White Spaces: Technological Context & International Outlook

Direzione Studi, Ricerca e Formazione

F. Ananasso – “White Spaces” - 24 Ottobre 2011 www.agcom.it

White Spaces:

Technological Context &

International Outlook

Fulvio Ananasso

Director of Studies, Research & Education

Giornata di studio “White Spaces: dalla TV ad Internet”

Torino, 24 Ottobre 2011



2

1. WHITE SPACES IN EUROPE

• Introduction

• Regulatory implications & cognitive functionalities for using white

spaces based on RSPG activities

• Some RSPG activities in progress

• CEPT technical activities

• UK approach and trials

• The Italian scenario – the ISBUL Research Program and “Catasto

delle Frequenze”

2. WHITE SPACES OUTSIDE EUROPE

• U.S. FCC approach and trials

• IEEE

• International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

3. WHITE SPACES – A COMMECIAL INITIATIVE (ASA)

4. CONCLUSIONS

Outline



3

1. WHITE SPACES IN EUROPE • Introduction







delle Frequenze”



• IEEE



4. CONCLUSIONS

Outline



4

“‟White Space‟ is a label indicating a part of the spectrum, which is

available for a radiocommunication application (service, system) at a given

time in a given geographical area on a non-interfering / non-protected

basis with regard to other services with a higher priority on a national

Basis” [Source: CEPT Report 24]

“… to allow unlicensed radio transmitters to operate in the broadcast

television spectrum at locations where that spectrum is not being used by

licensed service (this unused TV spectrum is often labeled as „white

Space‟)” [Source: FCC]

WHITE SPACES: preliminary definitions

frequency

time

power

Spectrum in use

White spaces



5

WHITE SPACES IN EUROPE Introduction (1/2)

In the EU2020 growth strategy, and in particular the Digital Agenda, one of the key objectives for the EU policy is to enhance the quality of life of European citizens.

This includes lowering access barriers to spectrum for new uses and users, in so promoting innovation and competition, strengthening the internal market and fostering digital inclusion and social cohesion.

Spectrum management can contribute to efforts to bridge the digital divide through enabling ubiquitous broadband access, highly contributing therefore to the objectives of smart, inclusive, sustainable growth envisaged in the EU2020 strategy.

In this context, the RSPG (Radio Spectrum Policy Group), established by the European Commission, plays a major role. The possible use of white spaces spectrum has already been addressed in the RSPG work on Digital Dividend, Cognitive Technologies, Short Range Devices under the CUS model (Collective Use of Spectrum), and in general the RSPP (Radio Spectrum Policy Program).



6

The possible use of white spaces, although a general concept,

has been recently addressed mainly in the frequency band

470-790 MHz (TV band), based on the activities related to the

digital switchover of broadcasting networks.

Some aspects related to the possible use of white spaces were

discussed at European level by the RSPG (Radio Spectrum

Policy Group), chaired by AGCOM in 2010 (presently vice

chair).

Examples are the following RSPG Opinions :

Opinion on Cognitive Technologies, February 2011

Opinion on the Radio Spectrum Policy Program, June 2010

Opinion on the Digital Dividend, September 2009

Opinion on Collective Use of Spectrum, November 2008

WHITE SPACES IN EUROPE

Introduction (2/2)



7

WHITE SPACES IN EUROPE Cognitive functionalities (1/5)

In its Opinion on Cognitive Technologies (RSPG10-348 Final), RSPG

addressed different methods Cognitive Radio can use to acquire information

about the operating radio environment -- both separately or in combination.

Sensing is a functionality whereby a scan of (a dedicated part of) the spectrum is made to provide a real-time “map” of the radio environment. Sensing is a technology that is still under development

A Cognitive Pilot Channel (CPC) is a dedicated carrier providing frequency usage information for the intended band in a given area – e.g. transmitting beacon signals. CPC as a concept is still in the equipment research phase. Both technical and business evaluations are currently ongoing on the implementation of a CPC. Some of these research activities on the CPC are ongoing in Europe, e. g. in the framework of FP7 and ETSI TC-RRS.

