DSA Newsletter | Q4 2017 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.
This quarter marks a year since I took up my position of President of the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance, and what a year it’s been! Although it feels like no time at all since I was writing my first quarterly newsletter, so much has happened since. My first year as President of the DSA has been an exceptionally busy one. As an Alliance, we have attended industry-leading events across the globe, giving presentations and speaking on panels, as we continue to lobby for the fair, efficient, and effective management of spectrum.
In September, I spoke on a panel at ITU World Telecom in Busan, Republic of Korea, to discuss the latest trends in spectrum management. The ever-growing demand for spectrum means that new approaches and tools to spectrum management are required to ensure we move towards a place of spectrum abundance, rather than spectrum scarcity. Dynamic sharing provides the most efficient way to make new spectrum available because it starts by protecting the incumbent services.
Then in October, I delivered a speech at the 2017 DC5G summit in Washington. The session was titled ‘5G’s biggest challenges: Security, Privacy, Bandwidth and Regulatory Barriers.’ This event was a great opportunity to discuss security and privacy issues, public trust, and the ability for government and regulatory organizations to create valued spectrum policy. Throughout the session, one thing was clear: these issues can be best addressed through collaborations and partnerships, which is exactly what the DSA is working towards.
At the end of October, I attended the annual Total Telecom Congress in London, and took part in a round table discussion to explore new investment strategies, innovative business models and emerging technologies. This discussion highlighted the issue of spectrum scarcity, as the reality of spectrum today is that most spectrum is unutilised or underutilised most of the time in most places. Dynamic spectrum access technologies can unlock blocked spectrum and make it available for new services and that’s really the exciting nature of dynamic sharing; it can change the way we think about spectrum.
At the beginning of November, Mark Rotter, DSA treasurer, spoke at AfricaCom on the role of spectrum in making broadband possible for everyone. Africa is an important region for the DSA, as there are nationwide infrastructure challenges when bringing broadband to the unconnected, which is why we chose to host our Global Summit 2017 in Cape Town this year. We wanted to take the opportunity to discuss regulatory opportunities and showcase innovative solutions that are helping to connect the unconnected. Mark discussed the importance of forward-looking business models that allow collaboration and sharing in projects across Africa where coverage and infrastructure is a problem.
Overall, 2017 has been a great year for the DSA; we successfully hosted the 5th Annual Global Summit in Cape Town, we encouraged the FCC to protect three-tiered access (incumbent, Priority Access License, and General Authorized Access) regarding the citizen’s broadband radio service (CBRS), and the DSA was represented at many different events worldwide, including the Pacific Telecommunications Conference, Convergence India, Mobile World Congress Americas, and Broadband World Forum.
As we look forward to the new year and all that 2018 will bring, we are focusing on the 6th Annual Global Summit, which will be held in London from May 1-3, 2018. I would like to thank all members for your support throughout the year, and I look forward to continuing the great work we are doing as an Alliance. None of the work we do would be possible without the ongoing efforts, support, and commitment from you.

DSA President Kalpak Gude


DSA Activity Update

DSA Global Summit 2018
This year we announced that the 6th Annual Global Summit will be held in London, United Kingdom. You can read more in our latest press release here.
During next year's Summit, we will discuss Europe’s role in leading dynamic sharing initiatives. While in the past we have held our summits in emerging markets, Europe is a global leader in spectrum management and we felt that this is the right time to bring the Summit to Europe, enabling the DSA, our member and affiliate companies, interested parties, and regulators from across Europe and around the world, to have an important dialogue on how we drive greater efficiency in the use of spectrum. This is so the next generation network can connect the unconnected, drive the innovation economy, and the Internet of Things. Europe is taking a strong role in driving greater spectrum management initiatives. Dynamic sharing needs to be part of that story, and so coming to London and talking directly with European regulators will be greatly beneficial.

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:
  •  
September 2017: DSA Comments on Innovation, Science, and Economic Development (ISED) Canada’s Consultation for Releasing Millimetre Wave Spectrum to Support 5G
  •  
October 2017: DSA Comments on Expanding Flexible Use in Mid-Band Spectrum Between 3.7 and 24GHz
  •  
November 2017: DSA Reply Comments on Expanding Flexible Use in Mid-Band Spectrum Between 3.7 and 24 GHz
  •  
November 2017: Dynamic Spectrum Alliance Ex Parte, Use of Spectrum Bands Above 24 GHz For Mobile Radio Services
  •  
November 2017: DSA follow-up statement on spectrum provisions of the European Electronic Communications Code
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.

