DSA Newsletter | Q1 2019 www.dynamicspectrumalliance.org events, future plans, news and more
In this issue.....
Keeping you updated about our activities! Here we highlight our latest work and focus on areas where we are empowering the next wave of spectrum access.
Welcome to the 2019 Q1 edition of the DSA newsletter. While this is a time of change with Kalpak’s departure and the hiring of his replacement, we’ve had a positive start to the year, with many new and exciting projects on the horizon. We have a lot of reasons to be optimistic.
We kicked off the new year by announcing the preliminary details for our seventh annual Global Summit. Taking place June 25-27 in Washington D.C, the event will bring together key government and industry figures in spectrum policy and spectrum management to discuss and debate the most innovative approaches to enabling dynamic access to spectrum. The agenda overview for the event can be viewed on the DSA website. Last year, we welcomed the largest collection of regulators in the Global Summit’s history.  With this year’s event in Washington, DC, I am hoping we have even more regulators in attendance. I’m really looking forward to meeting with all attendees this June.
In March, we released a new policy research report, titled Automated Frequency Coordination: An Established Tool for Modern Spectrum Management. The report demonstrates that automated frequency coordination (AFC) systems are the key to unlocking unused spectrum capacity.
Alongside the release of this report, the DSA hosted a Spectrum Database Workshop, co-sponsored by the Congressional Spectrum Caucus, in Washington D.C. The event was a great success and prompted much discussion around automated spectrum management databases and algorithms. We were happy to showcase presentations by Representatives Doris Matsui (D-CA-06) and Brett Guthrie (R-KY-02), Federal Communications Commission Commissioners Michael O'Rielly and Jessica Rosenworcel and Derek Khlopin, Senior Advisor of the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
During the last few months we have continued to pursue partnerships with significant global events. One that we are excited to announce is the Industry Forum on Spectrum Management, taking place 10-11 April 2019 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Mark Rotter, Treasurer of the DSA and General Manager Africa at Adaptrum, will be speaking during the event. The presence of the DSA at conferences around the world has continued to be a crucial tool for improving the understanding and capabilities of dynamic sharing technologies and I’m looking forward to continuing this throughout the year.
Increased membership is critical to the success of the DSA and I am pleased to welcome three new members: Cisco Systems, Swarm Technologies, and UTStarcom, Inc. With your help, I am optimistic that we will be able to sign up more members in the lead up this June’s DSA Summit.
The next quarter is already shaping up to be a busy one and I am looking forward to working with you, the members. Thank you for your continued work that supports everything we do within the Alliance. We are excited to continue looking to the future for more exciting news and developments throughout the rest of this year.

Paul Garnett
Chairman of the Board


DSA New Members

We would like to welcome three new members to the Alliance:
Cisco Systems Swarm Technologies UTStarcom

