GSM Association Warns of the Consequences of “Mixed Band” Plan For 3G Spectrum in Brazil
10 February 2006
10th February 2006 - London - The GSM Association recommends that the Brazilian regulator ANATEL builds on its successful spectrum policy by ensuring that the allocation of the IMT-2000 core band in Brazil is consistent with global standards, so that mobile users in Brazil aren't subject to interference problems and spectrum is allocated in the most efficient way.
ANATEL is considering allocating part of the 1900MHz PCS band spectrum (1850-1910/1930-1990 MHz), on a technology-specific basis, to CDMA. Such a decision would prevent Brazil from making full use of the International Telecommunications Union's IMT-2000 core band (1920-1980/2110-2170 MHz) for all 3G mobile telephony technologies.
Use of the so-called "mixed band plan" in this section of the spectrum band would cause harmful interference, loss of spectrum efficiency, uncertainty for investors in mobile telecommunications in Brazil, and degrade the future consumer experience of 3G users in Brazil, regardless of their technology. Instead, the GSMA urges the Brazilian regulator to follow its existing spectrum plan based on the ITU-recommended IMT-2000 core band.
"Clarity of spectrum planning has been a highlight of Brazil's extraordinary success in mobile telecommunications," said Tom Phillips, Chief Government & Regulatory Officer at the GSM Association. "Brazil is today the fifth largest mobile market in the world, with close to 90 million mobile users and penetration approaching 50% of the population. The current spectrum plan, which establishes the IMT-2000 core band for 3G networks, has served Brazil well, attracting major foreign and domestic investment, and will allow all operators in the market, on a technology neutral-basis, to satisfy market demands for spectrum in the near term."
Alignment with the ITU assures Brazil's place as a member of a worldwide community of countries, each operating a common frequency plan and each enjoying the benefits of roaming and scale economies. The harmonization of 3G spectrum around the world means the same 3G handsets can be used in many different countries, creating efficiencies for manufacturers and convenience for travellers.
The GSMA also highlighted that the IMT-2000 core band is technology neutral and allows for both 3GSM and CDMA2000 deployments, while a move to mix the two band plans designs would harm all players, irrespective of technology, by creating serious technical interference. "Extensive studies in standards bodies 3GPP and 3GPP2 have shown that co-existence of WCDMA and CDMA 2000 within the IMT-2000 band poses no problems, but mixing PCS and IMT-2000 band plans would result in significant interference," said Tom Phillips.
The GSMA suggested that ANATEL present a plan for the allocation of spectrum for 3G by establishing a clear roadmap between now and 2008, laying out regulations this year, issuing licenses in 2007, allowing for the launch of 3G services in 2008.
For further information contact:
David Pringle
GSM Association
Email: press@gsm.org
Mark Smith
GSM Association
Tel: +44 7850 229724
Email: press@gsm.org
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