2006年-世界发展银行全球_Costa_Rica_-_Reform_of_the_Regulatory_Framework___Spectrum_Aspects_31页_650kb

Summary of the "Reform of the Regulatory Framework Spectrum Aspects" Report

Core Content

This report discusses the reform of the regulatory framework for spectrum management in Costa Rica, focusing on the allocation and use of spectrum for mobile and internet services. It outlines the current state of spectrum usage, recommends changes to support market development and efficient resource utilization, and highlights the need for improved monitoring and management systems.

Main Views and Key Information

1. Importance of Spectrum Management

• The radio spectrum is a critical and limited resource for the Costa Rican economy.
• Efficient spectrum management is essential to support the growth of mobile and internet services.
• Many businesses, including mobile operators, fixed operators, broadcasters, and others, rely directly or indirectly on clean, interference-free spectrum.

2. Current Mobile Spectrum Usage

• The two main mobile bands in use are:
  • 850 MHz (Band A and B): Used by ICE for TDMA services.
  • 1800 MHz (Subbands A, B, and C): Used by ICE for GSM services.
• Subbands D and E of the 1800 MHz band remain unused and are available for new entrants.
• The 900 MHz band is also in use but could be refarmed to support rural deployments.

3. Future Mobile Spectrum Allocation

• Recommendation: Reserve subbands D and E (1800 MHz) and the IMT-2000 core band (1920–1980 MHz and 2110–2170 MHz) for future mobile operators.
• Auctioning Option: Allocate 2×15 MHz of GSM 1800 and IMT-2000 spectrum to two new entrants, enabling an integrated GSM/3G rollout.
• 900 MHz Consideration: A few MHz of 900 MHz spectrum should be allocated to all operators (including ICE) to improve rural deployment efficiency.

4. Internet/Broadband Access Spectrum

• Licensed Spectrum:
  • The 3.5 GHz band is recommended for licensed internet services due to its global usage and compatibility with WIMAX and similar technologies.
  • Initial Allocation: 4 channels (2×14 MHz) should be allocated per operator to support efficient large-scale roll-out.
  • Upgrade Option: An upgrade to 2×28 MHz should only be considered once large-scale deployment is proven.
• Unlicensed Spectrum:
  • The 2.4 GHz band (2400–2483.5 MHz) and the 5 GHz band (5150–5350 and 5470–5725 MHz) are recommended for unlicensed use.
  • These bands are essential for the development of wireless internet services and WiFi networks.
  • The 5.8 GHz band is also used for unlicensed applications and is a focus of the initial WIMAX certification.

5. National Frequency Plan Update

• The current National Frequency Plan (1998) needs to be updated to reflect:
  • The phase-out of TDMA in the 850 MHz band.
  • The reallocation of 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands for future use.
  • The expansion of unlicensed spectrum to include the 5150–5350 and 5470–5725 MHz bands of the 5 GHz spectrum.
  • The allocation of 3.5 GHz for licensed broadband services.
• The plan should also be updated to allow any telecom operator to apply for spectrum in designated microwave bands.

6. Spectrum Monitoring & Management

• Current System:
  • DNCR manages spectrum but lacks a central database and advanced monitoring tools.
  • Only basic equipment is used, such as spectrum analysers and receivers, with no automatic direction finding capabilities.
  • Field measurements are time-consuming and require manual effort.
• Proposed System:
  • A national spectrum management and monitoring system should be established.
  • This system should include:
    • Automatic monitoring and direction finding equipment.
    • A centralized database for spectrum usage and allocation.
    • Procedures to enforce spectrum regulations and collect fees.
  • The system should support efficient enforcement, including the ability to identify and penalize illegal users.

Conclusions

• The reform of the regulatory framework is necessary to support the opening of the telecom market and the growth of mobile and internet services.
• A clear and efficient spectrum allocation process, including auctioning and the use of both licensed and unlicensed bands, is recommended.
• An independent regulator (SUTEL) should take over spectrum management and monitoring to ensure fairness, transparency, and efficiency.
• The National Frequency Plan must be updated to reflect current and future spectrum usage, especially in the context of the CAFTA agreement and international trends in spectrum allocation.
• A modern spectrum monitoring system is essential to prevent interference, enforce regulations, and ensure the proper use of spectrum resources.

Annex: Latest Spectrum Measurements

• Measurements conducted in June 2006 confirmed that the 850 MHz band (Band A and B) is still in use for TDMA.
• The 1800 MHz subbands A, B, and C are occupied by ICE, while D and E remain available for new entrants.
• The 900 MHz band is currently used by multiple entities but could be refarmed for rural deployment.
• The 3.5 GHz band is recommended as the primary licensed spectrum for internet services, with the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands being ideal for unlicensed use.