DSA Activity Update

DSA TVWS Workshops
In December 2018, the DSA, in collaboration with ATCON and The Internet Society Chapter Ghana, organized two workshops in Ghana and Nigeria. With the support of industry leaders, regulators and key members of government in the regions, the workshops facilitated the progression of TV White Space (TVWS) technology to ultimately provide more people with access to the internet.
“The workshops in Ghana and Nigeria were a great success for the DSA and addressed the policy and regulatory challenges that we need to overcome in these African countries,” said Kalpak Gude, former DSA President. “With so many people in Africa still unconnected to the internet, TVWS is a great tool which can be used in advancing digital inclusion as it is low cost. The spectrum in Africa is not well-utilized at present, so making use of these unused spectrums will allow for broadband to reach million more people.”
“By effectively using TVWS technology, those in under-served and rural locations will become connected. TVWS is not only important for Nigeria and Ghana, but it is an important tool in bridging the gaps in broadband worldwide,” added Gude. “Progress requires collaboration and partnership between all key stakeholders, which is why these workshops are so important in helping to shape the way forward.”
The TVWS regulatory framework is part of the Ghanaian government’s plan to pursue digitalization and transform access to information through wider digital inclusion. The framework is awaiting approval from the Board of the National Communications Authority (NCA). The implementation of the framework will see the deployment of TV White Space technology to connect the unconnected.
DSA Automated Frequency Coordination Report and Workshop
In early March, the DSA published their new report, titled: Automated Frequency Coordination: An Established Tool for Modern Spectrum Management, providing policy recommendations to national regulatory authority’s (NRAs) on how they can work towards a Dynamic Spectrum Access approach.
Looking ahead, exploding consumer demand for data-intense applications on mobile devices, coupled with the potential benefits of 5G and IoT networks, are motivating regulators to consider how dynamic spectrum sharing can unlock unused capacity in occupied-but-underutilized bands. The report highlighted three bands under active consideration, in the U.S. and/or Europe, for sharing managed by AFC systems, as well as the potential for database-assisted sharing in satellite bands and particularly by NGSO satellite constellations.
Paul Garnett, Chairman of the DSA, said “At a time when regulators are under increased pressure to meet wireless connectivity demands, AFC is critical to enable more efficient shared use of underutilized frequency bands while protecting incumbent services from interference. Automated spectrum databases are now a proven means of achieving large-scale, low-cost, and virtually real-time access to communications capacity that would otherwise go unused.”
Alongside the release of this report, the DSA hosted an event on Capitol Hill to present and discuss the recommendations within the report. Participants in the event included House Representatives Doris Matsui & Brett Guthrie, as well as FCC Commissioners O’Rielly and Rosenworcel.
Michael Calabrese, Director of the Wireless Future Program at New America Foundation presented the report’s findings and Kalpak Gude hosted an FCC fireside chat focused on the need for effective spectrum sharing solutions and balanced policies. Additionally, attendees heard from Derek Khlopin from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration who discussed the CBRS band and the National Spectrum Strategy. The event sparked discussions about the impact spectrum sharing will have on 5G, access to unlicensed spectrum, the Internet of Things and more.
You can find the full report here, and a summary of the event here.
DSA Global Summit Update
The DSA has announced the 7th Annual Global Summit which will be held in Washington D.C. on June 27, 2019). Held in the US for the first time since its inception, the Summit will explore a range of topics from universal affordable connectivity to 6GHz for broadband services, and millimetre wave bands.
The Global Summit agenda will explore how various spectrum sharing regulatory regimes across a variety of complementary spectrum bands can be coordinated to lower the cost of broadband to allow broadband and Internet of Things deployments across the globe and connect the remaining 4 billion to the digital economy.
Register here
You can find more information about the Summit here on the DSA website. We encourage members to invite colleagues, business partners, and associates to register for the event at the below link. Given that the event will take place in Washington D.C, please also encourage your law firms to sponsor the event.
If you have any questions, please contact admin@dynamicspectrumalliance.org.

Policy/Regulation Update

Regulatory Affairs Work Group (RAWG) Update
As a cross-industry organization, the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance works to engage with regulators and government officials to promote the adoption of legal and regulatory frameworks that facilitate dynamic access to radio spectrum.
The Regulatory Affairs Work Group continues to develop policy positions for ratification by the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance, draft documents for submission to regulatory agencies and develop high-level positions on critical issues related to dynamic spectrum sharing.
Recent updates include:
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March 2019: DSA Reply Comments to FCC on 6GHz Band
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March 2019: DSA Comments to Ofcom on Enabling Opportunities for Innovation
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February 2019: DSA Comments to FCC on 6 GHz Band
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January 2019: DSA Comments to NTIA on Modern Spectrum Framework
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December 2018: DSA C Band NPRM Reply Comments
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October 2018: DSA C Band NPRM Comments
Any Dynamic Spectrum Alliance member can participate in the Regulatory Affairs Work Group, so if you are interested in this area, then please contact admin@dynamicspectrumalliance.org.

