Subject: Spectrum for broadband in the millimetre wave … · Spectrum for broadband in the millimetre wave bands. ... • 3GPP Release-15 Radio Access Network Working ... combinations

Huawei submission to the ACMA – October 2017 Spectrum for broadband in the millimetre wave bands

Huawei Technologies (Australia) Pty Ltd Page 1

The Manager Spectrum Planning Section Spectrum Infrastructure Branch Australian Communications and Media Authority PO Box 78 Belconnen ACT 2616 [email protected] Subject: Spectrum for broadband in the millimetre wave bands

Huawei welcomes the opportunity to make this submission to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) in response to its Spectrum for broadband in the millimetre wave bands program. We are fortunate in Australia to have a telecom and media regulator whose policies are at the forefront of international practice. Huawei appreciates the work undertaken by the ACMA in relation to spectrum policies and management programs, of which the 26 GHz mmWave band’s possible use by broadband services will be the main topic of this report. Huawei appreciates the ACMA’s transparent spectrum management planning process, such as the spectrum tune-up meeting on 5 September 2017 to explain issues to all stakeholders, and an opportunity to provide feedback for its considerations of the potential millimetre wave bands for the use of 5G mobile broadband services in Australia. Huawei will continue to support the ACMA’s development policies and regulatory frameworks in facilitating industry with efficient spectrum planning for the national requirements in timely manner. Huawei is also keen for future collaborations with the ACMA for this important matter of spectrum management and work programs. Please do not hesitate to contact us via email at [email protected] if you have any queries to our points in this submission.

Huawei Technologies (Australia) Pty Ltd. (ACN 103 793 380)

799 Pacific Highway,

Chatswood NSW 2067

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]



ISSUES FOR COMMENT AND OUR RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS 1. What disposition should the ACMA adopt in progressing possible 5G mmWave bands? Is a

traditional approach appropriate, where Australia would wait until there were clear signs of a harmonised, widespread ecosystem developing in a band before it was seriously considered domestically? Or should a more proactive approach be adopted that would potentially make bands available very early in a more speculative manner? What are the benefits and risks to each approach? Huawei’s response:

The traditional approach, where a nation would wait until there were clear signs of a harmonised, widespread ecosystem developing in a band before it was seriously considered domestically, is not an optimal approach for developed nations, including Australia.

As presented by the ACMA speakers at the spectrum tune-up: 5G broadband in mmWave bands discussion forum, there has been continued rapid development in many aspects of 5G deployment for mmWave bands, as summarised below.

• Early 5G commercial deployment preparations in other regions and countries including United States, Japan, Korea, China, European Union and Sweden

• Studies and actions by international organisations including Asia Pacific Telecommunity (APT), Comison Interamericana de Telecommunicaciones (CITEL) and European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT)

• Further progress in International Telecommunication Union (ITU) framework for IMT2020 and beyond – regulation and recommendations

• Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) completion of the standardisation for the 5G New Radio Release 15 with a target of December 2017 for phase – 1 (Non-Stand Alone architecture) and June 2018 for phase – 2 (Stand Alone Architecture)

• Further development for ecosystem readiness with global harmonisations

Huawei would like to thank the ACMA for prioritising this 26 GHz band to proceed as quickly as possible in granting licensees access to this band for broadband services and making sure that Australia does not fall behind in 5G developments. Huawei urges the ACMA to finalise the process as soon as practically possible, which will bring greater investment and planning certainty for network operators, allowing the deployment of 5G services and maximising the benefits from such services to the Australian community.

2. When, or under what circumstances, would it be appropriate for potential 5G mmWave bands to progress beyond monitoring in the ACMA’s mobile broadband work program? Huawei’s response:

Having global harmonisation approaches and international organisations’ developments in 5G mmWave bands, Huawei encourages the ACMA to consider progressing to the preliminary re-planning phase of the ACMA’s mobile broadband strategy as quickly as practically possible, no later than mid 2018 for a decision paper.



3. What bands are the most mature in terms of possible early moves on 5G mmWave bands?

Huawei’s response:

In January 2017, Huawei submitted a consultation paper to the ACMA for “Five-year spectrum outlook 2016–20’’ for its spectrum work program with above diagram, noting that 24.25 – 27.5 GHz and 37 – 43.5 GHz are the most promising bands for 5G as early moves.

