Decision 2008/411/EC is amended as follows:
(1)
in Article 2, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following:
‘1. Without prejudice to the protection and continued operation of other existing use in this band, when Member States designate and make available, on a non-exclusive basis the 3 400-3 800 MHz frequency band for terrestrial electronic communications networks, they shall do so in compliance with the parameters set out in the Annex.’;
(2)
Article 4a is replaced by the following:
‘Article 4a
Member States shall report on the application of this Decision on 30 September 2019 at the latest.’;
(3)
the Annex is replaced by the text in the Annex to this Decision.
This Decision is addressed to the Member States.
ANNEXSupplementary provisions
ANNEX
PARAMETERS REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 2
A. DEFINITIONS
Active antenna systems (AAS) means a base station and an antenna system where the amplitude and/or phase between antenna elements is continually adjusted resulting in an antenna pattern that varies in response to short term changes in the radio environment. This excludes long-term beam shaping such as fixed electrical down tilt. In AAS base stations the antenna system is integrated as part of the base station system or product.
Synchronised operation means operation of two or more different time division duplex (TDD) networks, where simultaneous uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) transmissions do not occur, that is at any given moment in time either all networks transmit in downlink or all networks transmit in uplink. This requires the alignment of all DL and UL transmissions for all TDD networks involved as well as synchronising the beginning of the frame across all networks.
Unsynchronised operation means operation of two or more different TDD networks, where at any given moment in time at least one network transmits in DL while at least one network transmits in UL. This might happen if the TDD networks either do not align all DL and UL transmissions or do not synchronise at the beginning of the frame.
Semi-synchronised operation means operation of two or more different TDD networks, where part of the frame is consistent with synchronised operation, while the remaining portion of the frame is consistent with unsynchronised operation. This requires the adoption of a frame structure for all TDD networks involved, including slots where the UL/DL direction is not specified, as well as synchronising the beginning of the frame across all networks.
Total radiated power (TRP) is a measure of how much power a composite antenna radiates. It equals the total conducted power input into the antenna array system less any losses in the antenna array system. TRP means the integral of the power transmitted in different directions over the entire radiation sphere as shown in the formula:
where P(θ,φ) is the power radiated by an antenna array system in direction (θ,φ) given by the formula:
P ( θ,φ ) = P Tx g ( θ,φ )
where P Tx denotes the conducted power (measured in Watts), which is input to the array system, and g(θ,φ) denotes the array systems directional gain along the (θ, φ) direction.
B. GENERAL PARAMETERS
Within the 3 400-3 800 MHz frequency band:
1.
the duplex mode of operation shall be time division duplex (TDD);
2.
the assigned block sizes shall be in multiples of 5 MHz. The lower frequency limit of an assigned block shall be aligned with or spaced at multiples of 5 MHz from the lower band edge of 3 400 MHz ( 1 ) ;
3.
there shall be spectrum available providing the opportunity to access sufficiently large portions of contiguous spectrum, preferably 80-100 MHz, for wireless broadband electronic communications services;
4.
base stations and terminal stations transmission shall be in compliance with the technical conditions specified in Part C and Part D, respectively.
C. TECHNICAL CONDITIONS FOR BASE STATIONS — BLOCK EDGE MASK
The following technical parameters for base stations called block edge mask (BEM) are an essential component of conditions necessary to ensure coexistence between neighbouring networks, in the absence of bilateral or multilateral agreements between operators of such neighbouring networks. Less stringent technical parameters, if agreed among the operators of such networks, may also be used.
The BEM consists of several elements given in Table 1. The in-block power limit is applied to a block owned by an operator. The baseline power limit, designed to protect the spectrum of other operators, the transitional region power limit, enabling filter roll-off from the in-block to the baseline power limit, and the restricted baseline power limit applicable to cases of unsynchronised or semi-synchronised operation represent out-of-block elements. The additional baseline power limit is an out-of-band power limit which is used either for the protection of radar operation below 3 400 MHz or for the protection of fixed satellite services (FSS) and fixed services (FS) above 3 800 MHz.
Tables 2 to 7 contain the power limits for the different BEM elements for TDD networks providing wireless broadband (WBB) electronic communications services (ECS). Power limits are provided for synchronised, unsynchronised and semi-synchronised WBB ECS networks.
In Tables 3 and 4, the power level P Max
is the maximum carrier power in dBm for the base station in question. P Max
is defined and measured as the equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) per antenna for base stations with non-active antenna systems (non-AAS). For AAS, base stations P Max
is defined as the maximum mean carrier power in dBm for the base station and measured as TRP per carrier in a given cell.
In Tables 3, 4, and 7 the power limits are determined relative to a fixed upper limit by means of the formula Min( P Max — A
, B), which sets the lower (or stricter) of two values: (1) ( P Max
A) expressing the maximum carrier power P Max
minus a relative offset A, and (2) the fixed upper limit B.