Member/Partner Updates

In this section, we share updates and news from DSA members around the world, if you have an update that you’d like to be included in the next newsletter, please email dsa@proactive-pr.com.

Gigabit Libraries Network

Gigabit Libraries Network and partners have won a grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services to develop a Phase 2 use case for libraries partnering with other community anchors like schools and clinics as second responders in disaster. Library facilities have shown to be effective resources during disaster, as they can provide access to information and communication technologies (ICT’s) as “second responders”.

The so-called Community SecondNets use TV White Space/Wi-Fi mesh to create redundant dual use DIY WWAN’s to increase community resilience against disaster while also operating daily to support community educational, civic and/or cultural activities.

Project director, Don Means, said “It is only natural that libraries and other anchor institutions seek to provide robust backup communication networks we’re calling ‘SecondNets’. Equipping these second responders with inexpensive and reliable wide-area wireless communication systems will strengthen community resilience in disaster response and further reinforce the library’s emerging role as community tech and innovation hub.”

A distributed development group, anchored by four public libraries located in Millinocket, Maine; Milledgeville, Georgia; State College, Pennsylvania; & Beatrice, Nebraska, is being supported by the grant to upgrade their existing TV Whitespace/Wi-Fi systems with backup power and portable hotspot units for rapid redeployment. They will also develop partnerships among their area schools, clinics, colleges and other second responders, in disaster planning and for potential direct wireless connections via TVWS systems. The grant enables the library group to be supported by a new TVWS test labs and maker spaces at higher ed institutions to be named later.

University of New Hampshire’s Broadband Center of Excellence

The University of New Hampshire’s Broadband Center of Excellence (BCoE) is undertaking a project to produce a checklist of questions meant to help every day web users improve safety, security and privacy while using the Internet.

“This effort is aimed at giving Internet users some ways to assess their approach to dealing with hazards of the web and to take action to protect themselves from malware, phishing and other nefarious practices,” said Dr. Rouzbeh Yassini, BCoE Executive Director. Among the specific areas of work are reminder questions to consider when using private and public networks.

Upon conclusion, the work will be posted on BCoE’s web site.

Microsoft

The Microsoft Airband Initiative has partnered with Bluetown. Headquartered in Denmark, Bluetown is a multinational ISP whose mission is to the global leader in rural broadband access. The Airband partnership will result in the deployment of a hybrid fixed wireless network inclusive of TVWS to broadband coverage to over 800,000 unserved people along the eastern corridor of Ghana. Read the full press release here. The Airband team also announced a partnership with Whitespace Technologies. In partnership with Airband, Whitespace will deploy broadband networks in rural UK areas as well as the Gambia and Sierra Leone, providing coverage to 230,000 unserved people.

In addition, a TVWS pilot in Ireland will be deployed, and Whitespace will serve as an aggregator for Airband opportunities in smaller markets. Read more here.

Within the United States, Airband announced a partnership with Cal.net, a California-based company offering broadband internet connectivity in rural areas on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. As part of the partnership, Cal.net will leverage a combination of techniques and technologies, including the use of TV white spaces, to provide broadband access to over 616,000 people.

Airband also announced extended partnerships with RTO Wireless and Agile Networks. The Airband project with RTO will provide broadband access to approximately 624K customers in the State of Vermont. The expanded partnership with Agile Networks will provide broadband access to approximately 973K people in the State of West Virginia.

Microsoft is also partnering with TVWS hardware manufacturers Redline, Adaptrum and Radwin. These partnerships mark another step forward in bringing affordable TV white space equipment to the market. Redline is already offering its radios at a competitive price to Airband partners. Adaptrum and Radwin will also offer affordable, feature rich TVWS broadband radios to market in the second half of 2019.

Beyond ISP and hardware partnerships, Microsoft continues to work closely with regulators around the globe. This quarter the Airband team and CELA Regulatory Affairs team met with regulators and other government officials from Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Mozambique, Colombia, Paraguay, Brazil, Peru, Argentina, Ecuador, Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico and India.

