Freedom4 application for licence variation

Executive Summary

Executive summary

1.1 Freedom4 Limited ('Freedom4') has submitted a request to Ofcom to vary its Wireless Telegraphy Public Fixed Wireless Operator 3.6 to 4.2 GHz licence ('3.6 GHz licence') in two ways:

• to increase the central station maximum power; and
• to remove the requirement to coordinate low-power terminals and allow them to be used for providing mobile services.

1.2 This document assesses Freedom4's request and in doing so:

• provides background information on the 3.6 GHz band and Freedom4's licence;
• sets out Ofcom's statutory and policy framework;
• considers the engineering effects of increased power levels, including the potential for interference to other users;
• considers the implications for the coordination of Freedom4's service with other users in the band; and
• considers Freedom4's request in the light of Ofcom's statutory and other legal duties.

1.3 The main points of our assessment are:

• Freedom4's licence does not limit the technologies it may use but does limit the applications to fixed applications only;
• there appears to be no reason for us to refuse the variation of Freedom4's licence to remove the limitation to fixed applications;
• on power limits, our conclusion is that it is appropriate for us to increase the maximum in-band power level from +14dBW/MHz to +23dBW/MHz (+53dBm/MHz) for central stations and to remove the absolute limit of 22dBW/MHz (EIRP).
• for terminal stations, coordination should not be necessary for those with a spectral density not exceeding 25dBm/MHz and total EIRP not exceeding 30dBm unless a proposed central station is within 100MHz and 2km of a point-to-point link; and
• we note Freedom4's preference not to vary the out of block emission limits in its current licence and consider that by maintaining the current block edge mask there is no change in the interference environment for adjacent services. However with the introduction of mobile terminals there is a need to ensure sufficient separation in frequency from adjacent services. Terminal station out of block emission limits have been proposed to achieve this.

1.4 Our initial view is that the variation should be made as soon as practicable, subject to the outcome of this consultation.

1.5 Ofcom wishes to make clear that it has not reached a decision on these matters and is seeking stakeholders' views on Freedom4's request. It will carefully consider any arguments and comments made in response to this consultation before reaching a final decision.

1.6 We are asking stakeholders to consider the following question when responding to this consultation:

Are there any reasonable grounds why Ofcom should not grant Freedom4's request to vary its licence as soon as practicable? If so, please explain your reasoning for this.