With the 5G era just around the corner, policymakers around the world have outlined ambitious national objectives for the digital economy. Specific targets are often set for the underpinning infrastructure and India is no exception. The India mobile industry has experienced a series of challenges in recent times – from a protracted price war, market[…]
One of the more challenging aspects of spectrum management is ensuring the timely and orderly transition of frequencies where they are awarded to a new licensee. Where the frequencies are being used by incumbents to provide services, and there are no alternative providers or technologies available for end-users, it is particularly important to develop a[…]
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[…]
Plum was engaged by a leading fibre network telco operator in the UK, to review the threats and opportunities brought with developing wireless technologies such as fixed wireless access, mesh networks, and cellular systems including 5G. Our work included a review of both technology and commercial developments in the UK wireless market, and a corresponding[…]
Plum assisted CITC with the award of spectrum in the 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, and 3400 MHz bands. Having cleared this spectrum for IMT use in Saudi Arabia, CITC wished to award this to operators so that they would be able to commence rollout of 5G services and increase capacity of LTE networks. Plum worked[…]
For the Australian Department of Communications and the Arts, Plum analysed technical conditions influencing spectrum sharing in the 26 GHz band between satellite services and mobile broadband including review of inputs into the WRC-19 process. Plum undertook a review of key sharing constraints proposed by the satellite operator and associated parameters, and assessed proposed technical[…]
As operators start planning their 5G deployment, one important question that should not be overlooked is what should be done about existing 2G and 3G networks. The rationale for phasing out legacy networks is to ensure that spectrum is refarmed to the most efficient technology and by doing so reduce operating costs and optimise the[…]
mmWave is one of the new frequency ranges identified for use by 5G. This report by iDate and Plum considers the state of play and the prospects for the use of mmWave spectrum in the EU and identifies issues for demand, coexistence and authorisation of mmWave spectrum identified for 5G. While the report considers a[…]
The 3.5 GHz band is a core spectrum band for 5G deployment globally and many countries have either assigned this spectrum or are making preparations to do so. In the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region, the 3.5 GHz band is used by different satellite and fixed services and its availability is less clear.[…]
Plum conducted a research study for the Australian regulator ACMA to examine the international practices on the award of high-value spectrum, particularly for mobile use. The research covered a variety of award mechanisms adopted by regulators in other jurisdictions, including auctions, comparative tenders, administrative awards and hybrid formats. The outcomes of the awards were then[…]