Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) - Update on spectrum arrangementsSpectrum arrangement options to support ITS in the 5850-5925 MHz band in AustraliaGeoff McMillen

AusDSRC Meeting - Brisbane16 February 2010

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Introduction> to provide an update on ACMA considerations of

spectrum and licensing arrangement options for ITS.

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Overview> Role of the ACMA

> Frameworks

> ACMA and ITS

> Band use – international and domestic

> ITS and the fixed service

> ITS and the fixed-satellite service

> Radiocommunications licensing

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The role of the ACMA> The ACMA is the government body responsible for the

regulation of broadcasting, the internet, radiocommunications and telecommunications

> Spectrum management is the technical and regulatory foundation for the efficient and effective use of the radiofrequency spectrum

> Includes elements of:> Engineering> Regulation> Economics> Policy

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Legislative and policy framework> Radiocommunications Act 1992

> Object of the Act is to manage the radiofrequency spectrum in order to achieve a number of goals, including:

> to maximise the overall public benefit derived from the use of the spectrum

> provide a responsive and flexible approach to meeting the needs of users of the spectrum

> and more…..

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Legislative and policy framework continued…> Principles for Spectrum Management

1. Allocate spectrum to the highest value use or uses2. Enable and encourage spectrum to move to its highest

value use or uses3. Use the least cost and least restrictive approach to

achieving policy objectives4. To the extent possible, promote both certainty and

flexibility5. Balance the cost of interference and the benefits of

greater spectrum utilisation

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Spectrum management decision framework

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Intelligent transport systems > Have been discussing with Austroads via the

Queensland Department of Main Roads on this issue for 3 years

> ACMA released a discussion paper on Planning for intelligent transport systems on the 27th of October, 2009 – closed 17 December

> Outlines proposed arrangements for ITS in the 5850-5925 MHz band and arrangements for sharing the band with existing users

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ITS radiocommunications architecture

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What are intelligent transport systems?

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International arrangements for ITS

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Incumbent users> The 5.9 GHz band is used by:

> ISM and LIPD devices

> One Victorian Police system

> Fixed (point-to-point) service

> Fixed-satellite service (Earth-to-space)

> See the paper for specifics on sharing with existing users

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Current usage of the 5.9 GHz band in Australia

Service No of licences issued

Interference potential/ licence conditions

Sharing applicable

Mobile and fixed receive allocated to Victorian Police

Six YesSpecial condition 27

Relocate service to another frequency band or allow continued operation on a No interference/No protection basis

Radiolocation 0 N/ASpecial condition 27

N/A

Radio astronomy Six stations listed Very lowAustralian footnote 87

Yes

Defence Australia wide licence in adjacent band

LowAustralian footnote 11

Yes

ISM Class licence YesLicence condition

Yes—limit usage to below 5 875 MHz as per International standards

LIPD Class licence Low Yes

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Current usage adjacent the 5.9 GHz band in Australia

> Fixed service

> One licence on first interleave channel (co-frequency to ITS band)

> 119 services on the first main channel (adjacent frequency to ITS band)

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Sharing between ITS and fixed service> Discussion paper proposes:

> Relocation of co-frequency service

> ITS will accept interference from adjacent band fixed service (the probability of which is low)

> ITS will limit emissions about 5 925 MHz to below -65 dBm/MHz

> Request feedback, particularly on the last two proposals

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Sharing between ITS and the fixed service> Discussion paper proposes:

> Relocation of one co-frequency service

> ITS will accept interference from adjacent band fixed service (the probability of which is low)

> ITS will limit emissions about 5 925 MHz to below -65 dBm/MHz

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Current 5.9 GHz fixed-satellite usage in Australia

> Fixed-satellite service:

> 13 licences in or immediately adjacent to proposed ITS band

> 8 sites:

> 2 in Sydney area

> 4 in Perth area

> 1 near Armidale in NSW

> 1 on Norfolk Island

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Sharing between ITS and the fixed-satellite service

> The University of South Australia was engaged by Austroads (DMR Qld), with ACMA support, to undertake sharing studies which included field tests

> Paper proposes:

> ITS to be planned around existing FSS Earth stations and accept interference from these services

> New Earth stations to be at least one kilometre away from major cities, towns and highways

> More detailed co-ordination if either ITS or FSS want to have less than one kilometre separation

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Sharing between ITS and the fixed-satellite service> The University of South Australia was

engaged by Austroads (DMR Qld), with ACMA support, to undertake sharing studies which included field tests.

> Paper proposes:> ITS to be planned around existing

FSS Earth stations and accept interference from these services

> New Earth stations to be at least one kilometre away from major cities, towns and highways

> More detailed co-ordination if either ITS or FSS want to have less than one kilometre separation

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Spectrum arrangements> Paper discusses prospect of a staged approach to

releasing the 5.9 GHz band for use by ITS> Initially, ITS could operate below 5 895 MHz> Following relocation of co-frequency fixed link,

operation could be extended up to 5 925 MHz> Paper also proposes that ITS devices be allowed

to operated up to a maximum EIRP of 33 dBm in high and medium density areas and possible higher in low and remote density areas

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Radiocommunications licensing frameworks> Class licensing

> Apparatus licensing

> Spectrum licensing

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Class licensing> an effective and efficient means of spectrum

management for services where equipment is operated under a common set of conditions

> not issued to an individual user

> does not involve licence fees

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Apparatus licensing> Typically authorise specified frequencies at

particular locations

> can authorise frequency bands and geographic areas

> involves the payment of licence fees

> individual licences are issued to authorise the operation of equipment

> Licence period up to 5 years

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Spectrum licensing> authorises a licensee to use for a period of up to 15 years

> parcel of spectrum space – frequency band and geographic area

> Standard Trading Units concept

> tradeable, technology non-specific (that is, the licence does not specify a particular technology or service)

> spectrum access right for a fixed non renewable term

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Thank you.

Geoff McMillen

Questions?