| DSA Newsletter | Q3 2017 | www.dynamicspectrumalliance.org | events, future plans, news and more |
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| 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. | |
| It seems like every introduction begins with me reflecting on how busy the past few months have been, but once again, I must say, it really has been busy! | |
| As you may be aware, the debate around the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) has gained momentum in the US. This has resulted in the DSA submitting several filings to the FCC as we continue to lobby for the fair, efficient, and effective management of spectrum that is so needed. More details about the filings can be found under the ‘Regulatory Affairs Work Group (RAWG) update’ section of this newsletter. | |
| Aside from petitioning the FCC, during the last quarter I represented the DSA at several events including; the 12th European Spectrum Management Conference (June 21-22 in Brussels, Belgium), where I spoke on the need to maximise utility while minimising cost, which focused on mid-band spectrum for Gigabit Wi-Fi. During the presentation, I explained why moving to spectrum abundance is key to our future connected, wireless society. | |
| In July, I joined a roundtable discussion hosted by DSA member the New America Open Technology Institute. The session, titled ‘Closing the High-Speed Broadband Gap: Shared Spectrum as a Fiber Extension’, was recorded and can be viewed here. The event provided a great opportunity to discuss the issues around broadband speeds specifically in the US, by looking at the roles of the key parties involved when trying to bridge the digital divide in America. This includes; the FCC, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), vendors, network operators and providers, and the DSA. One of the key takeaways from this session was that there are so many moving parts required to work together to reach the end goal of unlimited, wireless connectivity, everywhere. However, the industry is determined as ever to reach that goal. The session focused on the opportunity to use the 3.7-4.2 GHz band to provide broadband. I argued that a dynamic approach to the band would be the best way to drive the greatest utilization of spectrum, at the lowest cost, in the shortest amount of time. As dynamic spectrum access starts with protecting incumbent services, the normal time consuming battle over dealing with incumbent rights could be minimized. Enabling lightly licensed use of the band, like CBRS, could also enable the most intense and efficient use of spectrum and drive greater innovation. | |
| Over the next few months, I will be attending and speaking at several industry events including; Mobile World Congress Americas, ITU Telecom World, DC5G Summit, Broadband World Forum and the Total Telecom Congress. I would love to meet with as many members as possible who are also attending these events, so please do get in touch if you will be there. | |
| This leads me on to my next point regarding speaking opportunities and the chance to represent the DSA. We often secure speaking opportunities at events all around the world, and would love as many members as possible to take advantage of these and speak on behalf of the Alliance. If you are interested in speaking at any upcoming events or would like more information on the current opportunities we have, please reach out and let us know! Attending industry events is a great way for us to get the DSA’s messages out there and to network with key industry figures. | |
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The final quarter of 2017 is set to be much like the other three – full of activities that raise the profile of the Alliance so that we can move toward our goal of more efficient and effective spectrum utilization around the world. The last quarter of 2017 will also mark the end of my first year as President of the DSA, which will no doubt provide an opportunity to pause and reflect on the past 12 months. |
| During Q4, we will also be ramping up the planning for the 2018 Global Summit. The Alliance is currently in the process of securing a venue in the UK. We welcome input from members and look forward to sharing upcoming news and updates with you all. As ever, I would like to thank you, the members, for your ongoing support and efforts. Without your commitment, the Alliance would not be what it is today. DSA President Kalpak Gude |
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DSA Activity Update |
| We are pleased to announce that the DSA Global Summit 2018 will be coming to the United Kingdom! The UK is the leader in dynamic sharing and TV White Space initiatives, taking a strong leadership role in bringing greater unlicensed spectrum for WiFi applications. Europe offers opportunities for open discussion on several bands, and the DSA looks forward to engaging on these topics during the 2018 Summit. | |
| Although the DSA is already making plans for the 2018 Global Summit, it is still celebrating the results from our previous Summits. In August, we shared the great news that Agencia Nacional del Espectro (ANE), the Colombian spectrum regulatory agency and our Global Summit co-host in 2016, has become the first Latin American regulator to finalise its TVWS regulations. This will enable the country to leverage better connectivity and social and economic inclusion. | |