Nominet

Effortless TVWS deployment with new WaveDB Explore from Nominet

Nominet is very pleased to have successfully launched WaveDB Explore, a channel availability tool which is helping wireless ISPs (WISPs) plan TVWS deployments.

This good news follows on from the approval of Nominet as a TV White Space (TVWS) Database Administrator by the Federal Communications Commission in the USA, and builds on Nominet’s partnership with Microsoft as part of its Airband Initiative, to help deliver TVWS deployments in the US and Africa to support more affordable and accessible connectivity to broadband in rural areas.

WaveDB Explore works from a browser and helps WISPs assess TVWS to bring reliable broadband to hard-to-reach areas. The tool’s geographic data and mapping interface helps establish where TVWS can have the most impact, blending channel availability with terrain analysis. Commercial and demographic data can also be overlaid to help assess financial viability.

For more details, please visit here or email wavedb@nominet.com.

Project Isizwe

The 2018 Connectivity Hero of the Year is: Duduzile Mkhwanazi, Project ISIZWE

Project Isizwe is a non-profit organization that advocates for and enables the deployment of free Wi-Fi hotspots within a walking distance in low-income communities. Project Isizwe partners with the private and public sectors and pioneered the deployment of the largest free public Wi-Fi network in Africa in the Tshwane Municipality, Gauteng, South Africa. Under Duduzile leadership, Project Isizwe pioneered connecting two mining communities to free Wi-Fi in partnership with Glencore Mine in Mpumalanga.

“In many unconnected areas of the world, people endure and persist, often traveling great distances, to perform tasks that require connectivity,” said Ritesh Patel Wireless LAN Analyst at Dell’Oro Group. “Wireless networks will continue to play an integral part of getting people connected. It is truly inspiring to see these Connectivity Heroes contributing to the global community by investing their personal time and assets to immediately and forever bridge the digital divide and change lives.”

“Connecting young people improves education and has a lasting change that improves young peoples’ lives forever,” said Atul Bhatnagar, President and CEO of Cambium Networks. “Wireless connectivity can leap far into rural areas and immediately connect students to the rest of the world, literally bridging the digital divide. We are impressed and encouraged by visionaries who see this opportunity for change and give of their own time and efforts to improve lives.”

The Connectivity Hero Awards are presented to up to four visionary people each calendar quarter, and there is one annual award. Quarterly honorees receive a $1,000 donation to a charity of their choosing. The annual winner receives a $5,000 donation to a charity of their choosing. All winners are featured on the Cambium Networks website.

In addition to being recognized as the 2018 Connectivity Hero of the Year, Duduzile Mkhwanazi, Project ISIZWE, was one of two Award winners for the fourth quarter of 2018.

In addition to connecting the two mining communities mentioned above, Project Isizwe also partnered with AWARE.org to use internet access as an enabler for their Responsible Alcohol Usage Program; and The Social Collective on their Free Wi-Fi Champions Program – both in Botshabelo (Free State) and Bushbuckridge (Nelspruit).


PR/Media Update

In the News
RCR Wireless How dynamic spectrum access can accelerate 5G deployment

Forthcoming events in 2019

Telecoms World Asia, 25-27 March 2019, Bangkok, Thailand

For 20 years, Telecoms World Asia has been an annual platform for leading international carriers, operators, authorities and suppliers to meet, learn and create fruitful business partnerships. For 2019, they’ve put together an agenda that addresses the key issues operators are facing today, classified under 5 key themes – Wholesale Carriers, Network Virtualisation, Telco4.0 and brand new for 2019, 5G and IoT – with the focus on Digital Transformation in Emerging Markets running throughout the sessions.