Industry Updates

UK Spectrum Policy Forum
The UK Spectrum Policy Forum was set up at the request of the UK government. It is industry led with a membership consisting of a cross section of spectrum users. Its purpose is to provide expert insights across the range of spectrum uses and to assist the Government and Ofcom in developing fit for purpose spectrum policies and regulations. It both produces its own reports and commissions reports from consultants.
One such report covering Flexible Spectrum Access Methods has just been published. The 2017 US Airwaves Act is referenced as an example of how more spectrum is being made available elsewhere for licence free use. A range of sharing scenarios are considered taking in cellular, Wi-Fi and related, IoT, rural broadband, transport and automotive. The conclusions and recommendations for government and regulator action include the following:
1.
Set a clear policy on spectrum sharing.
2.
Consider license exempt access for all new spectrum allocations.
3.
Provide transparent appraisals of different spectrum access methods considered for new spectrum.
4.
Adopt more flexible approaches to 26 GHz and other mmWave spectrum.
5.
Review removal or simplification of DFS.
6.
Drastically speed up fixed link licence approval for backhaul.
7.
Provision for access to cellular spectrum in locations that it is not currently used.
For more information, please click here.
This industry update was provided by Martyn Lee, Senior Technologist, BSkyB.
South Africa TVWS Regulation
There is positive news from South Africa: The process of regulation for TV White space is well under way. The final document for comment will be published soon. Once this is published a procurement process for selecting the developer of the spectrum database will be put in process.
It is anticipated that TV White Space will be available in South Africa by the middle of 2018.
This industry update was provided by Tim Genders, Chief Operating Officer, Project Isizwe.

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.
Broadcom

Broadcom has launched a blog designed to educate the market about 802.11ax. MaxWifi, which is Broadcom's implementation of the 802.11ax ecosystem, represents a major upgrade from existing "Best in Class" WiFi solutions. The newly launched MaxWifi.org and blog have been created to educate the market about key features, benefits, and new use cases enabled by MaxWiFi.

Microsoft

In partnership with NetHope, government agencies, local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and local TV broadcasters, we have deployed TV White Space (TVWS) technology from our Airband initiative to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. TVWS are unused blocks of broadcast spectrum located between the frequencies assigned to television stations. It creates wireless broadband connections over great distances and in rugged terrain, with no line of sight. In Utuado, TVWS has been used to reestablish internet connectivity to a food distribution site, a health clinic, and the University of Puerto Rico. These sites also serve as internet hotspots where people in the community can come and connect with their family and friends.

Across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands there are still widespread power outages, nearly 40 percent of cell sites are still down, most people don’t have internet service and many TV and radio stations aren’t yet operational. TVWS technology is helping people in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands reconnect with people outside their immediate communities. In addition to Utuado, we have TVWS sites up and running in Humacao, Puerto Rico; and in the U.S. Virgin Islands in St. Croix, St. Johnand St. Thomas. And, TVWS will soon be working in Barranquitas and San Lorenzo in Puerto Rico.

You can read more here.

Nominet

Following the success of TV White Space (TVWS) installations on the Scottish isle of Arran and in Llanarth, Wales, Nominet and Broadway Partners have started deployment of a TVWS broadband service using Adaptrum radios in Loch Ness following a request from the local community.

Loch Ness is a tourist hotspot and home to a number of villages and communities, with over two thousand households and businesses. While some areas have high-speed connections, many villages have poor connectivity or struggle to connect at all due to the topographical challenges of the area.

Russell Haworth, CEO of Nominet, said: “It’s amazing that one of the most famous tourist destinations in Britain lags so far behind in the broadband race. The beauty of TV white space lies in its ability to quickly bridge connectivity holes like this and add value directly into the communities and businesses of the area, and boost commerce in the region. We’re delighted to be a part of the project and really look forward to putting our technology to the test.” 