Usage of a Data Base seems the most feasible and flexible way forward to provide reliable real time information updates on spectrum usage. Manufacturers will have to ensure that the CR device can connect to the suitable database(s) and provide the appropriate geo-location information and possibly other information that can be used to classify its use (e.g. fixed / mobile, indoor / outdoor, master / slave etc.).



8

RSPG recommends that (Opinion on Cognitive Technologies):

1. implementing measures to introduce the CR technologies could be left to Member states as long as border coordination issues are addressed for each band concerned and the work of CEPT and standardization bodies, including ETSI, as well as the following recommendations are taken into account;

2. a platform shall be created to allow researchers, academia, manufacturers, operators, service providers and regulators to coordinate research activities; this platform could be built upon already existing platforms with comparable purposes, notably COST-TERRA;

3. Administrations and the EC should request ETSI to study the relevant means that could be implemented in order to secure the access from CR devices to the relevant database and the exchange of information between them;




9

4. Administrations, when implementing CR technologies that

require to utilize databases should -- possibly with CEPT

indications guidance:

a. indicate how the databases should be certified or accredited,

supplied and updated by national regulatory bodies, and to

supply relevant information to CR systems;

b. provide information to database managers on algorithms (HS);

c. provide information on incumbents -- directly or through a

designated entity;

5. Administrations, in relation with the EC and TCAM

(Telecommunications Conformity Assessment and Market

Surveillance Committee), should give ETSI relevant

information on suitable data elements, equipment behavior

and output signal radio characteristics, in order to allow ETSI

to develop harmonized standards;




10

6. where applicable, ETSI-developed Cognitive Radio harmonized standard should include:

a. instruction for measurement / tests in support of the R&TTE-Directive;

b. relevant information on how CR device could access only certified or authorized databases;

c. HS (Harmony Search) information that should be given to CR devices from the database for a given period of time;

d. information to be supplied by the CR device to the database including appropriate geo-location information;

e. means to secure transmission between the database and CR device;

7. the European standardization bodies should liaise with similar institutions to foster worldwide coordination; a successful deployment of CRS will require economies of scale;

8. TCAM should keep updated Notified Bodies regarding specific requirements under the R&TTE Directive for CR devices;

9. EC should investigate whether research facilities can be made available to carry out some early stage testing on CR devices.




11

WHITE SPACES IN EUROPE

Some RSPG activities in progress

Some activities are in progress (e.g. RSPG WG on Collective Use and other spectrum sharing techniques in WP2011) such as: review of innovative sharing arrangements applicable to the

frequency spectrum in general;

analysis of sharing techniques to facilitate utilization of white space spectrum (generic approach), including review of progress on white spaces implementation in the broadcasting bands;

requirements for further RSPG work on shared access to spectrum.

Particular attention on possible new regulatory approaches to spectrum sharing by different users (primary users / incumbents and new users), based on sharing conditions to give, if possible, some rights to the new users, making it possible for them to provide services with a predictable quality of service (QoS).

It is now under consideration a new draft concept called ASA (Authorized Shared Access), recently proposed by an industry consortium. The new concept needs further investigation.



12

WHITE SPACES IN EUROPE CEPT technical activities (1/4)

In 2007, the European Commission requested the CEPT

(European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications

Administrations) to study technical considerations regarding

harmonization options for the Digital Dividend in the band 470-

862 MHz and to inspect preliminarily the practicability of

implementation of new / future applications within the white

space spectrum in that band.

A project team from the CEPT Electronic Communications

Committee (ECC) Spectrum Engineering Working Group - WG

SE PT43 - is in charge of defining technical and operational

requirements for CR operation in the “white spaces” of the UHF

broadcasting band (470-790 MHz), with the aim at

guaranteeing the protection of incumbent radio systems.



13

On 27 June 2008, in response to the EC Mandate, the CEPT Report 24 (Report C) was issued : “A preliminary assessment of the feasibility of fitting new / future applications / services into non-harmonised spectrum of the digital dividend (namely the so-called "white spaces" between allotments)”. Such Report is a preliminary view of the practicability of implementation of new / future applications in the white space spectrum -- 470-862 MHz band.

The re-planning activity started after Geneva 06 Agreement and the WRC-2007, that identified digital dividend at 800 MHz, has reduced the potential for white spaces availability.

Any new white space applications should be used on a non protected and non interfering basis.

