Prague hosted last 16-20 April the 58th meeting of ECC project team 1 (ECC PT1) on International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT)1, chaired by Steve Green of the United Kingdom and attended by representatives of the administrations, the European Communications Office (ECO), the European Commission (EC), operators and manufacturers, among others.
The work meant to respond to the EC mandate on 5G is notably in the final phase. That CEPT mandate concerns the development of harmonised technical conditions for 5G spectrum use, particularly in the 3.4-3.8 GHz and 24.25-27.5 GHz (26 GHz band) frequency bands. A proposed CEPT decision for the 26 GHz band was thus finalised, though still subject to approval (for public consultation) by the ECC. It identifies fundamental aspects to bear in mind when designating that spectrum for 5G. Also finalised were various studies on the 3.6 GHz band; a highlight was the proposed revision of Decision CEPT ECC 11(06) for that frequency band, still subject to approval (for public consultation) by the ECC. Regarding 5G, also noteworthy was the start of studies on the 900/1800 MHz, 2.1 GHz and 2.6 GHz bands with a view to analysing whether the current framework (in the relevant CEPT decisions) is adequate for 5G introduction.
Regarding the 1427-1518 MHz frequency band (designated the ‘L band’), even though Decision CEPT ECC (17)06 was recently approved with channels and technical parameters for the band, studies have continued, identifying measures that can eventually be implemented, namely at airports and maritime ports, to protect mobile satellite service ground stations. It was thus decided that the technical work would continue; information to assist those studies has meanwhile been requested from other bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation (Eurocontrol).
Finally, note that work to prepare for the 2019 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-19) continues, with a view to identifying frequency bands for future IMT development. CEPT’s preliminary position (contained in the brief) focuses on the 24.25-27.5 GHz, 40.5-43.5 GHz and 66-71 GHz frequency bands. The 24.25-27.5 GHz band (‘26 GHz band’) is considered the priority band for CEPT. Other studies are also under way concerning the remaining WRC-19 agenda points this group is responsible for, such as machine-to-machine (M2M); the adoption of a common European position proposing that the Radio Regulations not be altered in the scope of that study (M2M) will be suggested to the WRC-19 preparatory group.
1 ECC PT1 is responsible for all matters concerning IMT. Among other aspects, its mission is to develop harmonisation means for bands identified for the IMT system, including the respective channels and technical conditions, to carry out sharing/compatibility studies and to coordinate European positions within the Radiocommunication Sector of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU-R). Furthermore, it will also lead the preparation of CEPT's position in matters concerning item 1.13 of the 2019 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-19) with respect to additional spectrum for IMT/mobile systems (5G systems).