| It’s a fantastic result to see this achievement in less than a year and a half since the Global Summit in Colombia. To read the full press release announcement, click here. | |
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 develops high-level positions on critical issues related to dynamic spectrum sharing. | |
| Recent updates include: | |
| July 2017: DSA Comments on Petitions for Rulemaking Regarding the Citizens Broadband Radio Service | |
| August 2017: DSA Comments on Petitions for Rulemaking Regarding the Citizens Broadband Radio Service | |
| 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 admin@dynamicspectrumalliance.org. |
| Broadcom |
On August 15th, 2017 Broadcom launched Max WiFi, the industry’s first family of connectivity solutions using the next Wi-Fi standard, 802.11ax. The Max WiFi chips enable up to four times faster download speeds, six times faster upload speeds, four times better coverage, and seven times better battery life than similar Wi-Fi solutions on the market today that use 802.11ac. The chips released today are designed to kick-start an ecosystem of Wi-Fi routers, residential gateways, enterprise access points, and client devices that deliver next generation Wi-Fi enabled experiences. Visit www.maxwifi.org to learn more about the advantages of Max WiFi. |
| MyDigitalBridge Foundation |
Paul Rowney of MyDigitalBridge recently wrote an article on Broadband Policy in Namibia. A short excerpt is below, with a link to the full article at the end. Namibia is close to finalising its Broadband Policy — a framework that will shape the digital future of our country and its citizens. While the policy has been in the making for the past few years, the proposed final text falls short in a number of ways, including the failure to address very real affordability challenges and to develop a plan for bridging the digital divide. The draft final policy proposes working toward a 5% affordability target, where broadband can be purchased for 5% or less of Gross National Income (GNI) per capita, with broadband defined by the policy to mean a minimum of 1 Mbps download speed. What this target fails to take into account is the very real level of income inequality faced both here at home, as well as in countries around the globe. According to the World Bank, Namibia's GNI per capita is USD 4,620; spending 5% of GNI per capita on an internet connection means that we should all be able to afford N$250 each a month to connect. I’m sure I'm not alone in thinking that this is not necessarily affordable to all. Maintaining this 5% threshold for internet affordability will continue to exclude Namibians from access to the digital promise. To read the full article, please click here. |
| UNH Broadband Center of Excellence |
As the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) pursues its “Restoring Internet Freedom” process to replace what is known as “Net Neutrality”, DSA member the University of New Hampshire’s Broadband Center of Excellence (BCoE) has published a non-biased set of pros and cons of the existing rules. “Though these rules are in the process of being repealed and replaced by the current political administration, BCoE feels it is important to establish a baseline from which the new rules may be measured,” the piece states. The easy-to-read matrix is part of the BCoE’s June 2017 newsletter, and BCoE is seeking third party comment. |
PR/Media Update |
| In the News | |
| Mobile World Live: | Infrastructure sharing picking up pace in Africa |
| “Mark Rotter, treasurer at Dynamic Spectrum Alliance, pointed to one fly in the ointment: “On the projects I’ve been involved in across Africa, part of the coverage problem is there is no infrastructure to share. Let’s be real: that’s the problem we are trying to solve,” he said. | |
| “But forward-looking business models that allow collaboration and sharing, that’s important. And for me that goes back to spectrum sharing and the mechanisms by which people who have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in spectrum are equitably dealt with when you look at what they are sharing,” he continued.” | |
| Policy Tracker: | LSA will evolve into CBRS in Europe, says DSA |
| “If you only have two tiers of LSA, there is a whole lot of space that is really just left on the table and nobody has an incentive to go and invest. But if you move that investment to the edge of the network, as we have seen in so many other areas, like solar power, AirBnB and Uber, then it’s a different story.” | |
| FierceWireless: | Google studying 3.7-4.2 GHz band for variety of applications |
| “Kalpak Gude, president of the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance, said the satellite players are not going away, but their business is changing. While he believes global harmonization is important, trying to find more ways to share with incumbents is a much faster, more effective way of making spectrum more available and better utilized than trying to clear incumbents from a band.” | |