UNH Broadband Center of Excellence

Myth or Reality of a Municipal Broadband Network

There has been more discussion of the validity, or lack thereof, of municipalities building broadband networks by communities across the USA. More towns and local governments appear to be studying such endeavors as they see the economic and social value that is supported by more ubiquitous and affordable Internet access.

But it is not easy and there is no cookie cutter approach that guarantees success. There’s a lot to consider and the University of New Hampshire’s Broadband Center of Excellence (BCoE) addresses the facts on all sides of the evaluation process in its recently completed brief.

Community Driven Broadband

BCoE has concluded that munis can be successful: “With proper planning, community broadband networks are a viable means to get on the right side of the digital divide, when other paths have proven elusive.” But, it’s no walk in the park. The paper notes that there are many issues to investigate, including why the incumbent broadband provider chose not to invest more in their infrastructure.

Then there is the question of when the costs of building an affordable, ubiquitous, high performance and reliable municipal broadband outweigh the social benefits that a community would accrue. There are between 500 and 600 communities that have worked through this process with varying degrees of success and the paper links to a site that shows who they are and what they have built or plan to build.

Please feel free to contact BCoE with any questions.


PR/Media Update

In the News
ITU World Telecom Blog: New Trends in Spectrum Management
Via Satellite: DSA’s Kalpak Gude on How to Efficiently Share Spectrum
VanillaPlus: Dynamic Spectrum Alliance Global Summit returns to London in May 2018 to focus on next gen networks across Europe
Total Telecom: Dynamic Spectrum Alliance bring summit to London
Global Telecoms Business: 5G: The network of networks

Recent Industry Events

5G Spectrum WS @CrownCom 2017, 20-22 September, Lisbon, Portugal

The 5G Spectrum Workshop focused on creating discussions on spectrum access, utilization, allocation, and management, as well as validation and experimental results produced so far. Key topics included: 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 and experimental results of dynamic spectrum access systems. The DSA was represented by Microsoft’s Scott Blue.

Nigeria Com, 20-21 September, Lagos, Nigeria

The 6th edition of Nigeria Com welcomed 750+ decision making attendees; 43% C-Level and 54% operators. It was aimed at anyone active in the digital and communications sector within Nigeria or West Africa, and was the only show of significant scale with the opportunity to engage with Nigeria’s economy of knowledge. It also provided unique business networking opportunities.

ITU Telecom World 2017, 25-28 September, Busan, Republic of Korea

Growing the digital economy is essential to social and economic development for us all. And fostering creative tech innovation and SME growth are crucial ways to help it flourish. ITU Telecom World 2017 provided an opportunity to exhibit, network and debate with key players from the world’s digital economy, and get a global perspective on the future of tech. Kalpak Gude represented the DSA and spoke on the panel session: ‘New trends in spectrum management’.

5G Asia, 2-4 October, Singapore, Malaysia

5G Asia 2017 returned for its 10th year, delivering ground-breaking content, trailblazing product demonstrations and unrivalled opportunities to experience the LTE and 5G ecosystem in Asia. It provided the perfect platform for attendees to understand how to capitalise on the opportunities that LTE networks and services continue to offer and offered a clear vision of the 5G connected future. Attendees discovered how the most innovative operators and solution providers are closer than ever to being 5G ready, as 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 brought together people capable of delivering real-world IoT applications. It showcased Asia's enterprise case studies, proof-of-concepts and R&D from the leaders and early adopters of IoT. It is the latest addition to KNect365’s world-leading IoT event series, and gave unrivalled access to global and local enterprises, along with the people who develop new services, business models, and efficiencies.

Futurecom 2017, 2-5 October, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Futurecom is one of the largest events in the communications industry in Latin America. The event brought together 15 thousand people from 40 countries, interested in knowing the new trends in technology and communication. The event was formed by the International Congress, where lectures and panel debates were held with industry leaders, and the Business Trade Show, which highlighted the latest products in applications, services, solutions, products, and systems, contributing to the development of business, relationships, and brand positioning.

