frequency channel arrangements for fixed wireless systems operating in the 15 GHz (14.4–15.35 GHz) band. The Recommendation presents channel arrangements with bandwidths of 3.5, 7, 14 and 28 MHz. ETSI EN 301 128 v1.2.1 (2001-02) (12) specifies the minimum performance parameters for terrestrial fixed service digital radio communication equipment operating in the 13 GHz, 15 GHz and 18 GHz frequency bands. CEPT/ERC/Rec 12-07 E (14) provides harmonised radio frequency channel arrangements for digital terrestrial fixed systems operating in the bands 14.5–14.62 GHz paired with 15.23–15.35 GHz. This Recommendation details the radio frequency channel arrangements for bandwidths of 1.75 MHz, 3.5 MHz, 7 MHz, 14 MHz, 28 MHz and 56 MHz for the band 14.5–14.6 GHz paired with 15.23–15.35 GHz.

acma | 41




2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

High density 1,813 1,911 1,811 1,703 1,943

Medium density 685 773 717 665 751

Low density 1,340 1,528 1,424 1,376 1,490

Remote 106 148 154 186 204

Australia 3,944 4,360 4,106 3,930 4,388

0

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42 | acma



2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

High density 29.4 33.9 33.7 32.9 38.6

Medium density 11.2 13.5 13.6 12.7 14.7

Low density 18.1 26.6 27.7 29.0 31.1

Remote 1.8 2.9 3.2 3.9 4.4

Australia 60.4 77.0 78.2 78.5 88.8

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acma | 43




0

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45

Optus Vodafone Government Motorola other

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2012

44 | acma

Figure 55 shows the major users of the 15 GHz band over the last five years. Over the last four years, this band has shown an increase of 11.64 GHz (15 per cent). This growth can be accounted for by Vodafone’s increased usage of 12.63 GHz (83 per cent). All other users have maintained their total spectrum usage with only minimal variation. This band is predominantly used by Optus and Vodafone, who account for 74 per cent of total spectrum usage in this band.



0

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Assignments

Frequency (GHz)

7 MHz Channel

14 MHz Channel

28 MHz Channel

acma | 45

18 GHz band Current arrangement The current channel arrangement is shown in Error! Reference source not found. and Error! Reference source not found.. It consists of:

> 10 x 7.5MHz paired channels

> 20 x 13.75 MHz paired channels

> 10 x 27.5 MHz paired channels


This band is designated for use by small, medium and high capacity fixed point-to-point links, operating at data rates of 8–155 Mbit/s.

46 | acma


Figure 59: Detailed arrangements for the 7.5 MHz channels in the 18 GHz band

2 3 4

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1' 2' 3' 4' 5' 6' 7' 8' 9' 10'

2' 3' 4'

7.5 MHzChannels

18.68

875

1'

1

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

1' 2' 3' 4' 5' 6' 7' 8' 9' 10' 11' 12' 13' 14' 15' 16' 17' 18' 19' 20'

19.31

519

.3287

519

.3425

19.35

625

19.37

019

.3837

519

.3975

19.41

125

19.42

519

.4387

519

.4525

19.46

625

19.48

019

.4937

519

.5075

19.52

125

19.53

519

.5487

519

.5625

19.57

625

18.56

625

18.55

25

18.53

875

18.52

5

18.51

125

18.49

75

18.48

375

18.47

0

18.45

625

18.44

25

18.42

875

18.41

5

18.40

125

18.38

75

18.37

375

18.36

0

18.34

625

18.33

25

18.31

875

18.30

5

18.3

60

18.4

15

18.4

70

18.5

25

19.6

2375

18.61

375

19.7

18.7fo17.7

18.7fo

5

18.5

80

5'7.5 MHzChannels

19.3

1519

.342

519

.370

19.3

975

19.4

2519

.452

519

.480

19.5

075

19.5

3519

.562

5

19.3

70

19.4

25

19.4

80

19.5

35

19.5

90

18.3

05

18.3

325

18.3

60

18.3

875

18.4

1518

.442

518

.470

18.4

975

18.5

25

18.5

525

See page 2

See page 2

1010 MHz

13.75 MHz

13.75 MHz

27.5 MHz

27.5 MHz

55 MHz

55 MHz

19.6

9875

18.6175 18.6250 18.6325 18.6400 18.6475 18.6550 18.6625 18.6700 18.6775 18.6850

18.61375 18.68875

19.62375 19.69875

19.6275 19.6350 19.6425 19.6500 19.6575 19.6650 19.6725 19.6800 19.6875 19.6950

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1' 2' 3' 4' 5' 6' 7' 8' 9' 10'

1010 MHz

18.7fo

19.77.5 MHz

acma | 47

International arrangements ITU-R Rec. F.595-7 (15) provides radio frequency channel arrangements for fixed wireless systems operating in the 18 GHz (17.7–19.7 GHz) band. The Recommendation presents RF channel arrangements with separation of 1.25, 1.75, 2.5, 3.5, 5, 7, 7.5, 13.75, 27.5, 55 and 110 MHz. ETSI EN 301 128 v1.2.1 (2001-02) (12) specifies the minimum performance parameters for terrestrial fixed service digital radio communication equipment operating in the 13 GHz, 15 GHz and 18 GHz frequency bands.




