As regulators make more spectrum available, it is important that they follow guidelines such as those espoused by 4G Americas
1. Configure
licenses with wider bandwidths.
2. Group like
services together.
3. Be mindful of
global technology standards.
4. Pursue
harmonized/contiguous spectrum allocations.
5. Exhaust
exclusive use options before pursuing shared
use.
6. Because not all
spectrum is fungible, align allocation with demand.
Figure 1: LTE Spectral Efficiency as Function of Radio Channel Size
Of some concern in this regard is that spectrum for LTE is becoming available in different frequency bands in different countries. Roaming in many cases is based on GSM or HSPA on common regional or global bands.
The organization tasked with global spectrum
harmonization, the International Telecommunication Union, periodically holds
World Radiocommunications Conferences (WRC).
Harmonization occurs at multiple levels:
q
Allocation of radio frequencies to a
mobile service in the ITU frequency allocation table.
q Establishment
of global or regional frequency arrangements, including channel blocks and
specific duplexing modes.
q Development of
detailed technical specifications and standards, including system performance,
RF performance, and coexistence with other systems in neighboring bands.
q Assignment for
frequency blocks with associated technical conditions and specifications to
appropriate operators and service providers.31
Figure 2 shows the harmonization
process.
Figure 2:
Spectrum Harmonization
