Wi-Fi Spectrum requirements

The EU’s Gigabit Infrastructure Act and the Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030 aim to ensure that a fixed Gigabit network (i.e., one providing connectivity at a downlink speed of 1 Gbps) covers all EU households. Wi-Fi plays a crucial role in the distribution of fixed broadband connectivity in homes, offices, and various other environments. The[…]

Autonomous vessels – can the potential benefits be realised?

Between 80 and 90% of goods worldwide are quoted as being moved by ships, as they can offer economic and efficient long-distance transport. Autonomous vessels provide potential advantages by reducing the impact on the environment, increasing safety, reducing costs, and addressing skills shortages. In 2019 it was estimated the market for autonomous shipping technologies was[…]

UHF propagation in mountainous terrain

Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited (DMSL) and the four UK MNOs are required to propose a propagation model to Ofcom with which to assess the geographical coverage of the Shared Rural Network. Standard propagation models are unlikely to give reliable predictions in the mountainous terrain where the SFN is to be deployed. Plum were contracted to[…]

Opportunity study for small cells in 26 GHz band in France

Plum carried out for ARCEP (France) an independent exploratory study about the opportunities and deployment options for small cells in the 26 GHz band in France. The study was of two parts: a qualitative study identifying the technical, economic, and social opportunities potentially offered by use cases in the 26 GHz band, and a quantitative[…]

Stimulating demand for 26 GHz in Europe

Plum Consulting launched a report that calls for European governments and regulators to prioritize the supply of 26GHz spectrum to accelerate the much needed rollout of 5G services across the European region and to enable its full potential. Commissioned by Qualcomm Technologies Inc. and Nokia, the report finds that incentivising innovation by ensuring mmWave spectrum[…]

Challenges of World Radio Conference studies: 10 GHz spectrum

The outcome of the World Radio Conference 2019 (WRC-19) has now been disseminated, changes to regulations and technical licence conditions are being implemented and spectrum awarded. Attention is now turning to the agenda items identified for the next World Radio Conference, scheduled for 2023 (WRC-23). Preparatory work will be starting within ITU-R, as well as[…]

Status of 5G field trials for connected and autonomous vehicles in Europe and North America

Plum produced a report for the Telecom Technology Center on the status of field trials involving connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) in Europe and North America. The report provided a selection of case studies involving the use of cellular technology (4G/5G) in developing: vehicle-to-everything technologies enabling interaction with infrastructure, other vehicles, networks and pedestrians; and[…]

Cross border considerations

It is a well-known scientific fact, but one that is sometimes ignored, that radio waves do not respect borders between countries and geographic regions. This means that radio networks deployed in one country or region can cause interference to networks deployed across the border. The impact of the interference can vary considerably and in the[…]