2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

High density 2,712 2,968 2,800 2,720 3,062

Medium density 772 846 866 934 1,054

Low density 1,969 2,045 2,049 2,089 2,291

Remote 388 420 462 474 530

Australia 5,841 6,279 6,177 6,217 6,937

0

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3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

7,000

8,000

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

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Medium Density

Low Density

Remote

Australia Total

48 | acma



2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

High density 45 55 56.1 56.3 63.5

Medium density 11.5 15.1 17.2 20.1 22.8

Low density 24.7 31.2 36.3 42.2 50.5

Remote 3.4 4.3 5.9 6.8 8.6

Australia 81.2 101.3 109.6 118.6 136.8

0

20

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140

160

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acma | 49




0

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30

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Optus Vodafone Government Telstra other

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Licensees

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

50 | acma

Figure 63 shows the major users of the 18 GHz band over the last five years. The major licensees in this band are Optus, Telstra, and Vodafone who together occupy 71 per cent of the used spectrum. Since 2008, this band has seen a steady increase in occupied spectrum usage, with an increase of 37 GHz (44 per cent). Both Optus and Vodafone have increased their total occupied spectrum from by 6 GHz (30 per cent) and 10 GHz (55 per cent) respectively. Over the same period Telstra has marginally increased their total occupied spectrum by 0.8 GHz (six per cent). Government and ‘Other’ users have increased their total occupied spectrum by 8.6 GHz (67 per cent) and 11.5 GHz (56 per cent) respectively.



0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

3,500

0 - 7.5 7.5 7.5 -13.70

13.7 13.75-27.5

27.5 27.5 -55

55 other

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nm

ents


2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

0

100

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300

400

500

600

700

17.7 17.9 18.1 18.3 18.5 18.7 18.9 19.1 19.3 19.5 19.7

Ass

ign

me

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Frequency (GHz)

55 MHz

27.5 MHz

14 MHz

7 MHz

acma | 51

22 GHz band Current arrangement The current channel arrangement is shown in Figure 66 and Figure 67. It consists of:

> 10 x 3.5MHz paired channels





The first three 50MHz channels are dedicated for TOB (television outside broadcasting) services, and the rest of 50MHz channels are designated for the fixed services. This band is designated for use by fixed point-to-point links and TOB services. Typical date rates are 2–8 Mbit/s.


Figure 67: Detailed arrangements for 3.5, 7, 14 and 28 MHz channels in the 22 GHz band

52 | acma

International arrangements ITU-R Recommendation F.637-3 (16) provides radio-frequency channel arrangements for fixed wireless systems operating in the 21.2–23.6 GHz band. The recommendation presents several options for radio-frequency channel arrangements in this band for carrier spacing of 3.5 MHz, 7 MHz, 14 MHz, 28 MHz, 56 MHz and 112 MHz. The ETSI standard ETSI EN 300 198 (17) specifies the minimum performance parameters for terrestrial digital fixed service radio communications equipments operating in the 23 GHz frequency band. The ERC Report 033 (18) considers the use and applications of the radio spectrum above 20 GHz, and the potential benefits to be gained from operating radio relay systems in this region of the spectrum.

Assignment statistics and analysis The 22 GHz band comprises of both fixed services and TOB services. For TOB services in the 22 GHz band, the analysis of the number of assignments per licensees is provided only.

Fixed services



2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

High density 4,767 4,639 4,236 3,964 4,363

Medium density 1,319 1,303 1,232 1,234 1,363

Low density 537 575 512 500 573

Remote 20 24 36 42 52

Australia 6,643 6,541 6,016 5,740 6,351

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

7,000

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Nu

mb

er

of

assi

gn

men

ts

Year

High Density

Medium Density

Low Density

Remote

Australia

acma | 53



2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

High density 57.2 62.2 59.7 56.1 62.6

Medium density 13.7 15.1 16.0 16.9 19.6

Low density 8.1 10.0 10.5 11.5 15.3

Remote 0.5 0.6 0.9 1.2 4.8

Australia 79.4 88.0 87.1 85.7 102.3

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

To

tal o

ccu

pie

d b

and

wid

th (

GH

z)

Year

High Density

Medium Density

Low Density

Remote

Australia

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0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Voda/Hutch Hutchison Vodafone Optus Government other

To

tal o

ccu

pie

d b

and

wid

th

(GH

z)

