APG19-2/INP-56

/ ASIA-PACIFIC TELECOMMUNITY / Document:
The 2nd Meeting of the APT Conference Preparatory Group for WRC-19 (APG19-2) / APG19-2/INP-56
17 – 21July2017, Bali, Republic of Indonesia / 10July 2017

Japan

preliminary views on WRC-19 agenda iteMs 1.13, 1.16 and 9.1 (issues 9.1.1, 9.1.5 and 9.1.8)

Agenda Item 1.13:

to consider identification of frequency bands for the future development of International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), including possible additional allocations to the mobile service on a primary basis, in accordance with Resolution238 (WRC15);

1. Background

1.1On-going studies in ITU-R

For WRC-19 agenda item 1.13, Resolution 238 (WRC-15)resolves to invite ITU-R:

1to conduct and complete in time for WRC-19 the appropriate studies to determine the spectrum needs for the terrestrial component of IMT in the frequency range between 24.25 GHz and 86 GHz;

2to conduct and complete in time for WRC19 the appropriate sharing and compatibility studies[1], taking into account the protection of services to which the band is allocated on a primary basis, for the frequency bands:

–24.25-27.5GHz[2], 37-40.5GHz, 42.5-43.5GHz, 45.5-47GHz, 47.2-50.2GHz, 50.4-52.6GHz, 66-76GHz and 81-86GHz, which have allocations to the mobile service on a primary basis; and

–31.8-33.4GHz, 40.5-42.5GHz and 47-47.2GHz, which may require additional allocations to the mobile service on a primary basis.

With respect to the studies on spectrum needs mentioned inresolves to invite ITU-R 1 of Resolution 238 (WRC-15), ITU-R Working Party 5D (WP 5D) submitted results of the studies to Task Group 5/1 (TG 5/1), which are available in the Attachment 1 to Document 5-1/36.

With respect to the sharing and compatibility studies mentioned in resolves to invite ITU-R 2 of Resolution 238 (WRC-15), ITU-R TG 5/1 has initiated those studies for the frequency bands mentioned in the same Resolution. The working documents on these studies are available in the Chairman’s Report for the 2nd meeting of TG 5/1 (Annexes 03-11 to Document 5-1/92).

1.2 Situation in Japan

In January 2016, the Ministry ofInternal Affairs and Communications (MIC) organized a working group called “the Study Group on 2020 Radio Policies” to consider measures for increasing frequency demand, which includedstudies carried out by “Mobile Service Task Group” on how to realize the society utilizing “5G”technology intensively. The working group summarized their considerations in a report and published it at the end of July.

In thefinal report, the study group proposed a strategy to secure necessary spectrum for “5G”. Key elements include “international harmonization and cooperation”.In terms of potential candidate “5G” frequency bands in Japan, the eleven frequency bands in the 24.25-86 GHz range mentioned in Resolution 238 (WRC-15)were suggested for study,together with other bands,in the report.

1.3 Considerations in other regional groups

ITU-R web-page summarizes regional preparation for WRC-19. On this web-page, preliminary views for this agenda item developed by some of the regional groups are available. With respect to considerations on the frequency bands mentioned in Resolution 238 (WRC-15), the following information is obtained.

–“CEPT supports … sharing and compatibility studies for the bands listed in Resolves 2 of Resolution 238 (24.25-27.5 GHz, 31.8-33.4 GHz, 37-43.5 GHz, 45.5-50.2 GHz, 50.4-52.6 GHz, 66-76 GHz and 81-86 GHz), with the focus on the frequency bands 24.25-27.5 GHz, 31.8-33.4 GHz and 40.5-43.5 GHz.

CEPT intends to harmonise the 24.25-27.5 GHz band for Europe for 5G before WRC-19 through the adoption of a harmonisation decision and to promote it for worldwide harmonisation. Hence the 24.25-27.5 GHz is a clear priority for immediate study within CEPT. …

–“…The RCC Administrations consider it is reasonable to perform studies on IMT system compatibility first of all in the frequency bands 24.25-27.5 GHz, 31.8-33.4 GHz, 40.5-42.5 GHz and 66-71 GHz, where global harmonization could be achieved.

