Dynamic Spectrum Alliance Q3 2023 Newsletter

Introduction from Martha Suárez

Once again, the last few months have proven to be a very busy yet highly productive period for the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance. It has been a delight to interact with a great number of spectrum authorities and industry professionals from across the globe, and to attend the last regional meetings in the preparation cycle ahead of the ITU World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23).
 
In the past quarter, regional meetings have defined their positions for agenda item 1.2, bands 4 and 5, as well as their priorities for future agenda items for WRC-27. The upper part of the 6 GHz band (6425-7025 MHz), known as band 4, was only studied in Region 1 (EMEA) for WRC-23. Regional Groups for Region 2 (Americas) and 3 (Asia-Pacific) decided at WRC-19 not to study the 6 425 – 7 025 MHz segment for WRC-23, and these two regions don’t have any regional common proposal to study the future of the 6 GHz band for WRC-27. Furthermore, in Region 2, the CITEL defined an Inter-American Proposal (IAP) on WRC-23 Agenda Item 1.2, Bands 4 and 5, proposing no change, underlined (NOC), to the Table of Frequency Allocations in the band 6425-7125 MHz globally. Although, all three regions are studying the 7025-7125 MHz segment for WRC-23, known as Band 5, any IMT identification would not be global.
 
The are conflicting positions within Region 1 regarding this spectrum band. In Europe, the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) proposed a no change which was not underlined (NOC) to the ITU Radio Regulations for the 6425-7125 MHz range for Region 1. This means that CEPT is neither proposing nor supporting an IMT identification of the frequency range 6425-7125 MHz but could accept it if all the conditions below are fulfilled. If all these conditions are not fulfilled, CEPT will support NOC (underlined), joining CITEL in opposing the IMT identification. CEPT will only accept an IMT Identification if all of the following 5 conditions are fully met:
 

1. The protection of relevant primary services is ensured (as provided in the European Common Proposal - ECP).
2. Continued operation of other services (i.e. those identified in RR Nos. 5.458 for EESS (passive) and 5.149 for Radioastronomy) is addressed (as provided in the ECP) with new EESS (passive) primary allocations in the frequency bands 4.2 –4.4 GHz, and 8.4 –8.5 GHz to allow the continued operation of sea surface temperature (SST) measurements.
3. No limitations are imposed on existing services and their future development.
4. The IMT Resolution clearly outlines opportunities for other broadband applications in the mobile services (i.e. WAS/RLAN) as well as sufficient flexibility regarding the future wireless broadband usage, i.e. by IMT, WAS/RLAN or under a shared framework between IMT and WAS/RLAN as provided in the ECP.
5. That WRC-23 does not approve an agenda item for WRC-27 studying additional IMT identifications in frequency bands between 7 and 30 GHz where IMT would have the potential to jeopardize important European space and governmental spectrum.

Other regional groups in Region 1 - including the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), the Arabic Spectrum Management Group (ASMG), and the Regional Commonwealth in the Field of Communications (RCC) - support an IMT identification in 6425-7025 MHz, but all with different conditions still to be discussed and agreed during WRC-23. Furthermore, there are Administrations in Region 1 that developed multi-country proposals for a NOC underlined.
 
With such a divided situation, our position remains that no change is the best outcome for users relying on broadband access provided by different technologies including Wi-Fi, IMT, and, crucially, incumbent services of this band, such as satellite and fixed link operations. As things stand, countries can employ 6425-7125 MHz for whichever technology is best suited to meet their goals.
 
The 6 GHz Wi-Fi ecosystem is mature and expanding fast. Since the first commercial devices were launched almost three years ago, vendors have unveiled more than 2,000 different products that support Wi-Fi 6E – the advanced version of Wi-Fi that is designed to use the 6 GHz band. These devices include many of the world’s most popular smartphones, including Apple’s iPhone 15, Google’s Pixel 8 and the Samsung Galaxy S23. In the 7^th MENA Spectrum Management Conference in Bahrain in August, the Wi-Fi Alliance demonstrated the importance of the entire 6 GHz band for the future of Wi-Fi in the Middle East and Worldwide, with the first public Wi-Fi 7 demonstration in the region. In the recent demonstration, the throughput capabilities of Wi-Fi 7 were showcased using Broadcom’s designated access points and client device reference designs. It’s fantastic to see the developments our members have made to make advanced wireless broadband services accessible to citizens, while still giving priority to fixed satellite services and fixed microwave services.
 
