Before giving the summary of the responses to the questions raised in the Public Consultation, presented below are some general, relevant comments on some of the parties and a summary of contributions received whose content is not directly connected to the questions posed in the consultation document.
Beside the considerations made in respect of the classification of BWA as an innovative technology that brings benefits to the market in terms of capacity and range of services, there are a number of points that bear highlighting:
- The private contributions made emphasise the important role that ICP-ANACOM has in the introduction of BWA, with two of the respondents referring to certain aspects of the project (personnel) for the supply of access to broadband services based on a BWA (WiMAX) infrastructure; in this contribution it is further suggested that the Municipal Councils should implement and/or exploit WiMAX networks, allowing a real expansion of broadband services for their citizens, making it more appealing, competitive and arousing the interest of potential investors in the Council;
- The possibility of extending the use of BWA applications to the 2.3 and 2.5 GHz band was also indicated, especially for WiMAX type applications. It should be noted that one of parties with usage rights for the operation of MMDS in the 2.5-2.7 GHz frequency bands, Cabo TV Madeirense, indicated its intention to operate with WiMAX at 3.6 GHz, in order to complement existing broadband services especially with respect to mobility and at the same time providing the same access conditions in rural areas as are currently enjoyed by urban areas.
- One of the parties, SAP/REG, concerned above all with issues related to possible interference of BWA application with the fixed satellite service (FSS), emphasised the recommendations on compatibility requirements made in the CEPT report. SAP/REG further stressed that in Portugal, FSS is allocated exclusively in the 3600-4200 MHz frequency band and, with the knowledge that FSS stations (reception only) are exempt from licensing (in accordance with ERC/DEC(99)26)), that there was a need for careful planning in respect of band allocation for BWA applications;
- The active participation of the interested parties in the operation of BWA applications is envisaged, in respect of the phase of drawing up strategic plans for the development of national radiocommunications, under the guidance of ICP-ANACOM;
- Grupo PT considers that the decision that ICP-ANACOM is taking on the framework governing the introduction BWA applications in Portugal cannot be isolated from the results and decisions to be adopted within the scope of and following the 2006 Review process, which the European Commission is conducting and where the definition of a new spectrum management model as it affects electronic communications assumes particular importance.
- 3.1. BWA framework https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?categoryId=347591
- 3.2. Frequency use https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?categoryId=347592
- 3.3. BWA implementation in Portugal https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?categoryId=347593
- 3.4. Introduction of BWA systems in the market https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?categoryId=347595
- 3.5. Other relevant points https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?categoryId=347596
