On-Going Activities in the CEPT (European Spectrum Regulation) on
Broadband Direct-Air-to-Ground Communications Systems
International Conference „IFE & Connectivity“, Hamburg, 24 – 26 March 2015
Thomas Weber, ECO, Spectrum Management
Content
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CEPT Organisation (48 European Frequency Regulators)
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BDA2GC in 1900-1920 MHz and 5855-5875 MHz
Aero CGC in 1980-2010/2170-2200 MHz
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Existing Work in CEPT
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Draft Regulatory Framework (Frequency Management)
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Mandates from the European Commission to CEPT
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Current situation in frequency bands, roll-out considerations, standardisation activities
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Options
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Outlook & Challenges
Where does the action take place?
Activities in CEPT - Trigger
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Trigger: 3 ETSI System Reference Documents:
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ETSI TR 103 054 V1.1.1 (2010-07) [11], System Reference Document on Broadband
Direct-Air-to-Ground Communications operating in part of the frequency range from
790 MHz to 5150 MHz;
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ETSI TR 101 599 V1.1.3 (2012-09) [12], System Reference Document on Broadband
Direct-Air-to-Ground Communications System employing beamforming antennas,
operating in the 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz bands;
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ETSI TR 103 108 V1.1.1 (2013-07) [13], System Reference Document on Broadband
Direct-Air-to-CEPT Ground Communications System operating in the 5.855 GHz to
5.875 GHz band using 3G technology.
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SRDocs also describe the addressable market ‘over Europe’
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SE40 studies on Aero CGC (triggered by INMARSAT and supporting CEPT admins)
Activities in CEPT – Important conditions
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Various frequency bands below 6 GHz were identified which could be suitable for fulfilling
the spectrum requirements for the BDA2GC systems when the activities within CEPT
started.
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Some frequency bands were selected for detailed investigations and for conducting
compatibility and sharing studies. Some bands were considered less suitable after initial
studies or considerations.
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A short term solution for BDA2GC (by end of 2017) could not be realised in a frequency
band above 6 GHz.
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However, higher frequency bands could be considered in the future for next generation
BDA2GC systems.
Published ECC Reports
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ECC Report 209: Studies related to BDA2GC in the bands 1900-1920 MHz / 2010-2025
MHz and in the adjacent bands;
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ECC Report 210: Studies related to BDA2GC in the bands 5855-5875 MHz, 2400-2483.5
MHz and 3400-3600 MHz;
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ECC Report 214: Broadband Direct-Air-to-Ground Communications (DA2GC) –
Frequency regulatory concept;
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ECC Report 220: Compatibility/sharing studies related to PMSE (programme making and
special events, e.g. video links, cordless cameras in this context), DECT and SRD (Short
Range Devices) with DA2GC in the 2 GHz unpaired bands and MFCN in the adjacent 2
GHz paired band.
New ECC Decisions
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The draft new ECC Decision for broadband Direct Air to Ground Communications in the
frequency band 1900-1920 MHz
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The draft new ECC Decision for broadband Direct Air to Ground Communications in the
frequency band 5855-5875 MHz
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TDD (Time Division Duplex)
harmonised use
free circulation
common framework for authorising
on a non-exclusive basis
application of the technical and operational requirement
co-existence between DA2GC Ground Stations and other fixed terrestrial
stations and FSS earth stations (only 5.8 GHz)
 DA2GC Ground stations individually licensed
 exempt from individual licensing and free circulation and use of DA2GC Aircraft
stations under the control of a network
1900-1920 MHz (new usage)
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Only 1 DA2GC in the band (TDD)
There are practically 3 options in discussions, all using the same technical framework
SRDs are indoor limited
Existing license situation (34 countries have licenses for UMTS/IMT in all or parts of the
band) needs to get resolved
5855-5875 MHz
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Only 1 DA2GC in the band (TDD)
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There are practically 2 options in discussions. Technical framework slightly different
depending on usage of fixed antennas or beamforming antennas.
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Non-exclusive usage – existing applications: Fixed Satellite Uplink, Intelligent
Transportation Systems, Fixed Wireless Access, in future also Wi-Fi
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Positive results in compatibility studies
Approaches
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Some of the current BDA2GC TDD proponents are flexible with regard to these two
frequency options
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A typical DA2GC ground station uses multiple sector antennas with fixed azimuth and
elevation patterns. A fixed elevation up-tilt to maximise reception at normal cruising
altitudes. The aircraft station antenna is based on an existing commercial aircraft antenna,
enhanced to support operation in the allocated frequency band, and so facilitates retrofit
while not creating any additional drag for the aircraft.
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Alternatively, a beamforming system can be implemented, advanced phased array and
signal processing technology on the aircraft and at the ground station, to produce shaped
and steerable beams. This enables dynamic beam pointing at both ends of the link such
that the ground station and the aircraft mutually track each other. The use of beamforming
helps to reduce co-channel interference and improves both the DA2GC link performance
and its frequency sharing capabilities.