| Multichannel News: | FCC Launching Inquiry to Examine Sharing C-Band Spectrum |
| “Repeating the mantra of the seminar, Kalpak Gude, president of the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance and a former satellite video executive, said, "The ways that satellites now use C-band leaves spectrum underutilized." He said that the ways "we make spectrum more available" is the major question, noting that he doesn't believe "clearing and auctions" are the best options.” | |
| RCR Wireless: | Feature Report: Spectrum monitoring, testing and analysis |
| “Carriers may well get more spectrum, but much of it may not be spectrum that they can purchase for exclusive use. Kalpak Gude, president of the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance, said “I think this area is, almost inevitably, becoming very hot and interesting, because it is hard to imagine how, given all of the spectrum demands that are already in front of us, as well as those that we know are coming, how we manage to do that under the old, static model of spectrum management.” He added that at the last two international radio conferences, it has become clearer that there are significant challenges with spectrum clearing and that the easy spectrum for terrestrial services through the traditional model isn’t going to provide nearly enough.” | |
| Satellite Evolution: | Satellites and Dynamic Spectrum Access |
| “For the satellite industry, dynamic access solutions may be even more important in future bands for which they do not have the benefits of incumbency. Dynamic access solutions could provide satellite services access to spectrum that they are unlikely to get otherwise. The FCC’s decision last year in its Spectrum Frontiers Order was a bell weather for what the satellite industry is likely to face in the future. Despite strong efforts by the industry, and even evidence that operators were already building satellites and ground networks to operate in the portion of Ka-band at issue in the rulemaking, the FCC decided that the band would be opened for 5G terrestrial wireless services.” | |
| Recent Industry Events |
The 4th Annual Latin America Spectrum Management Conference, 4-5 July, Bogota, Colombia Hosted by ANE and the ITU, the 4th Annual Latin America Spectrum Management Conference, provided a meeting point for spectrum stakeholders to come together and discuss topical issues relating to the management and coordination of spectrum policy across the region. The conference took place alongside ANE’s 7th International Spectrum Congress and an ITU Capacity Building Workshop. West Africa Com, 11-12 July, Dakar, Senegal West Africa Com 2017 explored how the telco value chain can leverage its assets to deliver low cost broadband connectivity and digital services to the consumer and enterprises of West Africa. GSMA Mobile 360 Series, 11-13 July, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania The Mobile 360 Series in Tanzania featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, start-up pitches, innovation showcase, and more to reflect the interests and concerns of mobile operators and other ecosystem players in the region. The event explored how putting mobile connectivity at the forefront of national digital strategies, African leaders can leverage the power of mobile to build smart communities and make a digital Africa inclusive for all. DSA Treasurer Mark Rotter spoke on the panel: ‘Expanding and enhancing mobile broadband connectivity.’ Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR-17), 11-14 July, Nassau, Bahamas A series of GSR pre-events took place on the 11th and 12th July. This included a Thematic Pre-Conference, a Global Dialogue on Digital Finance Inclusion focusing on cybersecurity, the Regional Regulatory Associations Meeting (RA) and the Private Sector Chief Regulatory Officers Meeting. The GSR sessions were open to regulators, policy makers and members of the ITU’s Development Sector on 12th and 13th July. On July 14th, two parallel tracks were held, a Regulators’ track, open only to regulators and policy makers, and an Industry track (ILD), open to ITU-D sector members, in addition to the final closing ceremony, which was open to all participants. New America Open Technology Institute Roundtable, 25 July, Washington, D.C. ‘Closing the High-Speed Broadband Gap: Shared Spectrum as a Fiber Extension’ was the name of the panel, which discussed the feasibility of sharing the FSS band and how wireless fiber can immediately enable more affordable high-speed connections to homes, small businesses, libraries, and other institutions. The DSA was represented by its President, Kalpak Gude. Mobile World Congress Americas, 12-14 September, San Francisco, California GSMA Mobile World Congress Americas, in partnership with CTIA, is the premier mobile industry event for the Americas, and had representation from North, Central and South America. With a regulatory and public policy program, partner events and free seminars, MWC Americas 2017 built on the successful CTIA policy and education sessions and the GSMA ministerial programs to drive global policy discussion and debate. IBC 2017, 14-18 September, Amsterdam, The Netherlands The IBC Conference was an unrivalled global destination for discussion and debate about the many different challenges facing the electronic media and entertainment industry, both in its sessions and in the range of networking opportunities. The IBC Exhibition covered fifteen halls across the RAI, hosted over 1,700 exhibitors and many specially curated feature areas and events that tied into the IBC Conference to enrich understanding of technologies and trends that are driving the industry. |