GSMA Mobile 360 Series – Europe, 17 October, Brussels, Belgium

Mobile 360 Series – Europe was a half-day event centered on keynote presentations, expert-led panel discussions and in-depth case studies that explored the contribution of the mobile industry in delivering Europe’s Digital Agenda. Leaders and policy makers from the EU and public policy organisations from across Europe gathered to explore the key themes driving this region’s policy agenda, including the 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

WTDC-17 took place in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 represented a unique opportunity for the international community to come 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, United States

The DC5G Summit brought together the worlds of telecom, satellite and policy, delving into the opportunities of the upcoming 5G rollout. A no holds barred approach involved industry and regulatory power players, which resulted in progressive and compelling conversation about the standards, strategies, and evolving applications of 5G. The day consisted of interactive, executive-led discussions and networking opportunities that created an environment for everyone to be involved. Kalpak Gude represented 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 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 left with new ideas, opinions, and relationships needed to build high-speed connectivity for Europe's future. There were many innovative networking opportunities; 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 was in Brussels – the heart of the European Union – during 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 was to facilitate free thinking in the digital market place and it stimulated discussions at a global level.

The 6th Annual Americas Spectrum Management Conference, 12-13 October, Washington, D.C, United States

The 6th Annual Americas Spectrum Management Conference provided a high-level meeting place for stakeholders across the region and beyond to discuss topical issues relating to the management and co-ordination of spectrum policy.

Wireless World Research Forum – 39th Meeting, 18-20 October, Barcelona, Spain

The Wireless World Research Forum looked at the role of 5G as a key enabler of the digital transformation, coping with different connectivity, storage, and processing needs for key industry sectors. The event brought together industry and 5G infrastructure stakeholders for mutually beneficial discussions. A fundamental issue raised was the validation of 5G technologies in a system-wide context, including multiple use cases, while supporting the requirements of key vertical sectors. The event provided an opportunity to promote and discuss new trials and testbeds.

Broadband World Forum, 24-26 October, Berlin, Germany

Broadband World Forum 2017 tackled the challenges of future proofing networks and monetising high speeds with industry leading broadband players. With a new central European location, a focused agenda, and an exhibition buzzing with the latest technology – the event provided more opportunities for attendees to collaborate and connect. DSA President, Kalpak Gude, participated in the panel: ‘Technology is improving – why is rural broadband access still a problem?

Total Telecom Congress 2017, 31 October – 1 November, London, United Kingdom

Total Telecom Congress took part over two days and featured over 120 speakers, exploring the biggest issues facing the telecoms industry. The Congress provided a space for industry leaders to discuss issues ranging from understanding the digital telco, to delivering winning customer-centric business models, realising video everywhere, and maximising the 5G opportunity.

A video interview with DSA President, Kalpak Gude, filmed during Total Telecom Congress, can be viewed online here.

AfricaCom, 7-9 November, Cape Town, South Africa

AfricaCom 2017 consisted of three days of thought-provoking content and amazing technology. From future technology trends and digital products to global satellites and submarine communications cables, its exhibitors had it all. The DSA was represented by its treasurer, Mark Rotter, who spoke on the panel: ‘The role of spectrum in making broadband possible for everyone.’

Wireless Global Congress New York, 13-16 November, New York, United States

The WBA Congress brought together industry leaders who are shaping the future of Wi-Fi in the 5G era in connected cities, carrier & service providers, and enterprise & hospitality ecosystems. The Congress covered 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 Internet of Things World Forum 2017 welcomed industry leaders covering topics such as; digital transformation within the IoT, emerging verticals in the IoT, and accelerating the route to secure IoT at scale.


Upcoming Industry Events

PTC, 21-24 January, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States

PTC’18 will be the 40th Anniversary celebration for PTC’s annual conference, opening a new decade of connections. Mark your calendar for PTC’18 and join the 40th Anniversary celebrations in Honolulu. DSA President, Kalpak Gude, will represent the DSA on the panel session: ‘Getting to 5G: Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue’ at 2pm on Tuesday 23 January.

IoT Evolution Expo, 22-25 January, Orlando, Florida, United States

With a heavy emphasis on IoT applications and business use cases, IoT Evolution Expo will highlight how companies of all kinds are leveraging sensors, connectivity, platforms and data to change the course of their business, create new strategic opportunities and improve the lives of people all over the world.

Nominet: Vibrant Digital Futures, 31 January, London, England

The idea is to have a challenging debate and discussion about the role of technology over the next 10 years for C-level and high-level government types. The conference will address issues around AI, IoT as well as cyber-security.