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Power control is used in both directions, to maintain the required receive power level at
the GS and AS receivers.
European Commission Mandates to CEPT
o To undertake studies on the harmonised technical conditions for the 1900-1920 MHz
and 2010-2025 MHz frequency bands (“Unpaired terrestrial 2 GHz bands”) in the EU;
-> Proposal to use 1900-1920 MHz for BDA2GC -> CEPT Report 52 published
o - To study and identify harmonised compatibility and sharing conditions for Wireless
Access Systems including Radio Local Area Networks in the bands 5350-5470 MHz
and 5725-5925 MHz ('Wireless Access Systems/RLAN extension bands')
o Mandate not on BDA2GC but BDA2GC is compatible with existing radio services and
WAS/RLAN – long timetable of the mandate
Aeronautical CGC (Complementary Ground Component)
1 980 – 2 010 MHz and 2 170–2 200 MHz used by the MSS and with Aero-CGC
Aero CGC Work Item
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Draft ECC Report 233 in public consultation
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Preliminary results show that Aero CGC does not create harmful interference to other
terrestrial radio systems
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Airborne terminals to implement a ‘mask’ to protect other terrestrial systems
 2 MSS licences awarded: INMARSAT and Solaris (each 2x15 MHz duplex)
 COCOM: no final decision
 ECC Decision (06)09 and 2009/449/EC in place
 Aero CGC authorisation: national decisions
Standardisation activities
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Relevant standardisation activities for the creation of harmonised European standards for
all BDA2GC options are already on its way in 3GPP and ETSI (Technical Committee
BRAN). This is for new Harmonised European Standards for BDA2GC in 1900-1920 MHz
and 5855-5875 MHz.
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At the 3GPP TSG-RAN WG4 Meeting #72bis in Singapore, 6 – 10 Oct, 2014, a
contribution was made; currently in 3GPP/RAN4 there is a study item to have a new band
considering B1 (2.1 GHz cellular band) + MSS band. The MSS band for Complementary
Ground Components (CGCs) deployment in Region 1 was studied in 3GPP TR 37.846. A
new WID was started in RAN #65 for MSS + B1 with 2 x 90 MHz introduction in Europe.
The input at the 3GPP TSG-RAN WG4 Meeting #72bis raised a question on the MSS
complementary ground component usage, the 2 x 90 MHz MSS + B1 seems not to follow
current regulations, i.e. MSS band operation independent of satellite operation.
Technical Options
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1900-1920 MHz: 3 Options, all TDD based, with/without beamforming, higher emission
values possible when introducing a ‘guard band’ to public mobile above 1920 MHz
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5855-5875 MHz: 2 options, both TDD based, with/without beamforming, technical
requirements slightly deviate depending on the option because of spectrum compatibility
reasons
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1 980 – 2 010 MHz and 2 170–2 200 MHz Aero CGC: 2 potential operators could use
(INMARSAT, Solaris)
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From the feedback received from market participants such as Austrian/Lufthansa/Swiss,
Air France KLM, Air Berlin and British Airways during the course of the work in CEPT in
recent years, it may be reasonable to expect one or two options to materialise in the
future (current assumption!)
Outlook
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Based on the situation described before, it is believed that CEPT administrations may
further consider the selection and authorisation process for a DA2GC provider in 19001920 MHz and also for the 5855-5875 MHz range. This action may be supported by the
EC. For each single frequency band, stakeholder need to clearly come forward requesting
an European harmonised solution, otherwise, it may be difficult to get final EU
implementation acts in place for BDA2GC.
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An EU led selection process seems to have very limited support among EU member
states.
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Higher frequencies & outside of Europe: FCC considers regulation in 14-14.5 GHz for the
future – if interest stated from stakeholders, this may be considered in CEPT in the future
(not for implementation by end of 2017). APT (Asia/Pacific) also investigates the situation.
China does field trials and has implemented a first DA2GC one domestic flight route.
Identified Challenges identified in CEPT/ECC
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Existing licenses in relevant frequency bands(is the band used? Compatible with exist.
Use?)
Technology and service neutrality (common technical framework)
Efficient use of the relevant spectrum throughout Europe (non-exclusive/sharing)
Value of the relevant spectrum
Competition aspects
Confidence in the market to single out (a) viable BDA2GC operator(s) and technical
solution
Roaming possibilities if BDA2GC is provided by different operators in different countries
Bringing into use and coverage conditions (roll-out)
Sanctions for not bringing BDA2GC into use according to a stipulated schedule or
conditions
Possibility to review and withdraw harmonisation measures (with or without a selection
process)
Alternative uses in countries where BDA2GC is not implemented or partial implemented
Thank you for you attention
Questions??
See also whitepaper
Thomas.Weber@eco.cept.org
www.cept.org/eco
www.cept.org/ecc
www.efis.dk