–ASMGposition is “Support initiating studies inthefrequencybandslistedbelow,which are included in Resolution 238 (WRC-15)

24.25-27.5GHz

31.8-33.4 GHz

40.5-42.5 GHz

42.5-43.5 GHz”

Based on the above information, Table 1 summarizes their considerations on prioritization of frequency bands to be studied in ITU-R.

TABLE 1

Considerations on prioritization of frequency bands to be studied in ITU-R so far

CEPT / RCC / ASMG
1 / 24.25 – 27.5 GHz / With the focus / Perform studies first / Support initiating studies
2 / 31.8 – 33.4 GHz / With the focus / Perform studies first / Support initiating studies
3 / 37 – 40.5 GHz
4 / 40.5 – 42.5 GHz / With the focus / Perform studies first / Support initiating studies
5 / 42.5 – 43.5 GHz / With the focus / Support initiating studies
6 / 45.5 – 47 GHz
7 / 47 – 47.2 GHz
8 / 47.2 – 50. 2 GHz
9 / 50.4 – 53.6 GHz
10 / 66 – 76 GHz / Perform studies first (in 66-71 GHz)
11 / 81 – 86 GHz

2. Preliminary Views

Japan supports studies on spectrum needs for the terrestrial component of IMT in the frequency range 24.25-86 GHz and sharing and compatibility studies in accordance with Resolution 238 (WRC-15).

Japan is of the view that it would be efficient for ITU-R to perform the sharing and compatibilitystudies from the lower part of the frequency bands listed in resolves to invite ITU-R2 of Resolution 238 (WRC-15), i.e., 24.25-27.5 GHz, 31.8-33.4 GHz, 37-40.5 GHz, 40.5-42.5 GHz and 42.5-43.5 GHz, firstly.This is because more difficult discussions in ITU-R would be expected in the lower part of frequency bands with respect to the sharing and compatibility studies with incumbent services to which these bands are allocated, and it would take more time to conclude the studies.

Taking into account the results of studies on spectrum needs for IMT, Japan supports global or regional identification of frequency bands for IMT among those bands listed in resolves to invite ITU-R 2 of Resolution 238 (WRC-15), provided that sharing between IMT and incumbent services in these frequency bands are considered to be feasible.

Agenda Item 1.16:

To consider issues related to wireless access systems, including radio local area networks (WAS/RLAN), in the frequency bands between 5 150 MHz and 5 925 MHz, and take the appropriate regulatory actions, including additional spectrum allocations to the mobile service, in accordance with Resolution 239 [COM6/22] (WRC 15)

1. Background

Resolution 229 (Rev. WRC-12) resolves that the use of the bands 5 150-5 350 MHz and 5 470-5 725 MHz by the mobile, except aeronautical mobile, service will be for the implementation of WAS/RLAN. In accordance with Resolution 229 (Rev. WRC-12), the use of the band 5 150-5 250 MHz by the mobile service is restricted to indoor operations and outdoor operations in the band 5 250-5 350 MHz by the mobile service are associated with some conditions. In addition, in the bands 5 250-5 350 MHz and 5470-5 725 MHz, mitigation measures such as transmitter power control and dynamic frequency selection shall be implemented in the mobile service in accordance with Resolution 229 (Rev. WRC-12).

In the light of rapid growth of demands for WAS/RLAN, Resolution 239 (WRC-15) calls for ITU-R to performsharing and compatibility studiesbetween WAS/RLAN applications and incumbent services in the frequency bands 5150-5350MHz, 5350-5470 MHz, 57255850MHz and 5850-5925 MHz while ensuring the protection of incumbent services including their current and planned use, to consider enabling outdoor WAS/RLAN operations in the band 5 150-5 250 MHz, relaxing conditions for outdoor WAS/RLAN operations in the band 5 250-5 350 MHz, and potential mobile service allocations to accommodate WAS/RLAN use in the 53505470 MHz and 57255850 MHz frequency ranges, and identify potential WAS/RLAN use in 58505925 MHz frequency range.

In this regard, ITU-R Working Party 5A is the responsible group for this agenda item and initiated studies.