Licensees

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

acma | 55

Figure 71 shows the major users of the 22 GHz band over the last five years. The major licensees in this band are Optus, Vodafone/Hutchison, and Vodafone who together occupy 74 per cent of the used spectrum. Over the last five years, the overall total occupied spectrum increase of 24.14 GHz (36 per cent) was predominantly made up of Vodafone’s increase in occupied spectrum 19.79 GHz (156 per cent). Over this same period, both Vodafone/Hutchison and Optus decreased their total occupied spectrum usage by 2.97 GHz (–12 per cent) and –2.27 GHz (–16 per cent) respectively. Vodafone/Hutchison’s decrease in spectrum usage may be a result of shared infrastructure with Vodafone. Government and ‘Other’ users have increased their total occupied spectrum by 2.45 GHz (37 per cent) and 7.14 GHz (90 per cent) respectively.


Figure 72 shows the emission bandwidths statistics for the 22 GHz band. The largest number of assignments has been recorded with the 7 MHz emission bandwidth. However, the number of assignments with the 7 MHz emission bandwidth has decreased, at the same time the number of assignments with the 28 MHz emission bandwidth has increased. The increasing/decreasing rate is almost the same. This result reflects the tendency to replace the 7 MHz links with the 28 MHz bandwidth links.

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

3,500

0 - 7.5 7.5 7.5 -13.70

13.7 13.75-27.5

27.5

Nu

mb

er o

f a

ssig

nm

en

ts


2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

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0

100

200

300

400

500

60021.2

21.3

21.4

21.5

21.6

21.7

21.8

21.9 22

22.1

22.2

22.3

22.4

22.5

22.6

22.7

22.8

22.9 23

23.1

23.2

23.3

23.4

23.5

23.6

Assignments

Frequency (GHz)

3.5 MHz Channel

7 MHz Channel

14 MHz Channel

28 MHz Channel

50 MHz Channel

acma | 57

TOB services

Table 22 shows the total number of TOB assignments in the 22 GHz band over the last five years.

Table 22: Number of TOB assignments in the 22 GHz band in the last five years

22 GHz band— TOB 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 11 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 14 4 4 4 4 4

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38 GHz band Current arrangement The current channel arrangement is shown in Figure 74. It consists of:




This band is designated for use by short haul, low-medium capacity, fixed point-to-point links.


International arrangements ITU-R Rec. F. 749-2 (19) provides radio frequency (RF) channel arrangements for fixed wireless systems operating in the 38 GHz (36–40.5 GHz) band. The Recommendation presents RF channel arrangements with separation of 2.5, 3.5, 5, 7, 7, 14, 28, 56, 112 and 140 MHz.

acma | 59




2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

High density 2,348 2,311 1,962 1,602 1,710

Medium density 544 512 448 369 446

Low density 158 162 134 92 114

Remote 12 20 25 31 31

Australia 3,062 3,005 2,569 2,094 2,301

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

3,500

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Nu

mb

er o

f as

sig

nm

ents

Year

High Density

Medium Density

Low Density

Remote

Australia

60 | acma



2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

High density 32.6 35.5 31.4 26.3 26.3

Medium density 7.1 7.9 7.8 6.3 8.1

Low density 2.8 3.0 2.8 2.0 2.5

Remote 0.1 0.4 0.5 0.7 0.7

Australia 42.6 46.9 42.5 35.3 37.6

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

To

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d b

and

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GH

z)

High Density

Medium Density

Low Density

Remote

Australia

acma | 61




0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Voda/Hutch Hutchison Vodafone Optus Government other

To

tal o

ccu

pie

d b

and

wid

th

(GH

z)

Licensees

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

62 | acma

Figure 78 shows the major users of the 38 GHz band over the last five years. The major licensees in this band are Optus and Vodafone who together occupy 63 per cent of the used spectrum. Over the last five years, the overall total occupied spectrum has decreased by 3.19 GHz (–seven per cent). Vodafone/Hutchison and government spectrum usage has remained relatively unchanged over the last five years. Vodafone and ‘Other’ have both increased their total occupied bandwidth by 5.27 GHZ (67 per cent) and 6.72 GHz (312 per cent). However, Optus has significantly decreased its total occupied spectrum by 14.48 GHz (–55 per cent).Overall, while Optus has shown a declining interest in using this band, there is a still significant interest from other users in using this band and further growth is expected.