To obtain a BEM for a specific block, the BEM elements that are defined in Table 1 are combined in the following steps:
1.
in-block power limit is used for the block assigned to the operator;
2.
transitional regions are determined, and corresponding power limits are used;
3.
baseline power limit is used in the case of synchronised WBB ECS networks for spectrum within the band except from the operator's block in question and the corresponding transitional regions;
4.
restricted baseline power limits are used in the case of unsynchronised and semi-synchronised WBB ECS networks;
5.
for spectrum below 3 400 MHz the respective additional baseline power limit is used;
6.
for coexistence with FSS/FS above 3 800 MHz an additional baseline power limit is used.
The Figure below provides an example of the combination of different BEM elements.
Figure
Example of base station BEM elements and power limits
In-block
Additional baselines
Transitional
Transitional
Baseline
Restricted baseline
Additional baseline “A”
Additional baseline “B”
Coexistence of non-synchronized TDD WBB ECS networks in adjacent blocks
Coexistence of synchronized TDD WBB ECS networks in adjacent blocks
Carrier power
Coexistence between non-AAS WBB ECS and Radiolocation systems
Table 1
Definition of BEM elements
BEM element
Definition
In-block
Refers to a block for which the BEM is derived.
Baseline
Spectrum within 3 400 -3 800 MHz used for WBB ECS, with the exception of the block assigned to the operator and the corresponding transitional regions.
Transitional region
Spectrum within 0 to 10 MHz below and 0 to 10 MHz above the block assigned to the operator. Transitional regions do not apply to TDD blocks assigned to other operators, unless networks are synchronised. The transitional regions do not apply below 3 400 MHz or above 3 800 MHz.
Additional baseline
Spectrum below 3 400 MHz and above 3 800 MHz.
Restricted baseline
Spectrum used for WBB ECS by networks unsynchronised or semi-synchronised with the operator's block in question.
Explanatory note to Table 1
The BEM elements are applicable to base stations with different power levels, typically referred to as macro, micro, pico, and femto base stations ( 2 ) .
Table 2
In-block power limit for non-AAS and AAS base stations
BEM element
Frequency range
Power limit for non-AAS and AAS base stations
In-block
Block assigned to the operator
Not obligatory.
Explanatory note to Table 2
In the specific case of femto base stations, power control shall be applied to minimize interference to adjacent channels. The requirement on power control for femto base stations results from the need to reduce interference from equipment that may be deployed by consumers and may thus not be coordinated with surrounding networks. Member States wishing to include a limit in their authorisation or to use a limit for coordination purposes may define such limits on a national basis.
Table 3
Baseline power limits for non-AAS and AAS base stations with synchronised network operation
BEM element
Frequency range
Non-AAS e.i.r.p limit
AAS TRP limit
Baseline
Below – 10 MHz offset from lower block edge
Above 10 MHz offset from upper block edge
Within 3 400 -3 800 MHz
Min(P Max – 43, 13) dBm/(5 MHz) per antenna ( *1 )
Min(P Max′ – 43, 1) dBm/(5 MHz) per cell ( *2 )
( *3 )
Explanatory note to Table 3
The applied fixed upper limit (13 dBm/(5 MHz) for non-AAS or 1 dBm/(5 MHz) for AAS) provides an upper bound on the interference from a base station. When two TDD blocks are synchronised, there will be no interference between base stations.
Table 4
Transitional region power limits, for non-AAS and AAS base stations with synchronised WBB ECS network operation
BEM element
Frequency range
Non-AAS e.i.r.p limit
AAS TRP limit
Transitional region
– 5 to 0 MHz offset from lower block edge or
0 to 5 MHz offset from upper block edge
Min(P Max – 40, 21) dBm/(5 MHz) per antenna ( *4 )
Min(P Max′ – 40, 16) dBm/(5 MHz) per cell ( *5 )
( *6 )
Transitional region
– 10 to – 5 MHz offset from lower block edge or
5 to 10 MHz offset from upper block edge
Min(P Max – 43, 15) dBm/(5 MHz) per antenna ( *4 )
Min(P Max′ – 43, 12) dBm/(5 MHz) per cell ( *5 )
( *6 )
Table 5
Restricted baseline power limits for non-AAS and AAS base stations with unsynchronised and semi-synchronised WBB ECS network operation
BEM element
Frequency range
Non AAS e.i.r.p limit
AAS TRP limit
Restricted baseline
Unsynchronised and semi synchronised blocks, below the lower block edge and above the upper block edge, within 3 400 -3 800 MHz
– 34 dBm/(5 MHz) per cell ( *7 )
– 43 dBm/(5 MHz) per cell ( *7 )
Explanatory note to Table 5
These restricted power limits are used for unsynchronised and semi-synchronised operations of base stations, if no geographic separation is available. In addition, depending on national circumstances, Member States may define a relaxed alternative restricted baseline power limit applying to specific implementation cases to ensure a more efficient usage of spectrum.