| Upcoming Industry Events |
5G Spectrum WS @CrownCom 2017, 20-22 September, Lisbon, Portugal The 5G Spectrum Workshop will focus on creating discussion around the problems arisen in spectrum access, utilization, allocation and management, as well as validation and experimental results produced so far. Key topics will include: Dynamic spectrum access for extremely high frequency spectrum (mmWave), Licensed Shared Access, Spectrum management for Internet of Things, Energy efficiency in dynamic spectrum access, Simulation and validation models of dynamic spectrum access systems, Experimental results of dynamic spectrum access systems. The DSA will be represented by Microsoft’s Scott Blue. Nigeria Com, 20-21 September, Lagos, Nigeria The 6th edition of Nigeria Com will welcome 750+ decision making attendees; 43% C-Level and 54% operator attendance. For anyone active in the digital and communications sector within Nigeria or West Africa, this presents the only show of significant scale where you can engage with Nigeria’s knowledge economy. Anyone with a stake in the region’s digital landscape understands the opportunity combined with complexity that Nigeria’s unique development story presents. It will also provide unique business networking opportunities. ITU Telecom World 2017, 25-28 September, Busan, Republic of Korea Growing the digital economy means growing social and economic development for us all. And fostering creative tech innovation and SME growth are crucial ways to help it flourish. Join ITU Telecom World 2017 to exhibit, network, and debate with the key players from the world’s digital economy, get a global view on the future of tech, and accelerate ICT innovation to make the world better, sooner. Kalpak Gude will be speaking on the panel session: ‘New trends in spectrum management’, on Monday 25 September. 5G Asia, 2-4 October, Singapore, Malaysia 5G Asia 2017 returns for its 10th year, delivering ground-breaking content, trailblazing product demonstrations and unrivalled opportunities to meet with the LTE and 5G ecosystem in Asia. 5G Asia will provide the perfect platform for attendees to understand how to capitalise on the opportunities that LTE networks and services continue to offer and lay out a clear vision of the 5G connected future. Attendees will discover how the most innovative operators and solution providers are closer than ever to being 5G ready, we well as how they are optimizing their current networks and services. Internet of Things World Asia, 2-4 October, Singapore, Malaysia Internet of Things World Asia will bring together the right people that can deliver real-world IoT applications. It is Asia's showcase of enterprise case studies, proof-of-concepts and R&D from the leaders and early adopters of IoT. The latest addition to KNect365’s world-leading IoT event series, this event gives you unrivalled access to global and local enterprises – the people who can help you and your customers develop new services, business models and efficiencies. Futurecom 2017, 2-5 October, Sao Paulo, Brazil Futurecom is one of the largest and most qualified events in the communications industry in Latin America. The event brings together 15 thousand people from 40 countries, occupying high positions in companies, interested in knowing the new trends in technology and communication. The event is formed by the International Congress, where lectures and panels of debates are held with important leaders and executives of the industry and the Business Trade Show, where the latest products in Applications, Services, Solutions, Products, and Systems are presented, contributing to the Development of business relationships and brand positioning. GSMA Mobile 360 Series – Europe, 17 October, Brussels, Belgium Mobile 360 Series – Europe is a half-day event centered on keynote presentations, expert-led panel discussions and in-depth case studies that explore the contribution of the mobile industry to delivering Europe’s Digital Agenda. Leaders and policy makers from the EU and public policy organisations from across Europe will gather to explore the key themes driving this region’s policy agenda including electronic communications code, privacy and security, access to data, autonomous vehicles, smart cities, women in ICT and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. 