0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,400

1,600

1,800

2,000

7 14 28 other

Nu

mb

er o

f as

sig

nm

ents


2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

37 37.25 37.5 37.75 38 38.25 38.5 38.75 39 39.25 39.5

Assignm

ents

Frequency (GHz)

7 MHz Channel

14 MHz Channel

28 MHz Channel

acma | 63

References

1. Australian Communications and Media Authority. Microwave Fixed Services Frequency Coordination. RALI FX 3. 2. ITU-R Recommendation F.383. Radio-Frequency Channel Arrangements for High Capacity Radio-Relay Systems Operating in the Lower 6 GHz Band. s.l. : ITU-R, 1959. F.383. 3. ITU-R Recommendation F.384. Radio-Frequency Channel Arrangements for Medium and High Capacity Digital Fixed Wireless Systems Operating in the Upper 6 GHz Band. s.l. : ITU-R, 1963. F.384. 4. ITU-R Recommendation F.385. Radio-Frequency Channel Arrangements for Fixed Wireless Systems Operating in the 7GHz (7110-7900MHz) band. s.l. : ITU-R, 2007. F.385. 5. ECC Recommendation (02)06. Channel Arrangements for Digital Fixed Service Systems Operating in the Frequency Range 7125-8500 MHz. s.l. : ECC, Revised 2011. ECC/REC/(02)/06. 6. ITU-R Recommendation F.386. Radio-Frequency Channel Arrangements for Medium and High Capacity Analogue or Digital Radio-Relay Systems Operating in The 8 Ghz Band. s.l. : ITU-R, 1963. F.386. 7. ITU Radio Regulation Resolution 751 (WRC-07). Use of the Frequency Band 10.6-10.68 GHz. 2007. ITU RR Res 751. 8. ITU-R Recommendation F.747. Radio-Frequency Channel Arrangements for Fixed Wireless Systems Operating in the 10 GHz Band. s.l. : ITU-R, 1992. F.747. 9. ITU-R Recommendation F.387. Radio-Frequency Channel Arrangements for Radio-Relay Systems Operating in The 11 Ghz Band. s.l. : ITU-R, 1963. F.387. 10. ITU-R Recommendation F.497. Radio-Frequency Channel Arrangements for Radio-Relay Systems Operating in the 13 GHz Frequency Band. s.l. : ITU-R, 1974. F.497. 11. ETSI EN 302 217-2-2. Fixed Radio Systems; Characteristics and Requirements for Point-to-Point Equipment and Antennas; Part 2-2: Digital Systems Operating in Frequency Bands Where Frequency Co-ordination is Applied; Harmonized EN Covering the Essential Requirements of Article . s.l. : ETSI, Revised 2012. EN 302 217-2-2 v2.0.0. 12. ETSI EN 301 128 v1.2.1 (2001-02). Fixed Radio Systems; Point-to-Point Equipment; Plesiochronous Digital Hierarchy (PHD); Low and Medium Capacity Digital Radio Systems Operating in the 13GHz, 15GHz and 18GHz Frequency Bands. s.l. : ETSI, Revised 2001. EN 301 128 v1.2.1. 13. ITU-R Recommendation F.636. Radio-Frequency Channel Arrangements for Radio-Relay Systems Operating in the 15 GHz Band. s.l. : ITU-R, Revised 1994. F.636.

14. CEPT/ERC Recommendation 12-07 E. Harmonised Radio Frequency Channel Arrangements for Digital Terrestrial Fixed Systems Operating in the Bands 14.5-14.62GHz Paired with 15.23-15.35GHz. s.l. : CEPT, 1996. ERC/REC 12-07 E. 15. ITU-R Recommenadtion F.595-7. Radio-Frequency Channel Arrangements for Radio-Relay Wireless Systems Operating in the 18GHz Frequency Band. s.l. : ITU-R, 2002. F.595-7. 16. ITU-R Recommendation F.637-3. Radio-Frequency Channel Arrangements for Fixed Wireless Systems Operating in the 23 GHz Band. s.l. : ITU-R, 1999. F.637-3. 17. ETSI EN 300 198 v15.1.1 (2002-07). Fixed Radio Systems; Point-to-Point Equipment; Parameters for Radio Systems for the Transmission of Digital Signals Operating at 23GHz. s.l. : ETSI, Revised 2002. EN 300 198 v15.1.1.

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18. ERC Report 033. The Use of Radio Frequencies above 20 GHz by Fixed Services and ENG/OB. s.l. : ERC, 1994. Report 033. 19. ITU-R Recommendation F.749-2. Radio-Frequency Arrangements for Systems of the Fixed Service Operating in the 38 GHz band. s.l. : ITU-R, Revised 2001. F.749-2. 20. ITU Radio Regulation Resolution 551 (WRC-07). Use of the Band 21.4-22 GHz for Broadcasting Satellite Service and Associated Feeder-Link Bands in Regions 1 and 3. 2007. ITU RR Res 551. 21. ITU Radio Regulation Resolution 525(Rev.WRC-07). Introduction of High-Definition Television Systems of the Broadcasting-Satellite Service in the Band 21.4-22.0 GHz in Regions 1 and 3. 2007. ITU RR Res 525(Rev.WRC-07).

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