In parallel to the WRC-23 preparation, we are seeing more regulators enhancing connectivity opportunities for unlicensed access in the 6 GHz band. We would like to highlight the FCC leadership on October 19^th, opening the 6 GHz band to a new class of Very Low Power devices that will operate alongside other Wi-Fi-enabled devices. These rules will spur an eco-system of cutting-edge applications, including wearable technologies and augmented and virtual reality, that will help businesses, enhance learning opportunities, advance healthcare opportunities, and bring new entertainment experiences.
 
Besides, in August the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology put out a public notice that laid out lab testing and the required public trial for Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) systems in the 6 GHz band, most of those tests have occurred and once AFC systems have passed the testing successfully, they will be approved for full commercial operations in the band.
 
August also saw Canada name Qualcomm as an official AFC operator for commercial use. The decision means that Canada became the first country with commercially operating standard power 6 GHz Wi-Fi services. These significant steps support the adoption of next-generation Wi-Fi technologies which are vital for both enterprise and consumer broadband connectivity. Similar advancements are expected in Brazil, the Republic of Korea, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the coming months.
 
In Brazil, the Co-Chairs of the Telecom Infra Project Open AFC software project – Broadcom Inc. and Cisco Systems Inc. – have demonstrated that Open AFC has implemented the changes required to enable Standard Power Wi-Fi operations for Internet Service Providers in Brazil (WISPs). This was achieved through a partnership with internet providers associated with ABRINT, an entity that brings together more than 1,800 companies in the sector in all 27 Brazilian states.

Finally, I am also very glad to present you our last DSA whitepaper titled ‘Solving the Spectrum Crunch’. The whitepaper, authored by Wireless Future Program Director Michael Calabrese as part of the Digital Access Programme (DAP) funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the UK (FCDO), highlights the major benefits and capabilities afforded through Dynamic Spectrum Management Systems (DSMS) technology to regulators while considering future advancements in this field. The findings of Michael’s whitepaper should prove insightful to regulators across the globe, encouraging them to embrace modern spectrum management tools to meet the growing demand for broadband access.
 
The upcoming quarter is poised to be a highly significant period for the whole industry. With WRC-23 taking place, the DSA will be present in the core deliberations, guaranteeing the recognition and amplification of Wi-Fi and dynamic spectrum management systems. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you are planning to be in Dubai during the Conference, I would love to catch up personally and discuss further collaboration opportunities to enhance broadband connectivity for all!
 

What´s new?

The EU should retain its sovereignty to decide on the future best use of the upper 6 GHz band to serve the 2030 digital targets
June 2023
 
Joint Industry Statement: We, the signatories, representing a broad coalition (including industry associations, equipment manufacturers, chipset vendors, fibre operators, content application services, entertainment, consumer electronics retail, and any remote applications based on Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality technologies), convinced of the power of Wi-Fi in conjunction with 5G, fibre, fixed wireless access, and satellite technology to support Europe’s Digital Decade 2030 connectivity objectives, would like to insist on the pivotal role the Council’s position for the upcoming World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (“WRC-23”) will have for Europe. 

Open AFC completes the approval phase and integration of technologies to facilitate innovative Wi-Fi 6E outdoor project in Brazil
August 2023
 
The expectation is that ANATEL decides on the conditions of use for standard power devices in the 6 GHz band and ensures their unlicenced use in outdoor and indoor environments.
 
Co-chairs of the Telecom Infra Project Open AFC software project - Broadcom Inc. and Cisco Systems Inc. - have demonstrated that Open AFC has implemented the changes required to enable Standard Power Wi-Fi operations for Internet Service Providers in Brazil. It is the expectation of the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance (DSA) that ANATEL will soon decide on the conditions of use of standard power devices in the 6 GHz band and ensure their unlicensed use in outdoor and indoor environments.

Blogs

Explore our latest blogs to discover the DSA’s recent work, partnerships and successes!
 