IoT Asia, 27-28 March 2019, Singapore

IoT Asia is an award-winning event that brings solutions providers, technology heads, design and solution architects, engineers, academic institutions, investors and start-ups together for an enriching learning and sharing experience. In 2018, IoT Asia gathered more than 5,000 attendees from 50 countries. Some of the key exhibitors and sponsors include Avnet, Advantech, Anewtech, Microsoft, Sigfox, Singtel, TATA Communications, Visa and more. IoT Asia 2018 also held 3 conference tracks with more than 90 international speakers and thought leaders.

Spectrum Management for Converged Digital Media, 10-11 April 2019, Central Johannesburg, South Africa

This important industry event about spectrum management in a digital environment is designed for all broadcast, telecoms, internet-based and relevant organisations and their executives. The event is an opportunity to share insights on important issues, with an aim to monetise and shape the successful deployment of spectrum for a converged digital broadcast and media ecosystem. Top-level speakers and panellists, including Mark Rotter, Treasurer of the DSA, are expected to participate at this key industry gathering.

5G & LTE Latin America, 24-25 April 2019, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

As the largest event in Latin America to focus on the opportunities and business implications of 4G and 5G networks, 5G & LTE Latin America will provide an appropriate platform for the operator and vendor ecosystems from countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Mexico, Columbia and other LatAm countries to share and debate new approaches to telco transformation in a time of unprecedented technological advancements.

IoT Tech Expo Global, 25-26 April 2019, London, UK

The IoT Tech Expo Global event in London will bring together key industries from across the globe for 2 days of top-level content and discussion. Exploring the latest innovations within the Internet of Things and covering the impact it has on many industries including Manufacturing, Transport, Supply Chain, Insurance, Logistics, Government, Energy and Automotive, this conference is not to be missed.

The Big 5G Event, 6-8 May 2019, Denver, USA

The Big 5G Event's 5-track conference covers the industry's most pressing topics, pieces together the 5G puzzle and highlights other key areas of network innovation. Topics covered include: SDN, NFV, "any haul" transport, edge computing, AI/analytics, IoT and C-V2X platforms, 5G RAN, 5G core and devices, process automation, network security, SD-WAN and much more. The 1,500+ telecom professionals who will be attending across the two days will enjoy access to multiple keynote sessions delivered by renowned service and solution provider representatives.

Broadband Forum Asia, 7-8 May 2019, Santa Clara, California

Broadband Forum Asia brings together telco operators, ISPs, broadcasters and the digital TV community to discuss building next generation networks and drivers of faster speeds. With over US$7.6 billion invested in infrastructure upgrades in the region, the event will focus on the crucial components which underpin broadband rollout and expansion and will give you the opportunity to showcase your solutions to senior executives from the top telco operators in the region. The event offers 30+ exhibitors and 60+ expert speakers.

IoT World Europe Summit, 12-13 June 2019, London, UK

IoT World Europe is the ultimate European platform for organisations at the very edge of IoT innovation. Hear industry leading case studies from tried and trusted experts and immerse yourself in the centre of the action. For those activating change. For those executing transformation. Taking place 12-13 June, part of TechXLR8 2019.

CommunicAsia, 18-20 June 2019 Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Asia’s most established and relevant international industry event for the telecommunications sector, showcasing the latest technologies that help ICT companies in Asia evolve and maintain a competitive edge in the communications and digital world.  Focuses on segments such as Network Infrastructure / FTTx, Satellite Communications and Telecom Software & Services.

ConnecTechAsia, 18-20 June 2019, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

ConnecTechAsia showcases an international selection of disruptive technology and solutions that are dedicated to Asia’s communication, enterprise and broadcast sectors through three specialised shows – BroadcastAsia, CommunicAsia and NXTAsia. Power packed with activities, free workshops, and the renowned Summit, this is Asia’s leading one-of-a-kind business platform that inspires to collaborate, create and connect.


Get in touch

If you would like more information, or if your company or organization is interested in joining the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance, then please email
admin@dynamicspectrumalliance.org
Alternatively, visit our membership page, which provides a membership level breakdown.

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