In parallel, the Frequency Management Working Group (WG FM) must cooperate with ETSI to identify possible candidate bands for services implementing CR technologies. Two categories of bands are considered:

bands already used by systems evolving towards CR by implementing cognitive functionalities, and

bands, already assigned to primary systems, where secondary systems can be introduced provided that harmful interference is avoided by means of cognitive technologies.




14

In 2011 the CEPT Electronic Communications Committee (ECC) approved the ECC REPORT 159 on “Technical and operational requirements for the possible operation of cognitive radio systems in the „white spaces‟ of the frequency band 470-790 MHz”.

The report identifies a range of possible deployment scenarios for white space devices (WSDs) and, in the absence of specific system characteristics related to WSDs, sets up some key assumptions, such as the use of OFDM technology for WSDs, in order to perform first sharing studies. This resulted in a number of different recommendations for the technical and operational requirements that should be applied to WSD operating in the frequency band 470-790 MHz to protect the various incumbents.




15

The main conclusion when dealing with protection of broadcasting services is that the use of a geo-location database appears to be the most feasible option. Administrations who intend to authorize the use of geo-location database to assist WSD use, will have to decide on the most appropriate parameters and algorithms that are the most relevant for their own specific national circumstances.

The report also dealt with some aspects about the protection of Program Making & Special Events (PMSE), Radio Astronomy (RAS) in the 608-614 MHz band, Aeronautical Radio Navigation (ARNS) in the 645-790 MHz band, and Mobile / Fixed services in bands adjacent to 470-790 MHz band.

However, the methodologies adopted are not fully developed. Some issues were not fully defined and require further assessment, taking into account the innovative nature of cognitive techniques, the ongoing research and industry activities in this field. It is then recognized that the Report may need to be updated in a relatively short timeframe, in order to reflect the latest technology developments and to deal with some aspects not fully defined and developed in the Report.




16

Since its launch in 2005, the OFCOM Digital Dividend Review (DDR) has

considered how to make the spectrum freed up by digital switchover (DSO)

available for new uses. This includes the capacity available within the

spectrum that will be retained to carry the national DTT multiplexes after

DSO, and lies between 470 and 790MHz.

In the 2007 statement on DDR, OFCOM considered the use of interleaved

spectrum by license-exempt devices concluding that this should be the

appropriate use as long as it would not cause harmful interference to

licensed uses -- including DTT and PMSE.

February 2009: OFCOM published a consultation entitled “Digital dividend:

cognitive access. Consultation on license-exempting cognitive devices using

interleaved spectrum” -- on the sensing threshold levels that would be

needed for license-exempt devices making use of sensing alone.

July 2009: in a subsequent (the “July 2009 Statement”) “Digital dividend:

cognitive access. Statement on license-exempting cognitive WSDs using

interleaved spectrum” OFCOM concluded that, for use by a license-exempt

devices, the beacon approach was inferior to the other two appropriate to

proceed with regulation enabling both sensing and geo-location.

WHITE SPACES IN EUROPE UK road-map (1/3)



17

November 2009: OFCOM published a discussion document entitled “Digital

Dividend: Geolocation for Cognitive Access. A discussion on using

geolocation to enable licence-exempt access to the interleaved spectrum”

(the “November 2009 Consultation”).

November 2010: based on the responses received, workshops held with

key stakeholders and further analysis, OFCOM published its Implementing

geo-location consultation, seeking comments from interested stakeholders,

including potential database administrators.

September 2011: OFCOM published a statement which set out OFCOM‟s

intention to allow White Space Devices (WSDs) to access the TV white

space providing that no harmful interference is caused to existing services.

In this document the approach is based on the geo-location database use,

along with the ultimate ability of the regulator to control the emission levels

allowed by databases and to prevent WSDs from transmitting if necessary.

OFCOM also explained the UK‟s preference for a harmonised approach to

WSDs across Europe, which it considered would deliver greatest benefits for

citizens and consumers.




18

OFCOM also plans to work with stakeholders to make information about

existing licensed services that operate in the TV band available to prospective

database providers.


OFCOM will also

specify consult

further on the

database

requirements and

the providers that

wish to be

accredited by

OFCOM.