The European 5G Conference, 12-13 February, Brussels, Belgium

The European 5G Conference will take place at the Steigenberger Wiltcher’s Hotel, Brussels. Focussing on aspects such as connectivity, use cases and deployment models, this two-day event will bring together high-level stakeholders to meet and discuss the roadmap ahead as we continue the journey towards a Gigabit Society.

Mobile World Congress 2018, 26 February – 1 March, Barcelona, Spain
Mobile World Congress sets the industry standard for mobile innovation. The event offers attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors the unique opportunity to reach the global mobile community.

IWCE Expo 2018, 5-9 March, Orlando, Florida

IWCE is a venue where people can make the human connections they need to be successful, whether it is connecting to a future client, boss, employee or business partner. It is also where people can connect to information about a technology, product or policy that is crucial to success. See innovation at its best and join us for the premier event for communications technology.

2nd IoT India Expo 2018, 7-9 March, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India

This is a platform where visionary, ground-breaking research in the Internet of Things meets leading industry experts. The three-day conference will bring senior developers, architects, managers, and executives up to date with the latest in developing for the IoT.

Convergence India 2018, 7-9 March, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India

Convergence India is the only platform in the region which demonstrates the convergence of technologies in the telecoms, IT, broadcast & digital media sectors.

SATELLITE 2018, 12-15 March, Washington, D.C, United States

SATELLITE unites aerospace thought leaders, entrepreneurs, executives, engineers, end-users, and enthusiasts together in one place for the largest and most important global satellite technology event of the year. For more than 35 years, SATELLITE has played a critical role in determining how satellites will shape the future of our world.

The 3rd Annual Sub-Sahara Spectrum Management Conference, 13-14 March
Nairobi, Kenya

The 3rd Annual Sub-Sahara Spectrum Management is the ONLY dedicated spectrum management conference focusing specifically on the Sub-Sahara region and will be hosted in partnership between ITU, AUC and Forum Global. The conference is set to be a part of a series of events, preceding an ITU Capacity Building Workshop, which will focus on digital migration issues and spectrum management systems for developing countries. Registration for both the ITU and Forum Global events is now open.

Telecoms World Asia, 19-20 March, Bangkok, Thailand

For 19 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 the betterment of wholesale revenue and growth.

5G MENA 2018, 9-10 April, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai

5G MENA brings together telecom operators, solution providers and IoT specialists from across the region to define clear use cases, debate new business models, and drive the connected revolution towards LTE-A, IoT, Smart Cities and 5G.

IEEE Wireless Communications and Networking Conference (WCNC) 2018, 15-18 April, Barcelona, Spain

IEEE WCNC is the world premier wireless event that brings together industry professionals, academics and individuals from government agencies and other institutions to exchange information and ideas on the advancement of wireless communications and networking technology. The conference will feature a comprehensive technical program offering numerous technical sessions with papers highlighting the latest technologies, applications and services. In addition, the conference program includes workshops, tutorials, keynote talks from industrial leaders and renowned academics, panel discussions, a large exhibition, business, and industrial forums.

IEEE International Conference on Communications (ICC) 2018, 20-24 May, Kansas City, MO, United States

Themed "Communications for Connecting Humanity," the conference will offer five full days of original paper presentations, tutorials, workshops, keynotes, demonstrations, industry panels and social events designed to further career opportunities and the in-depth understanding of the latest communications advancements worldwide.

Connected Britain 2018, 19-20 June, London, England

The Connected Britain 2018 agenda will feature experts from the operator community, government and beyond. Through thought provoking speaker sessions, panel discussions, and interactive roundtables you will walk away with new ideas, tangible solutions to everyday problems and the stronger relationships you’ll need to continue to build the high-speed connectivity for Britain’s future.

CommunicAsia 2018, 26-28 June, Singapore, Malaysia

Unveiling a brand-new look for 2018, ConnecTechAsia will encompass; CommunicAsia, BroadcastAsia, and the new event NXTAsia. In its entirety, the events will cover the full spectrum of communication, broadcast, enterprise technology, and services reflecting the pulse of Asia today. From IoT to smart automation, to content production and management to cloud broadcasting, ConnecTechAsia is the only event that serves the entire ICT and media industry in the region.


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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