Table 6
Additional baseline power limits for non-AAS and AAS base stations
( *8 )
below 3 400 MHz for country-specific cases
Case
BEM element
Frequency range
Non-AAS e.i.r.p limit
AAS TRP limit
A
Member States with military radiolocation systems below 3 400 MHz
Additional baseline
Below 3 400 MHz ( *9 )
– 59 dBm/MHz per antenna
– 52 dBm/MHz per cell ( *10 )
B
Member States with military radiolocation systems below 3 400 MHz
Additional baseline
Below 3 400 MHz ( *9 )
– 50 dBm/MHz per antenna
C
Member States without adjacent band usage or with usage that does not need extra protection
Additional baseline
Below 3 400 MHz
Not applicable
Not applicable
Explanatory note to Table 6
The additional baseline power limits reflect the need for protection of military radiolocation in some countries. Member States may select the limits from case A or B for non AAS depending on the level of protection required for the radar in the region in question. A coordination zone of up to 12 km around fixed terrestrial radars, based on AAS TRP limit of – 52 dBm/MHz per cell, may be required. Such coordination is under responsibility of the relevant Member State.
Other mitigation measures like geographical separation, coordination on a case-by-case basis or an additional guard band may be necessary. In case of indoor deployments, Member States may define a relaxed limit applying to specific implementation cases.
Table 7
Additional baseline power limits above 3 800 MHz for base stations for coexistence with FSS/FS
BEM element
Frequency range
Non-AAS e.i.r.p limit
AAS TRP power limit
Additional baseline
3 800 -3 805 MHz
Min(P Max – 40, 21) dBm/(5 MHz) per antenna ( *11 )
Min(P Max′ – 40, 16) dBm/(5 MHz) per cell ( *12 )
( *13 )
3 805 -3 810 MHz
Min(P Max – 43, 15) dBm/(5 MHz) per antenna ( *11 )
Min(P Max′ – 43, 12) dBm/(5 MHz) per cell ( *12 )
( *13 )
3 810 -3 840 MHz
Min(P Max – 43, 13) dBm/(5 MHz) per antenna ( *11 )
Min(P Max′ – 43, 1) dBm/(5 MHz) per cell ( *12 )
( *13 )
Above 3 840 MHz
– 2 dBm/(5 MHz) per antenna ( *11 )
– 14 dBm/(5 MHz) per cell ( *13 )
Explanatory note to Table 7
The additional baseline power limits are applied at the 3 800 MHz band edge to support the coordination process to be carried out at national level.
D. TECHNICAL CONDITIONS FOR TERMINAL STATIONS
Table 8
In-block requirement — terminal station BEM in-block power limit
Maximum in-block power
28 dBm TRP
Explanatory note to Table 8
The inblock radiated power limit for fixed/nomadic terminal stations may exceed the limit in Table 8 provided cross-border obligations are fulfilled. For such terminal stations mitigation measures to protect radar below 3 400 MHz may be necessary, for example, geographical separation or an additional guard band.
( 1 ) If assigned blocks need to be offset to accommodate other existent users, a raster of 100 kHz must be used. Narrower blocks can be defined adjacent to other users, to allow efficient use of spectrum.
( 2 ) These terms are not uniquely defined and refer to cellular base stations with different power levels, which decrease in the following order: macro, micro, pico, femto. In particular, femto cells are small base stations with the lowest power levels, which are typically used indoors.
( *1 ) P Max is the maximum mean carrier power in dBm for the base station measured as e.i.r.p. per carrier per antenna
( *2 ) P Max′ is the maximum mean carrier power in dBm for the base station measured as TRP per carrier in a given cell
( *3 ) In a multi-sector base station, the radiated power limit applies to each one of the individual sectors.
( *4 ) P Max is the maximum mean carrier power in dBm for the base station measured as e.i.r.p. per carrier per antenna
( *5 ) P Max′ is the maximum mean carrier power in dBm for the base station measured as TRP per carrier in a given cell
( *6 ) In a multi-sector base station, the radiated power limit applies to each one of the individual sectors.
( *7 ) In a multi-sector base station, the radiated power limit applies to each one of the individual sectors.
( *8 ) Alternative measures may be required on a case by case basis for indoor AAS base stations on a national basis.
( *9 ) In cases where Member States have already implemented a guard band when issuing licences for terrestrial systems capable of providing WBB ECS before the adoption of this Decision and in accordance with Commission Decision 2008/411/EC, those Member States may apply the additional baseline only below such guard band, provided it complies with the protection of radars in the adjacent band and with cross-border obligations.
( *10 ) In a multi-sector base station, the radiated power limit applies to each one of the individual sectors
( *11 ) P Max is the maximum mean carrier power in dBm for the base station measured as e.i.r.p. per carrier per antenna
( *12 ) P Max′ is the maximum mean carrier power in dBm for the base station measured as TRP per carrier in a given cell
( *13 ) In a multi-sector base station, the radiated power limit refers to the level corresponding to each one of the individual sectors