OFCOM expects

that White Space

technology could

be launched in

the UK in 2013.



19

White Space technology will work in a similar way to Wi-Fi, which uses a wireless router to send and receive information to other wireless devices. The main difference is that the White Space router – or „master‟ device as it is known technically – will first need to consult a list of databases hosted online. It will notify one of these databases of its location and update it on a regular basis. The database will then return details of the radio-frequencies and power levels it is allowed to use. This will ensure that the devices do not interfere with existing licensed users of the spectrum, which include Digital Terrestrial Television and wireless microphone users. OFCOM has decided to allow multiple third-party providers to develop databases, which will create a competitive marketplace and incentivize operators to provide the best database.

OFCOM has decided to make White Space devices license exempt. This means that they will be allowed to operate without the need for an OFCOM license on the condition that they do not cause harmful interference to existing users of the spectrum.

WHITE SPACES IN EUROPE UK approach (1/2)



20

Database-assisted access to white spaces:

1. WSD consult a list of WSDBs on a website hosted by Ofcom or third party and

selects its preferred WSDB;

2. WSD sends its location and device attributes to a selected WSDB;

3. WSDB returns operating parameters (e.g. Maximum radiated power &

frequency) to the WSD based on protection criteria and requirements defined

by Ofcom; WSDM will take information by a database of incumbent licensed

users and, based on a technical algorithm, will identifies available TV

channels and computes maximum permitted WSD power;

4. WSD radiates according to the operating parameters specified by WSDB.

WHITE SPACES IN EUROPE UK approach (2/2)



21

WHITE SPACES IN EUROPE UK Cambridge Trails (1/5)

In the meantime, starting in June 2011, trials are underway in Cambridge (UK) to explore the use of white spaces in broadcasting band for other wireless applications.

The trial is attempting to show how this unused broadcasting spectrum can be used to supplement existing wireless broadband and cellular networks without impacting on TV broadcast services in order to meet the increasing demand for mobile data.

The consortium involved in the trial includes broadcasters, operators, consultants, software companies and manufacturers. Some of the applications they are hoping to demonstrate using white space technology include wireless data services in urban centres, home networks, mobile broadband in rural areas and support to an array of intelligent connected devices that communicate with one another (“Internet of Things”).



22

The Consortium Partners are BBC, BSkyB, BT, Cambridge

Consultants, Microsoft Corp, Neul, Nokia, Samsung, Spectrum

Bridge Inc. and TTP.




23

The biggest TVWS trial in the world, made possible with a multi-site test

licence from OFCOM

~14 UHF channels are available for use, in the range 470 to 790 MHz

in depth test and measurement programme designed to feed into

regulatory framework development

mix of urban and rural access point locations

multiple geo-location databases

multiple use cases




24

Devices being trialled concern WiFi, Rural Broadband and Machine to Machine communications (M2M).

Enhanced Wi-Fi: The majority of current Wi-Fi devices operate in spectrum at 2.4 GHz. White Spaces could provide new capacity, while boosting the range of devices, potentially enabling Wi-Fi networks that stretch across towns and cities. This is thanks to the lower frequency of TV White Spaces (typically between 470 and 790 MHz).

Rural broadband: White Spaces could be used to provide rural locations with broadband services. In practice, this could be achieved by building a network of transmitters that use White Spaces to link remote houses and villages to larger towns that are already connected to the internet. Trials are currently being undertaken by industry to test this on the island of Bute, Scotland.




25

Machine-to-Machine Communications: A relatively new

area of innovation, Machine-to-Machine Communications

allows information to be exchanged between devices. Many

experts believe that in the coming years billions of devices will

be able to connect wirelessly and via the internet for a range

of applications. White spaces could be used to wirelessly

transmit this information, using its additional range to reach

deep inside buildings. This could be especially useful for

wirelessly measuring utility meters in consumers‟ homes –

just one of a wide number of potential applications. Other

examples include using White Spaces to make it easier for

scientists to conduct research by automating the

measurement of different readings.




