Today Ofcom published their decisions regarding the conduct of the auction of 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz spectrum for 4G mobile technology.
At Real Wireless we supported Ofcom’s preparations for their biggest-ever auction of spectrum via a variety of analysis, mainly of technical issues. Here is a brief guide to the Real Wireless reports published today alongside Ofcom’s statement. The full documents are available for download on the Ofcom site:
- LTE and HSPA device availability in UK-relevant frequency bands - An analysis of the availability of mobile devices supporting HSPA+, DC-HSPA+ and LTE technology in frequency bands that are/will become available in the UK. The work includes both current availability and a survey of five-year roadmaps amongst 16 device manufacturers, 42 European operators and numerous suppliers of key components
- Methodologies used for the analysis of costs relating to a coverage obligation at 800MHz - A technical briefing note on the methodologies implemented by Real Wireless in analysing the cost implications of meeting a coverage obligation at 800MHz making use of: a) Existing MNO (or national wholesaler) sites, b) Potential new sites available through the mobile infrastructure project (MIP)
- Investigations of technical issues related to the combined award of 800MHz and 2.6GHz spectrum - A collection of six distinct investigations into technical aspects of Ofcom’s analysis. The download includes an overall summary report plus six annexes providing the details of the investigations:
- A: Propagation losses into and within buildings in the 800, 900, 1800, 2100 and 2600 MHz bands
- B: Use of RSRP (Reference signal received power) For Coverage Analysis
- C: Consideration of Uplink Coverage Limitations
- D: Use of the Extended Hata Path Loss Model for Frequencies above 1800 MHz
- E: Analysis of stakeholder comment regarding loading and overhead assumptions
- F: State of art and expected evolution of smart scheduling techniques in LTE
Ofcom’s news release indicates that the auction is set to get underway by the end of 2012, laying the path for next-generation 4G networks to be rolled out next year.