2017 World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-17), 9-20 October, Buenos Aires, Argentina The forthcoming WTDC-17 will be convened in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from 9 to 20 October 2017 following the kind invitation of the Government of Argentina and the approval by the Council with the concurrence of most of the Member States of ITU. WTDC-17 represents a unique opportunity for the international community to gather together and discuss the future of the telecommunication and information and communication technologies sector and its contribution to social and economic development DC5G Summit, 11 October, Washington D.C. At DC5G Summit, the worlds of telecom, satellite and policy will converge to delve into the opportunities of the upcoming 5G rollout. A no holds barred approach involving industry and regulatory power players will result in progressive and compelling conversation about the standards, strategies, and evolving applications of 5G. The day will consist of interactive, executive-led discussions and networking opportunities that will create an environment for all in attendance to be involved. Kalpak Gude will represent the DSA, speaking on the panel: ‘5G's Biggest Challenges: Security, Privacy, Bandwidth and Regulatory Barriers.’ Connected Europe, 11-12 October, Lisbon, Portugal The Connected Europe 2017 agenda will read as a who's who of experts from the operator community, government and beyond. Through a series of thought provoking keynote speeches, panel discussions and roundtables, the telecoms community will come away with new ideas, opinions, and relationships they need to build high-speed connectivity for Europe's future. There will be many innovative networking opportunities such as roundtable discussions, 1-2-1 partnering opportunities, an interactive networking portal and a relaxed evening drinks reception. The IIC’s 48th Annual Conference 2017, 11-12 October, Brussels, Belgium This year the event will be in Brussels, the heart of the European Union. This is a particularly important time of change globally, but particularly in the European Union with a thrust towards a digital single market and developments within the structure of the Union. The event’s mandate to facilitate free thinking in the digital market place starts right here and it looks forward to stimulating discussions at a global level. The 6th Annual Americas Spectrum Management Conference, 12-13 October, Washington, D.C. The 6th Annual Americas Spectrum Management Conference will provide a high-level meeting point for stakeholders across the region and beyond to discuss topical issues relating to the management and co-ordination of spectrum policy across the region. The Conference will take place as part of the Global Spectrum Series, the world's largest and most comprehensive collection of regional Spectrum Management policy conferences. Wireless World Research Forum – 39th Meeting, 18-20 October, Barcelona, Spain 5G will be a key enabler of the digital transformation, coping with the different connectivity, storage and processing needs for each of these industry sectors. Therefore, a close interaction of vertical industries and 5G infrastructure stakeholders will be mutually beneficial. A fundamental point will be the validation of 5G technologies in a system-wide context, including multiple use cases, while supporting the requirements of these key vertical sectors. The event will provide an opportunity to promote and discuss new trials and testbeds. Broadband World Forum, 24-26 October, Messe, Berlin New perspectives. New connections. New location. Tackle the challenges of future proofing networks and monetising high speeds with your global broadband peers. A new central European location. A focused agenda. An exhibition buzzing with the latest technology. And more opportunities for attendees to collaborate and connect. BBWF is back. DSA President, Kalpak Gude, will join a panel titled: ‘Technology is improving – why is rural broadband access still a problem?’ Total Telecom Congress 2017, 31 October – 1 November, London, UK Across two days featuring over 120 speakers, we explore the biggest issues that the telecoms industry faces. The Total Telecom Congress is a space where industry leaders can have a joined-up discussion about issues ranging from understanding the digital telco to delivering winning customer-centric business models, realising video everywhere to maximising the 5G opportunity. AfricaCom, 7-9 November, Cape Town, South Africa Anyone who’s anyone in African telecoms and technology will be at AfricaCom 2017. Three days of thought-provoking content and amazing tech. It’s the place to get deals done. From future tech trends and digital products to global satellites and submarine communications cables, its exhibitors have it all! Wireless Global Congress New York, 13-16 November, New York, US Meet the industry leaders who are shaping the future of Wi-Fi in the 5G era in the Connected Cities, Carrier & Service Providers, and Enterprise & Hospitality ecosystems. The WBA Congress will cover topics such as; End-to-end service enablement, Wi-Fi monetization strategies, customer experience in a convergence era, and a connected cities roadmap. The Internet of Things World Forum 2017, 15-16 November, London, England The IoT World Forum 2017 is described as the leading Internet of Things Conference, covering topics such as; Digital transformation with IoT, exploring emerging verticals in the IoT, and accelerating the route to secure IoT at scale. |
Get in touch |
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| 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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