APG19-2/INP-35

/ ASIA-PACIFIC TELECOMMUNITY / Document:
The 2nd Meeting of the APT Conference Preparatory Group for WRC-19 (APG19-2) / APG19-2/INP-35
17 – 21July2017, Bali, Republic of Indonesia / 10July 2017

Iran (Islamic Republic of)

preliminary views on WRC-19 agenda items1.13, 1.169.1(issue 9.1.8)

This document provides the preliminary views of the Islamic Republic of Iran on agenda items 1.13,1.16 and 9.1(issue 9.1.8)of WRC-19 for discussion at the second meeting of the APT Preparatory Group for WRC-2019 (APG19-2) from 17 to 21 July 2017, in Bali, Republic of Indonesia.

These preliminary views are provisional and subject to any consideration until the final meeting of the APT Conference Preparatory Group to be held before WRC-19.

Agenda Item 1.13:

1.13to 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 Resolution 238 (WRC-15);

Resolution 238 (WRC15) – Studies on frequency-related matters for International Mobile Telecommunications identification including possible additional allocations to the mobile services on a primary basis in portion(s) of the frequency range between 24.25 and 86 GHz for the future development of International Mobile Telecommunications for 2020 and beyond

1.Background

Resolves of Resolution 238 (WRC-15)invite ITUR:

1.1to conduct and complete in time for WRC19 the appropriate studies to determine the spectrum needs for the terrestrial component of IMT in the frequency range between 24.25GHz and 86GHz,taking into account:

–technical and operational characteristics of terrestrial IMT systems that would operate in this frequency range, including the evolution of IMT through advances in technology and spectrally efficient techniques;

–the deployment scenarios envisaged for IMT-2020 systems and the related requirements of high data traffic such as in dense urban areas and/or in peak times;

–the needs of developing countries;

–the time-frame in which spectrum would be needed;

1.2to 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, 50.452.6GHz, 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,

2.Introduction

Framework and overall objectives of the future development of IMT for 2020 and beyond were described in Recommendation ITURM.2083. IMT systems are now being evolved to provide diverse usage scenarios and applications such as enhanced mobile broadband, massive machine-type communications and ultra-reliable and low-latency communications. Ultra-low latency and very high bit rate applications of IMT will require larger contiguous blocks of spectrum than those available in frequency bands that are currently identified for use by administrations wishing to implement IMT. The properties of higher frequency bands, such as shorter wavelength, would better enable the use of advanced antenna systems including MIMO and beam-forming techniques in supporting enhanced broadband. Due to the relatively short-distance communication nature of frequencies above 24.25GHz, small coverage areas such as hot-spots, in-buildingcells and micro cell are more suitable radiocommunication scenarios. WP5Dliaised to TG5/1the methods to calculate spectrum needs for the terrestrial component of IMT in the frequency range between 24.25GHz and 86GHz (Document 5-1/36-E).This document employed Recommendation ITURM.1651that provides an acceptable outline for estimation of spectrum needs of IMT for 2020 in the frequency range 24.25-86GHz.

3.Analysis of studies

The total bandwidth amounts with primary mobile service (MS) allocation that are under study by TG5/1for satisfaction of agenda item1.13is 29.45GHz,consisting from7.75GHz in lower part (24.25-43.5GHz) and 21.7GHz in upper part (43.5-86GHz).Moreover, for frequency bands without primary MS allocation, these figures are 3.6GHz and 0.2GHz for lower and upper parts, respectively. WP5D provided TG5/1 with the methodology and examples of spectrum needs as well as information on spectrum needs in some countries(Document 5-1/36-E). The summarized spectrum needs of administrationstogether with above figures repeated below for clarity:

Frequency ranges
(designation) / 24.25-43.5 GHz
(lower part) / 43.5-86 GHz
(upper part) / Total
Spectrum needs of some administrations
(as provided by Document 5-1/36-E) / 2-6GHz / 5-10GHz / 7-16GHz
Total partial bandwidth considered by Res. 238 / Frequency bands having primary MS allocation / 7.75GHz / 21.7GHz / 29.45GHz
Frequency bands without
primary MS allocation / 3.6GHz / 0.2GHz / 3.8GHz

The spectrum needs of those administrations that answered to WP5D questionnaire, is readily about 7GHz to 16GHz, which is less than half of bandwidth under study, based on above table. Although it is premature to judge or guess on spectrum needs of all countries at this initial phase of studies, however it is almost clear that the real spectrum requirement of countries are considerably less than the amounts under the study by TG5/1.