26

Porre le basi per un presidio permanente dell‟Autorità sulle tematiche tecnologiche, normative, economiche, … relative agli aspetti infrastrutturali delle Reti di Nuova Generazione a banda larga e ultra larga, al fine di ottenere risultati utili alla promozione e allo sviluppo delle reti, a vantaggio dell‟intera collettività, relativamente a:

Accesso “Fiber To The x” (FTTx) nello sviluppo della NGAN

Broadband Wireless Access (BWA)

Digital Dividend e uso dello Spettro < 3,5 GHz

Neutralità della Rete e Sicurezza delle Infrastrutture di TLC

Contenuti Audiovisivi e Media

Aspetti normativi / opere civili / condivisione condotti e infrastrutture

Aspetti economici, Business Planning e opzioni di finanziamento, modelli investimenti pubblici / privati (PPP)

Impatto della Regolamentazione sull‟Economia; ….

Obiettivi Programma ISBUL “Infrastrutture e Servizi a Banda

Larga e UltraLarga”



27

Il Programma di Ricerca, del valore di 700.000 euro, è articolato su 3 aree disciplinari (Progetti Tecnologico, Economico e Giuridico) e 14 sottoprogetti (Work Packages) completato nel 2009

numerose Università coinvolte, con i più importanti accademici della materia -- Milano (Bocconi e Politecnico), Napoli Federico II, Roma (LUISS, Roma Tre, Sapienza e Tor Vergata), Siena, Politecnico di Torino, Imperial College (Londra)

valore aggiunto specifico dalla trasversalità dei temi trattati e dall‟approccio metodologico che stimola sia gli approfondimenti “verticali” (all‟interno delle 3 aree disciplinari), sia quelli “interdisciplinari” -- temi trasversali ai diversi progetti / sottoprogetti: promozione di investimenti efficienti e condivisione dei rischi ladder of investment e nuovi modelli di accesso gestione della transizione verso le NGN mercati geografici e digital divide digital spectrum dividend

Programma ISBUL



Program Management

F.Ananasso

WP 0 (Assistenza Program Management) - C.Leporelli

M.Listanti A.Nicita G.Napolitano

PROGETTO 1. Quadro

Tecnico Infrastrutturale

(QTI) – A.Milan

Steering Committee inter-Struttura AGCom (SCom)

WP 3.3.

Governance di Sistema

A. Nicita

WP 1.3. Catasto

Infrastrutture

V. Del Giudice

WP 1.4. NGN Service

Layer – L.Paura

WP 1.5. Trasmissione

contenuti TV /

Multimediali – L.Paura

WP 1.1.

Infrastrutture di Rete

Fissa - M.Dècina

WP 1.2. Accesso Radio

M.Ajmone Marsan

WP 2.1. Nuovi Modelli

Interconnessione

C.Cambini

WP 2.2. Opzioni

Finanziamento NGN

S.Frova

WP 2.3. Fattori

Abilitanti Domanda di

Servizi - A. Del Monte

WP 2.4. Impatto

Investimenti NGN

sullo Sviluppo

Economico del Paese

F. Sacco

WP 2.1.Semplificazione

Amministrativa

G. Napolitano

WP 3.2. Servizi /

Applicazioni di Pubblica

Utilità – G. De Minico

WP 3.4.

Obblighi Co-locazione

Accordi Condivisione

Istallazioni – G.Visentini

PROGETTO 2. Quadro

Economico Regolatorio

(QER) – I.Pinto

PROGETTO 3. Quadro

Giuridico Normativo

(QGN) A.Vercelli



29

AGCOM Research Programs

The ISBUL Research Program (2008-2010) addressed juridical, technological and economic aspects of Infrastructures and Services for Broadband and Ultra-Broadband Networks, in collaboration with several Italian Universities:

The “SCREEN” Research Program (2012) focuses on Services and Contents for Next Generation Networks, in collaboration with:

- Milan (Bocconi and Polytechnic), Naples (Federico II)

- Rome (LUISS, Roma Tre, Sapienza e Tor Vergata)

- Siena, Polytechnic of Turin and Imperial College (London)

- Universities of Roma (Roma Tre, Sapienza), Bologna,

Urbino, IULM (Milan) and telematic University “Nettuno”

- Fondazione Ugo Bordoni (FUB)

- Bocconi University (Milan)

- Federico II University (Naples)

- Polytechnic of Turin



30

Program Management (AGCOM)

WP 1. La Società

dell‟Informazione:

utenti, contenuti e

social networks

Task 1.1.