This contribution provides the preliminary views on this agenda item from Japan.

2. Preliminary Views

Japan supports studies being conducted in ITU-R in accordance with Resolution 239 (WRC-15). Japan also is of the view that appropriate protection of the other existing services is an important issue. On the other hand, it would be desirable to consider outdoor operations of WAS/RLAN in the frequency band 5150-5250 MHz.

Agenda Item 9.1, Issue 9.1.1:

Resolution 212 (Rev.WRC 15)

Implementation of International Mobile Telecommunications in the frequency bands 1 885-2 025 MHz and 2 110 2 200 MHz

1. Background

Historically, and to this day, it is recognized thatco-coverage, co-frequency deployment of independent satellite and terrestrial IMTcomponents is not feasible unless techniques, such as the use of an appropriate guardband or othermitigation techniques, are applied to ensure coexistence and compatibility between the terrestrial andsatellite components of IMT. This recognition is described in noting further a) of Resolution 212 (Rev.WRC-15). In addition, some MS systems and some MSS systems are already being deployed as described in noting a) and b) of Resolution 212 (Rev.WRC-15).

Though the above situation was recognized, based on a proposal from one administration, WRC-15 discussed the technical and operational measure to avoid harmful interference between the terrestrial and satellite components of IMT in the frequency bands 1 980-2 010 MHz and 2 170-2 200 MHz in adjacent geographical areas. As the result, WRC-15 did not conclude this discussion but revised Resolution 212 and invited the above-mentioned ITU-R studies.

Within ITU-R, Working Party 4C (WP 4C) and Working Party 5D (WP 5D) are designated as the responsible groups for the preparatory work on this issue.

Currently, WP 4C and WP 5D are developing the Working Document towards the Preliminary Draft New Report or Recommendation ITU-R M.[MSS&IMT-ADVANCED SHARING], in accordance with Resolution 212 (Rev.WRC-15).

2. Preliminary Views

Recognizing that the ITU-R study is considering pfd levels on the Earth’s surface to protect terrestrial component of IMT from the satellite component of IMT which is intending to provide its service in the adjacent geographical area, Japan supports technical and regulatory studies in ITU-R on the coexistence and compatibility between the terrestrial component of IMT and the satellite component of IMT in the frequency bands 1980-2010MHz and 2170-2200MHz.

Agenda Item 9.1, Issue 9.1.5:

Consideration of the technical and regulatory impacts of referencing Recommendations ITU-R M.1638-1 and ITU-R M.1849-1 in Nos. 5.447F and 5.450A of the Radio Regulations

1. Background

Recommendation ITU-R M.1638-0 identifies the characteristics of, and protection criteria for sharing studies for radiolocation, aeronautical radionavigation, and meteorological radars operating in the frequency range 5 250-5 850 MHz. It is incorporated in the ITU Radio Regulation as a reference in the footnote No. 5.447F and 5.450A.

During the last study cycle, Recommendation ITU-R M.1638-0 was revised. In this revision process, several new radars with different system characteristics were included in Recommendation ITU-R M.1638-1, and the technical characteristics and protection criteria for ground based meteorological radars were removed and are not included in Recommendation ITU-R M.1638-1 and were instead relocated to Recommendation ITU-R M.1849-1 and several new meteorological radars were added to Recommendation ITU-R M.1849-1 during this revision process.

Consistent with the provisions of Resolution 27 (Rev.WRC-12), for an ITU-R Recommendation (e.g. ITU-R M.1638), the reference in the Radio Regulations shall continue to apply to the earlier version incorporated by reference until such time as a competent WRC agrees to incorporate the new version.Given the potential impact on the widespread deployment of RLANs in the 5 250-5 350 MHz and 5 470-5 725 MHz frequency ranges and the provisions of RR Nos. 5447F and 5.450A, WRC-15 decided to study this matter under WRC-19 agenda item 9.1, issue 9.1.5. For this consideration, this agenda item invites ITU-R to investigate the technical and regulatory impacts by replacing M.1638-0 with M.1638-1 and newly adding M. 1849-1 in RR Nos. 5447F and 5.450A.