For the I.R. of IRAN there is similar issue and spectrum needs is considerably less than 33.25GHz (29.4GHz +3.8GHz).

4.I.R. of Iran's Preliminary Views

4.1.Considering above explanation and with the aim of facilitating APG work in efficient compilation of submitted contributions under agenda item 1.13, this Administration propose to invite member administrations to prepare their spectrum needs for each of frequency bands listed in the Resolution238(WRC-15), similar to what had been down already for preparation of APG work for agenda item 1.1 of WRC-15.

4.2.Moreover, this Administration supports ITU-R studies and is in view of:

a)that any identification of frequency bands for IMT should take into account the use of the bands by other services and the evolving needs of these services;

b)that there should be no additional regulatory or technical constraints imposed to services to which the band is currently allocated on a primary basis.

Based on the ongoing activities in the ITU-R and studies being carried out, the above preliminary views may be updated, modified as well as amended.

Agenda Item 1.16:

1.16to 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 (WRC-15);

Resolution 239 (WRC15) – Studies concerning Wireless Access Systems including radio local area networks in the frequency bands between 5 150 MHz and 5 925 MHz

1.Background

Resolves of Resolution 239 (WRC-15),invite ITUR:

a)to study WAS/RLAN technical characteristics and operational requirements in the 5GHz frequency range;

b)to conduct studies with a view to identify potential WAS/RLAN mitigation techniques to facilitate sharing with incumbent systems in the frequency bands 5150-5350 MHz, 53505470MHz, 5725-5850MHz and 5850-5925MHz, while ensuring the protection of incumbent services including their current and planned use;

c)to perform sharing and compatibility studies between WAS/RLAN applications and incumbent services in the frequency band 5150-5350MHz with the possibility of enabling outdoor WAS/RLAN operationsincluding possible associated conditions;

d)to conduct further sharing and compatibility studies between WAS/RLAN applications and incumbent services addressing:

i)whether any additional mitigation techniques in the frequency band 5350-5470MHz beyond those analysed in the studies referred to in recognizinga) would provide coexistence between WAS/RLAN systems and EESS (active) and SRS (active) systems;

ii)whether any mitigation techniques in the frequency band 5350-5470MHz would provide compatibility between WAS/RLAN systems and radiodetermination systems;

iii)whether the results of studies under pointsi) andii) would enable an allocation of the frequency band 5350-5470MHz to the mobile service with a view to accommodating WAS/RLAN use;

e)to also conduct detailed sharing and compatibility studies, including mitigation techniques, between WAS/RLAN and incumbent services in the frequency band 5725-5850MHz with a view to enabling a mobile service allocation to accommodate WAS/RLAN use;

f)to also conduct detailed sharing and compatibility studies, including mitigation techniques, between WAS/RLAN and incumbent services in the frequency band 5850-5925MHz with a view to accommodating WAS/RLAN use under the existing primary mobile service allocation while not imposing any unacceptable constraintson the existing services,

2.Introduction

As specified in RR No. 5.446A,the frequency bands 5150-5250MHz, 5250-5350MHz and 5470-5725MHz are allocated to the mobile service on a primary basis for the implementation of WAS/RLAN applications inaccordance with Resolution229 (Rev.WRC12). Based on estimation indicated in recognizing b) of Resolution229 (Rev.WRC12),the minimum spectrum need for WAS/RLAN in the 5GHz frequency range in the year 2018 is at 880MHz; this figure includes 455-580MHz already utilized by non-IMT mobile broadband applications operating within the 5GHz range resulting in 300-425MHz additional spectrum being required.