Gli utenti

Task 1.3.

I social

networks

Task 1.2.

I contenuti

WP 2. La domanda di

servizi digitali

WP 3. L‟offerta di servizi

digitali e

Future Internet

WP 4. I mercati dei

servizi e contenuti

digitali

Task 2.1.

Il digital divide

Task 1.2.

L‟e-inclusion

Task 3.1.

I servizi per gli

utenti e le

imprese

Task 3.3.

Future internet:

gli scenari

Task 3.2.

Le piattaforme

applicative

Task 3.4.

Future internet: i

fattori abilitanti

Task 4.1.

Innovazione nei

mercati dei servizi

digitali

Task 4.3.

Internet economy

e motori di ricerca

Task 4.2.

La concorrenza

nei nuovi mercati

AGCOM

Università / Enti di Ricerca

Programma di Ricerca 2012 “Servizi e Contenuti

per le NGN” (SCREEN)



31

“tag cloud”

Prosumer

Netcitizen

End-User Innovation

Social Network

Persuasive

Media

Internet of things

Future Internet

Copyright & Copyleft

Net Neutrality

Blogs Web 3.0

Telework

Telemedecine

Content Unlocking

E-learning SCREEN

Telepresence

Cloud Computing



AN ENABLING TOOL:

CATASTO DELLE FREQUENZE (1/12)



AN ENABLING TOOL:




34

AN ENABLING TOOL:




35

A Geographic Proximity Query

AN ENABLING TOOL:




36

DVB-T/H transmitters within 500 m

range

AN ENABLING TOOL:




37

AN ENABLING TOOL:




38

DVB-T/H transmitters within 1 km range

AN ENABLING TOOL:




39

AN ENABLING TOOL:




40

DVB-T/H transmitters within 10 km range

AN ENABLING TOOL:




41

AN ENABLING TOOL:




42

AN ENABLING TOOL:




43

The returned output from the

tool:

A DVB-T / H

coverage DB can be

realized based on

available DB,

showing the effective

occupancy of UHF

channels at a given

time in a given

geographical area.

AN ENABLING TOOL:




44


• Introduction






• The Italian scenario – the “ISBUL” Research Program and “Catasto

delle Frequenze”

2. WHITE SPACES OUTSIDE EUROPE • U.S. FCC approach and trials

• IEEE



4. CONCLUSIONS

Outline



45

RSPG Opinion on Cognitive Technologies includes also information on work outside Europe (FCC and IEEE) and list of FCC documents on Cognitive Radio in U.S. TV White Spaces.

In 2002 the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) established a Spectrum Policy Task Force (SPTF) to identify and evaluate changes in spectrum policy that will increase the public benefits derived from the use of radio spectrum.

Based on SPTF‟s report, the FCC issued a Notice of Inquiry in 2002 concerning additional spectrum for unlicensed devices below 900 MHz and in the 3 GHz band. This opened up the possibility of using the "fallow" UHF TV bands for unlicensed devices. Between 2003 and 2010, a series of exploratory documents were followed by Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRMs) and Reports and Orders.

In November 2008 the FCC unanimously agreed to open up the white space unused spectrum that sits between TV channels for unlicensed use. Even so, technical issues to allow device makers and service providers to use the spectrum still need to be worked out.

WHITE SPACES OUTSIDE EUROPE U.S. FCC (1/6)



46




47

In September 2010 the FCC approved rules for the use of unlicensed

white space spectrum in a move that could pave the way for more

unused wireless spectrum to be released in the future.

FCC-10-174 (Second Memorandum Opinion & Order) expresses their

"final" position on the matter. This document addresses a wide variety

of issues relating to unlicensed use of the TV bands, including:

– Protection criteria for Incumbent Authorised Services

– Technical rules for TV band devices

– Database Requirements for TV band devices

– Channels that can be used by TV band devices (e.g. fixed devices cannot operate on channels adjacent to occupied TV channels)

– Technical requirements and cognitive capabilities.

In particular, FCC-10-174 approves a number of measures to simplify

co-existence with existing services already using the spectrum.

The Order eliminates the requirement that radios (incorporating geo-

location and database access) must first sense TV broadcast signals.