2. Preliminary Views

Japan supports the studies being conducted in ITU-R in accordance with Resolution 764 (WRC-15).

Agenda Item 9.1, Issue 9.1.8:

Issue 3) in the Annex to Resolution 958 (WRC-15) - Urgent studies required in preparation for the 2019 World Radiocommunication Conference

3)Studies on the technical and operational aspects of radio networks and systems, as well as spectrum needed, including possible harmonized use of spectrum to support the implementation of narrowband and broadband machine-type communication infrastructures, in order to develop Recommendations, Reports and/or Handbooks, as appropriate, and to take appropriate actions within the ITU Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) scope of work.

1. Background

As machine type communications (MTC) are expected to grow rapidly, WRC-15 decided that urgent studies should be carried out “to support the implementation of narrowband and broadband machine-type communication infrastructures” as one of the urgent studies required in preparation for WRC-19. This Issue is included as issue 3) in the Annex to Resolution 958 (WRC-15). In accordance with this Resolution, results of the studies will be reported to WRC-19, as appropriate, under agenda item 9.1“on the activities of the Radiocommunication Sector since WRC-15”.

1.1 On-going studies in ITU-R

Within ITU-R, Working Party 5D (WP 5D) is the responsible group for this issue and Working Parties 1B (WP 1B) and 5A (WP 5A) are the concerned groups. WP 5D initiated its work related to this Issue at its 24thmeeting in June 2016. The relevant documents for this work are summarized in Table 1 below.

Table 1

Relevant documents for the work related to WRC-19 agenda item 9.1, issue 9.1.8

Document type / Document number
Working document towards draft CPM text / Attachment 3.11 to Doc. 5D/666
Work plan in WP 5D / Attachment 3.12 to Doc. 5D/666
Liaison statements / From WP 5D / Docs. 1B/73 & 5A/193
From WP 5A / Docs. 5D/401, 597
Working documents towards a PDN Report / SM.[LPWAN.MTC] / Annex XX to Doc 1B/193
M.[IMT.MTC] / Attachment 3.2 to Doc. 5D/666
M.[IOT/M2M_USAGE] / Annex 36 to Document 5A/469

In relation to narrowband IoT communications, Document 5D/493 from six Arabic countries provided a proposal on a harmonized use of the A9 frequency arrangement of 2 × 3 MHz (733-736 MHz uplink paired with 788-791 MHz downlink) in Recommendation ITU-R M.1036-5 for IoT narrowband communication based on terrestrial IMT systems.

1.2 Situation in Japan

In Japan, the following frequency bands shown in Table 2 are available for major technologies of MTC applications.

TABLE 2

Frequency bands for major technologies of MTC applicationsin Japan

Technologies / Frequency bands
LTE-M(eMTC), NB-IoT
(based on IMT technologies) / 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1.5 GHz, 1.7 GHz, 2 GHz, 2.5GHz(*1)
SIGFOX, LoRa / 920 MHz

*1: 2.5GHz band is only applicable to LTE-M(eMTC).

As shown in Table 2 above, various frequency bands are available for MTC applications, in particular, for those based on IMT technologies. This is because, technically, the IMT technologies for MTC applications are designed to be used withinany of theIMT frequency arrangements. Consequently, this feature avoids necessity of further identification of spectrum dedicated toMTC applications.

2. Preliminary Views

Japan supports the studies on the technical and operational aspects of radio networks and systems, as well as spectrum needed, including possible harmonized use of spectrum to support the implementation of narrowband and broadband machine-type communication infrastructures, in accordance with Resolution 958 (WRC-15). Japan also supports to conduct these studies in light of IMT and non-IMT technologies for MTC applications.

Japan is of the view that IMT technologies for MTC applications are designed to be used technically within any of the frequency arrangements for IMT bands, and this feature avoids necessity of further identification of spectrum dedicated to MTC applications.

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[1]Including studies with respect to services in adjacent bands, as appropriate.

[2]When conducting studies in the band 24.5-27.5GHz, to take into account the need to ensure the protection of existing earth stations and the deployment of future receiving earth stations under the EESS (space-to-Earth) and SRS (space-to-Earth) allocation in the frequency band 25.5-27GHz.