The compatibility studies performed by ITU-R in preparation for WRC-15 indicated that when assuming the use of WAS/RLAN mitigation measures limited to the regulatory provisions of Resolution 229 (Rev.WRC-12), sharing between WAS/RLAN and the EESS (active) systems in the frequency band 5350 to 5470 MHz may not be feasible, as well as being insufficient to ensure protection of certain radar types in this frequency band. For these cases, sharing may only be feasible if additional WAS/RLAN mitigation measures are implemented. However, no agreement was reached on the applicability of any additional WAS/RLAN mitigation techniques. No studies were agreed for the frequency band 5725-5850MHz. As such, WRC-15 concluded no change (NOC) for these frequency bands and established a WRC-19 agenda item to continue the work.

3.Analysis of studies

This Administration would like to draw attention of APG to the following outcome of studies which are presented within the ongoing working document of WP5A (Annex 10 to Document 5A/469-E):

  • Previous ITU-R sharing studies show that sharing between RLAN and the EESS (active) systems in the 5 350-5 470 MHz frequency band would not be feasible unless additional RLAN mitigation measures are implemented. After further study of currently available mitigation measures, study results show that there are no feasible mitigation techniques to facilitate sharing between RLAN and EESS (active) in this band.
  • The regulatory provisions in the 5 150-5 350 MHz and 5 470-5 725 MHz frequency ranges contained in Resolution 229 (Rev.WRC-12) are insufficient to ensure protection of certain radar types in the 5 350-5 470 MHz frequency band. After further study of currently available mitigation measures, study results show that there are no feasible mitigation techniques to facilitate sharing between RLAN and the different radar systems in the 5350-5470 MHz frequency band.

Moreover, studies are continuing regarding the affordability and feasibility of proposed mitigation techniques to fix the harmful interference which WAS/RLAN could potentially create into incumbent services in the frequency band 5850-5925 MHz.

4.I.R of Iran's Preliminary Views

Referring to the related ongoing activities of WP5A and the wide use of other services that the relevant frequency bands were already allocated, this Administration is in view of:

  • Any mitigation technique proposed under AI 1.16 as a possible measure to facilitate compatibility between RLAN and FSS should be accompanied by a clear implementation step a) to ensure its efficiency, effectiveness and its practicality of use, b) such technique should be implementable without any technical, logistical and operational burden to the Administrations/Operators of incumbent services/applications to which the bands are allocated. Administration operates RLAN should undertake due diligence to fully respect the above mentioned conditions and course of action.
  • Use of the band 5850-5925 MHz, should not impose any unacceptable constraintson existing services such as FSS (particularly space station receivers) and other existing applications under the mobile service such as ITS.

Based on the ongoing activities in the ITU-R and studies being carried out, the above preliminary views may be updated, modified as well as amended.

Agenda Item 9.1(issue 9.1.8):

Issue 3) in the Annex to Resolution 958 (WRC-15)

Urgent studies required in preparation for the2019 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

Machine-type communications (MTC), which are also known as machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, describe communication between devices which do not require human intervention. An increasingly large number of M2M devices, with a range of performance and operational requirements, are expected to communicate due to further improvements of low cost and low complexity device types. For example, according to Recommendation ITU-R M.2083, “it is envisioned that future wireless systems will, to a larger extent, also be used in the context of M2M communications, for instance in the field of traffic safety, traffic efficiency, smart grid, e-health, wireless industry automation, augmented reality, remote tactile control and tele-protection, requiring high reliability techniques.”

As these MTC are expected to grow rapidly, WRC-15 decided within Agenda Item (AI) 9.1 as Issue 9.1.8 that urgent studies should be carried out “to support the implementation of narrowband and broadband MTC infrastructures”. In addition to these studies, there are several other relevant ITU-R Resolutions including Resolution ITU-R 66 “Studies related to wireless systems and applications for the development of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Resolution ITU-R 542 “Studies to achieve harmonization for short-range devices”. Resolution ITU-R 66 recognizes “that IoT is a concept encompassing various platforms, applications, and technologies that are, and will continue to be, implemented under a number of radiocommunication services”.

Within ITU-R, Working Party 5D is the responsible group for the preparation of CPM Text for AI 9.1.8 and Working Parties 1B and 5A are concerned groups. WP 5D has started the consideration of AI 9.1.8. The work on MTC infrastructures under AI 9.1.8 coincides with the studies proposed to be conducted within WP 5D on the use of terrestrial IMT by other industry sectors. At the meeting of WP 5D in June 2016 it was decided to focus the work on the new Report ITU-R M.[IMT.BY.INDUSTRIES] and consider on a later stage, which elements from this study could be used for AI 9.1.8. Currently, only general information has been incorporated to the working document towards draft CPM text for WRC-19 Issue 9.1.8.