48

It would not be required to include spectrum sensing technology in

new devices to ensure that these products do not interfere with other

services.

Instead, devices will query a special geo-location database that

makes sure no one is using that spectrum before it transmits. This

database check is requested to prevent white space services from

interfering with broadcast TV signals.

Among these measures, the Order dedicates two vacant UHF

channels for wireless microphones and other low power auxiliary

service devices in all areas of the United States.

In the event where the two reserved UHF channels are unavailable or

insufficient, unlicensed wireless microphone users are required to

register in the TV band databases to receive the same geographical

spacing protections as licensed Wireless Microphone users.

It was also established by FCC-10-174 to select (third party)

companies that will manage the database going forward.




49

Thus, in February 2011 (Order DA 11-131), FCC designate 9

entities as TV bands device database administrators, subject to

FCC conditions.

Entities are: Comsearch, Frequency Finder Inc., Google Inc., KB

Enterprises LLC and LS Telcom, Key Bridge Global LLC, Neustar

Inc., Spectrum Bridge Inc., Telcordia Technologies, and WSdb LLC

The TV bands databases will be used to identify unused channels

that are available at their geographic locations and the designated

administrators will develop the databases that are necessary to

enable the introduction of this new class of broadband wireless

devices in the TV spectrum.

Each database will be subject to a public trial period of not less than

45 days to ensure that the database is providing accurate results

before it is allowed to be made available for regular public use.




50

In September 2011 FCC announced that on September 19,

2011 a 45-day public trial of Spectrum Bridge Inc.‟s TV band

database system would be started.

That was a limited trial mainly intended to allow the public to

access and test Spectrum Bridge‟s database system to

ensure that it correctly identifies channels that are available

for unlicensed TV band devices, properly registers those

facilities entitled to protection, and provides protection to

authorized services and registered facilities as specified in

the rules.

FCC encouraged all interested parties to test the database

and provide appropriate feedback to Spectrum Bridge.




51

Standardisation work is underway at the IEEE in a number of areas as a

result of the FCC‟s action on Cognitive Radio.

IEEE 802.22 Working Group on Wireless Regional Area Networks (WRAN)

Enabling Rural Broadband Wireless Access Using Cognitive Radio

Technology in TV Whitespaces is working on the project.

The IEEE has standardised Cognitive Radio techniques as part of 802.22

(WRAN) that was the first WRAN standard to incorporate CR techniques for

use by license-exempt devices on a non-interfering basis in spectrum that is

allocated to the TV Broadcast Service.

Completed Projects

– IEEE 802.22-2011(TM) Standard for Cognitive Wireless Regional Area Networks (RAN) for Operation in TV Bands was published as Official IEEE Standard on July 1st, 2011.

– IEEE 802.22.1-2010(TM) Standard for the Enhanced Interference Protection of the Licensed Devices was published as Official IEEE Standard on November 1st, 2010.

On-going Project: IEEE P802.22.2 (Standard for Recommended Practice for

Installation and Deployment of 802.22 Systems)

WHITE SPACES OUTSIDE EUROPE IEEE



52

In 2007, the ITU World Radiocommunication Conference

(WRC-07) adopted new agenda item 1.19 requiring WRC-12 to

consider regulatory measures for the introduction of Software-

Defined Radio (SDR) and Cognitive Radio Systems (CRS).

In this regard, WRC-07 adopted Resolution 956 (WRC-07),

inviting ITU-R to study the need for regulatory measures related

to the application of SDR and CRS.

RSPG view on WRC-12 agenda item 1.19 is that particular

attention needs to be paid in ensuring that flexibility at

European level to implement such new and innovative

technologies will not be unduly constrained by Radio

Regulations.

WRC-12 will take place in Geneva from 23 January to 17

February 2012.