Discussion in the media

Events

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, chaired by Jennifer McCarthy from Federated Wireless, 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 filings include:
 
July 2023

• DSA Comments to CONATEL on Consultation about the 6 GHz band
• DSA Comments to NCA on Strategic Plan 2023-2027
• DSA Comments to HAKOM on the EU Common Proposal for WRC-23
• DSA Comments to ACMA on the 3.8GHz Apparatus Licenses

 
August 2023

• DSA Comments to MCMC Malaysia on WRC-23 Consultation
• DSA Comments to FCC on 12 GHz FNPRM
• DSA Comments on RSPG Draft Opinion on 6G
• DSA Comments to AKOS on 2024 Work Programme
• DSA Contribution to the 42 PCC.II CITEL Meeting
• DSA Comments to FCC on 42 GHz NPRM
• DSA Comments to CTU on Spectrum Management Strategy

September 2023

• DSA Comments to ANCOM on TNABF
• DSA Reply Comments to FCC on 12 and 13 GHz Light Licensing
• DSA Comment to Ofcom on Upper 6 GHz Hybrid Sharing
• DSA Comments to FCC on Extreme LPI Waiver

 
The full list of filings is available on the DSA website.

Member/Partner Updates
 

Wi-Fi Alliance hosts the first public Wi-Fi 7 demonstration in the Middle East
Wi-Fi Alliance/Broadcom, 12 September 2023
 
Wi-Fi Alliance®, the leading Wi-Fi® industry organization, successfully hosted the first public demonstration of the next generation of Wi-Fi technology (“Wi-Fi 7”) in the Middle East. The demonstration was organized in conjunction with the Arab Spectrum Management Group (ASMG) meeting in preparation for the upcoming 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23). As spectrum regulators gathered in Manama to consider regional alignment on WRC-23 agenda items, Wi-Fi Alliance demonstrated the critical importance of the 6.425-7.125 GHz band to the future of Wi-Fi in the Middle East and worldwide.
READ MORE
 

The future of Wi-Fi is here - and it's faster than ever
Eero, 20 September 2023
 
With rapid advancements in technology, our home and business networks are regularly put to the test - whether it’s one family member streaming in 4K while another is gaming, or customers in a coffee shop taking video calls with their colleagues around the world. Even a momentary lag can be frustrating - and for a small business, it can be costly. The eero Max 7 - our first Wi-Fi 7 mesh system - is designed to dramatically increase speeds and improve mesh latency in order to keep up with customers’ evolving needs. It’s delivering the future of Wi-Fi today.
READ MORE
 

The Future of Spectrum Sharing: Insights from the New America Foundation Panels
Federated Wireless, 1 November 2023
 
Yesterday, the New America Foundation held an insightful event exploring the future of spectrum sharing and how frameworks like the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) are promoting innovation.
 
Michael Calabrese, Director, Wireless Future/New America provided an update on CBRS adoption. There are now over 128,000 active CBRS radios and Priority Access Licences grew 17% each month in 2022. While still early, progress has been promising so far. Calabrese emphasised the CBRS rules are dynamic, not static. He encouraged stakeholders to provide feedback to the NTIA to evolve CBRS over time. READ MORE

ITU World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23)   20 November – 15 December 2023 Dubai, United Arab Emirates World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRC) are held every three to four years to review, and, if necessary, revise the Radio Regulations, the international treaty governing the use of the radio-frequency spectrum and the geostationary-satellite and non-geostationary-satellite orbits.   World Communication Awards 2023   22 November 2023 Amsterdam, Netherlands For the past 25 years, the World Communication Awards have recognised innovation and excellence for global telecoms, and today continues to be the most revered mark of achievement in the industry. Martha will be on the panel of Judges for this year’s event.   Connected Germany   5 – 6 November 2023 Munich, Germany Germany’s connectivity landscape is transforming, with the goal of rolling out ubiquitous, converged networks with gigabit speeds by the end of 2025. Now more than ever, it is imperative that all those involved in building next-generation networks come together to advance Germany’s broadband strategy. With over 1,500 delegates and 150 speakers, Connected Germany will provide a forum where leading experts, decision makers, equipment suppliers, investors, companies and others can exchange thoughts, discover perspectives and form partnerships.     The Digital Transformation Week Global   30 November – 1 December 2023 London, United Kingdom The conference is perfect for those technology professionals making investment and strategy decisions or building and executing pioneering projects within their organisation. The event will consist of live and on-demand from over 40 speakers sharing their unparalleled industry knowledge and real-life experiences in the forms of solo presentations, expert panel discussions and in-depth fireside chats.

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