During the 25th meeting of WP 5D in October 2016 the contribution Doc.5D/234has proposed to harmonize 733-736/788-791 MHz bands for MTC. This proposal has not been endorsed by the meeting, but new studies have been initiated to address technical and operational aspects of IMT radio networks, as well as the spectrum needs, and possible harmonized use of spectrum on Narrowband and Broadband IMT MTC. At the 25th meeting WP 5D agreed to consider non-IMT technologies in the purview of WPs 1B and 5A related to MTC based on contribution Doc.5D/167. As a result the liaison statement to WPs 1B and 5A has been prepared to invite them to contribute material for draft CPM text for WRC-19 issue 9.1.8. WPs 1B and 5A have sent initial replies already, but without any specific proposals so far.

The topic of IMT and non-IMT technologies for MTC has been thoroughly discussed during ITU-R workshop on “Spectrum management for IoT deployment” in conjunction with the ITU-R Study Groups 1 and 5 meetings at the 22nd November 2016. Based on the discussion during the workshop it could be noted that the variety of IoT applications could be already addressed by short range devices and IMT networks, however critical applications in MTC may require further consideration beyond general framework of short range devices and IMT. One example of such applications is transport sector. In this regard Issue 9.1.8 may be interrelated with the studies under AIs 1.11 and 1.12 for railroad communications and ITS, accordingly. In addition, it should be mentioned that during the workshop ASMG representative has presented aforementioned proposal to harmonize 733-736/788-791 MHz bands for MTC and ATU representative has also mentioned the consideration of such proposal.

2. Discussion

IMTsystems are now being evolved to provide diverse usage scenarios and applications such as enhanced mobile broadband, massive MTC and ultra-reliable and low-latency communications. Massive MTC and broadband M2M communication will require larger contiguous blocks of spectrum than those available in sub-6 GHz frequency bands that are currently identified for IMT services. Thus, for IMT-based implementation of massive M2M communications, it may be suitable to examine higher frequency bands such as millimeter wave bands suggested in AI. 1.13 (Portions of the frequency range between 24.25 and 86 GHz). By exploiting millimeter wave frequency spectrum, the transmitter and receiver size will be reduced which results in cheaper and smaller sensors and machines in the M2M communication network. Therefore, the cost of implementing MTC via IMT in millimeter wave is dramatically decreased. Furthermore, the path loss of millimeter wave is significantly larger than the sub 6 GHz frequencies, and thus, by adopting millimeter wave, the frequency resources can be reused in a short range and the interference issues can be handled more efficiently.

Such millimeter wave identification shall be supported by ITU-R Study Groups, under the conditions that the existing services and their future development shall be fully protected. Furthermore, adopting millimeter wave for M2M communication shall not put any unacceptable constrains to the incumbent servicesto which the band is currently allocated including their future development without any additional constrains.

To this effect, according to the recommendation ITU-R M.2376, one of the pervasive deployment scenarios of the IMT 2020 is overlay small cell architecture, in which by leveraging the existing macro cell deployment, millimetric wave small cells are rolled out on top of the existing network to form the overlay network architecture. Together with much wider bandwidth available, millimetric wave small cell deployment can provide area throughput, scalability, and number of connected machines on magnitude orders higher than the existing macro cell networks.

With the introduction of MTC, networks will be obliged to manage large numbers of heterogeneous machine type devices (MTD). There are many ways to connect devices directly to the IMT 2020. Moreover, they can also connect with the help of the capillary networks using short range radio to extend the IMT 2020 network coverage. If we want to manage those devices in the similar fashion as that of mobile phones, then we need to use MTD Gateways. MTD Gateways acts as a bridge and connects other networks with the IMT 2020 system. Capillary networks are a smart way to connect the billions of things and devices that need connectivity. In order to optimize the network usage, it automatically manages the connectivity between devices and gateways in the network. This technology supports short-range radio technologies, which are easy to deploy with different topologies, such as star and mesh for example Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and IEEE 802.15.4.