WHITE SPACES OUTSIDE EUROPE International Telecom.Union (ITU) (1/2)



53

Analysis of results of the studies and methods proposed for WRC-12 agenda item 1.19 have been reflected in draft text of the Conference

Preparatory Meeting (CPM). 3 methods are proposed for CRS:

the 1st method consists in making no change to the Radio Regulations

and developing relevant ITU-R Recommendations and Reports;

the 2nd method proposes to develop a WRC Resolution calling for studies

on CRS with special emphasis on sharing issues. Based on those

studies, ITU-R Recommendations and Reports would be developed;

the 3rd method proposes the development of a WRC Resolution calling

for studies on CRS. The resolution would also exclude the operation of

CRS in some bands, e.g. those used by space services (Space-to-

Earth) or Radio Astronomy, until the studies have been completed. In

addition, the resolution would oblige CRS to avoid operations in bands

used by safety services. This method reflects the concerns expressed

by some ITU-R working parties that CRS, which dynamically search for a

free channel, may not be capable of detecting low-power signals of other

services or sporadic operation of some radio links – thus causing harmful

interference.

WHITE SPACES OUTSIDE EUROPE International Telecom.Union (ITU) (2/2)



54


• Introduction







delle Frequenze”



• IEEE


3. WHITE SPACES – COMMERCIAL INITIATIVE (ASA)

4. CONCLUSIONS

Outline



55

Qualcomm and Nokia propose Authorized Shared Access (ASA) to

spectrum as a "third way" with respect to licensed and license-exempt

regimes for freeing up spectrum for commercial mobile broadband.

WHITE SPACES Commercial Initiative “ASA” (1/5)



56

ASA entails a dynamic use of spectrum whenever and wherever it is unused by

incumbent users:

– on a shared and non-interference basis

– subject to individual authorization (i.e. licensed)

in bands allocated to the Mobile Service by the ITU (and identified by IMT) using

cognitive radio techniques, i.e. geo-location databases complemented, if required, by

sensing

ASA can unlock prime

bands for 3G / 4G

services requiring QoS

Device use bands (licensed, ASA, unlicensed)

based on apps, QoS, tariff, bandwidth requirements




57

from today…




58


…to tomorrow !



59

According to Nokia and Qualcomm, relative to license-exempt ASA could

have benefits for sharers and incumbent users:

• The incumbent will not receive harmful interference, and flexibility of

sharer allows evolution of incumbent‟s use

• The sharer (ASA rights holder) can be held responsible for managing

interference according to pre-defined / agreed criteria, giving additional

security to the existing user

• Sharers can receive assurances over the level of capacity and the

operating conditions in the band

guarantee quality of service, key for mobile broadband

makes ASA spectrum attractive to future mobile broadband

businesses, potentially diversifying access to spectrum

• Potential for synergies between incumbent user and sharer, e.g.

infrastructure sharing

• Potential for collaboration and compensation – incumbent right holders

can gain from ASA




60


• Introduction







delle Frequenze”



• IEEE



4. CONCLUSIONS

Outline



61

CONCLUSIONS Next steps about White Spaces (1/2)

Taking into account the preliminary nature of some elements

related to the white spaces, the innovative nature of cognitive

techniques and the ongoing research and industry activities in

this field, it is recognized that some areas need to be studied

and / or updated in order, for example, to reflect the latest

developments in the technology.

Main issues that will need further studies for implementing WS in

the band 470-790 MHz band are:

1. Areas related to the regulatory framework

2. Areas related to WSD characteristics -- e.g. possible

specification of the minimum required adjacent channel leakage

ratio for the WSDs for use by geo-location databases

3. Technical considerations on the protection of the broadcasting

service -- e.g. maximum permitted EIRP limits for WSDs



62

4. Technical and regulatory considerations on the protection of

Program Making & Special Events (PMSE) and other services

5. Protection of services in the bands adjacent to 470-790 MHz

(further studies are needed on the impact from WSD on

services in the bands adjacent to the 470-790 MHz band, e.g.

on mobile service below 470 MHz and above 790 MHz)

6. Specification and implementation of the requirements for the

geo-location database approach

7. Assessment of the consequential spectrum potentially available

for WSD (it must be taken into consideration that in some

cases it could not be possible to plan the use of WSDs in the

UHF bands on a large scale and local assessments should be

made, on a case by case, based on national circumstances)

8. Trials results and further studies are needed to support any

choice about WSDs implementation.

CONCLUSIONS Next steps about White Spaces (2/2)



ISBUL Program Final Report:

http://www.agcom.it/Default.aspx?message=contenuto&DCId=416

Thank you for your attention !!!

[email protected]