As already mentioned, the following frequency bands are reserved and available for electronic communications services, according to relevant European Decisions: 791 - 821 MHz / 832 - 862 MHz (800 MHz), 880 - 890 MHz / 925 - 935 MHz (900 MHz), 1710 - 1785 MHz / 1805 - 1880 MHz (1800 MHz) and 2500 - 2690 MHz (2.6 GHz).
In addition, the following frequencies are reserved and available for the provision of LMS: 455.80625 - 457.45 MHz / 465.80625 - 467.45 MHz (450 MHz) and 1900 - 1910 MHz (2.1 GHz). ICP-ANACOM, in line with the progressive implementation of the concepts of technological neutrality and services, does not obstruct, in this case too, the provision of electronic communications services, provided the fulfilment of the obligations resulting from the Radiocommunications Regulation (RR) of the ITU (International Telecommunications Union) and the NTFA - which identify these bands within the scope of the Land Mobile Service (LMS) - is ensured.
The following table thus presents the quantity of spectrum available for allocation:
|
Band designation |
Spectrum |
Quantity of spectrum |
|
450 MHz |
455.80625 - 457.45 MHz / |
Paired 2 x 1.25 MHz |
|
800 MHz |
791 - 821 MHz / |
Paired: 2 x 30 MHz |
|
900 MHz |
880 - 890 MHz / |
Paired 2 x 10 MHz |
|
1800 MHz |
1710 - 1785 MHz / |
Paired 2 x 57 MHz |
|
2.1 GHz |
1900 - 1910 MHz |
Not paired 2 blocks of 5 MHz |
|
2.6 GHz |
2500 - 2690 MHz |
Paired 2 x 70 MHz + Not paired 50 MHz |
Taking into account the international framework, namely the publication of a set of Decisions at a European Union level relative to the 800/900/1800/2600 MHz bands, with imposition of dates for their designation and availability for terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic communications services in a harmonised manner in the European Union, summarised in the following table:
| Band - EC Decision | Publication Date | Implementation Date |
| 2.6 GHz (2008/477/EC) |
13/6/2008 | 13/12/2008 |
| 900 MHz and 1800 MHz (2009/766/EC) |
16/10/2009 | 9/5/2010 |
| 800 MHz (2010/267/EU) |
6/5/2010 | 2013 to 2015 (indicated in the Spectrum Policy Programme) |
Given that, in addition, it is considered that this availability of spectrum allows creating the necessary foundations to respond to the challenges launched, on 20/9/2010, by the European Union within the scope of the "Draft decision of the European Parliament and of the Council that establishes the first radio spectrum policy programme", crucial for the implementation of the Digital Agenda for Europe 1, which aims to ensure rapid access to the Internet via broadband in the future knowledge-based economy;
Considering also the number of expressions of interest in the use of these bands, clear in the responses received within the scope of the public consultation on the NTFA 2010-2011, as well as within the scope of the public consultations mentioned in section 1, and given the need to (i) guarantee an efficient use of frequencies, (ii) maximise benefits for users and (iii) facilitate the development of competition, ICP-ANACOM intends to provide the bands identified in Table 1 for applications within the scope of publicly available terrestrial electronic communications networks and services, according to the principles of technological neutrality and services, without prejudice to the allocations identified in the NTFA.
The spectrum identified above will be provided in lots with the following sizes:
|
Band designation |
Quantity of spectrum |
Lots |
|
450 MHz |
Paired 2 x 1.25 MHz |
1 lot of 2 x 1.25 MHz |
|
800 MHz |
Paired: 2 x 30 MHz |
6 lots of 2 x 5 MHz |
|
900 MHz |
Paired 2 x 10 MHz |
2 lots of 2 x 5 MHz |
|
1800 MHz |
Paired 2 x 57 MHz |
9 lots of 2 x 5 MHz and 3 lots of 2 x 4 MHz |
|
2.1 GHz |
Not paired 2 x 5 MHz |
2 lots of 5 MHz |
|
2.6 GHz |
Paired 2 x 70 MHz + Not paired 50 MHz |
14 lots of 2 x 5 MHz + 2 lots of 25 MHz |
The dimensioning of the lots in each one of the frequency bands aims to provide an equilibrium between the minimum viability of a commercial operation and the need for flexibility in the choice of quantity of spectrum intended. It is also intended to create conditions so that there is an effective use of the spectrum and so that various entities can commercially exploit these frequency bands.
1 COM(2010) 245, of 19.05.2010.
- Technical conditions associated to the frequencies https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?categoryId=342088