Our current view remains the same, with 24.25 - 27.5 GHz and 37 - 43.5 GHz bands being pioneer mmWave bands for 5G. Additionally, the 26.5-29.5 GHz band should also be considered as an early 5G band for Australia, allowing us to benefit from the American, Korean and Japanese markets.

• It is anticipated the ITU will formally identify the 26 GHz and 40 GHz bands as global industry bands for IMT 2020 (that is ITU terminology for 5G) during WRC-19.

o WRC-19 agenda item 1.13: 24.25–27.5 GHz, 31.8–33.4 GHz, 37–40.5 GHz, 40.5–42.5 GHz, 42.5–43.5 GHz, 45.5–47 GHz, 47–47.2 GHz, 47.2–50.2 GHz, 50.4–52.6 GHz, 66–76 GHz and 81–86 GHz

• 3GPP Release-15 Radio Access Network Working Group is prioritising work in the study of New Radio bands at 24.25 – 27.5 GHz, 26.5-29.5 GHz and 37 – 40 GHz bands for above 6 GHz spectrum range.

• Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) has identified the 24.25 – 27.5 GHz band as a pioneer band for Europe. The Radio Spectrum Committee (RSC) agreed and mandated to CEPT to develop harmonised technical conditions for within the 26 GHz band.

• A recent Ofcom United Kingdom call for an input from industry for 5G spectrum access at 26 GHz and update on bands above 30 GHz, for an identification of the 26 GHz band for 5G.

• Ministry of Information Industry China has recently issued for the 24.75-27.5 GHz band as a national 5G trial band.

• There is also a very high potential that the 37 – 43.5 GHz band will become a global harmonisation band. A different portion of this band has been widely identified and



established during WRC-15 (Agenda item 1.13 for WRC-19) as well as being considered for IMT 2020 for various regions.

• Potential first deployments of mmWave bands in United States, Korea, Japan, Korea, China, European Union countries and Sweden (Reference: The ACMA’s discussion material used in the mmWave tune-up meeting on 5 Sept)

• United States: 27.5-28.35 GHz pre-commercial deployment in 2018.

• Korea: 24.25–29.5GHz trials in 2018 and commercial deployments in 2019.

• Japan: 27.5–28.28 GHz trials planned from 2017 and potential commercial deployments in 2020.

• China: focusing studies at 24.25-27.5 GHz band. • European Union: 24.25–27.5 GHz and 40.5–43.5 GHz. • Sweden: 26.5-27.5 GHz awarding trial licenses for use in 2018 and onwards

With the consideration of the strong global and regional consensus, progress in the harmonisation and standardisation process, the forecasted availability of commercial network equipments and user devices, and the level of incumbency in the nation, the 24.25-27.5 GHz band should proceed to the next stage as the first 5G mmWave band for Australia.

4. What is the relative priority of investigation of mmWave bands versus other potential

mobile broadband bands below 6 GHz? Huawei’s response:

The diverse set of 5G services and applications will require access to different spectrum bands, low to high, with different characteristics. Utilisation of multi-layer bands in 5G is shown below.

Spectrum bands at lower frequencies (< 2 GHz) enable deeper coverage to wider areas for urban, suburban and rural, including deep indoor coverage. Spectrum bands at mid-range frequencies (2 to 6 GHz) provide the necessary capacity and facilitate a consistent user experience for higher speed and wider coverage, without requiring extra sites for small towns and suburban areas. Spectrum bands with frequencies above 24 GHz and very large bandwidths provide ultra-high capacity, such as hotspot areas and support services with very low latency.

Thus, additional new bands below 6 GHz (such as 1427-1518 MHz and 3575-3700 MHz) are of high value and essential for 5G in providing the majority of 5G used cases and applications. New



mmWave bands above 24 GHz are to provide for ultra high data rate and low latency applications. The mmWave cells deployed on the top of macro cells will ensure users’ service continuity while enjoying ultra high date rate. Additional bands below 6 GHz and above 24 GHz are equally as important to the industry.

In addition, the Huawei 3GPP team has updated a New Radio band list (Document number: 3GPP R4-1709871) during the RAN WG4 meeting for an approval. The updated list for New Radio bands (Frequency Range 1 and Frequency Range 2) is found in the table below.



The 1.5 GHz band has been listed at 5 different New Radio band numbers: n50, n51, n74, n75, and n76, for different frequency ranges and their different usages for TDD, FDD and SDL.

It is also important to note that the other operating bands inherited from LTE and UMTS (as well as GSM) will be re-farmed to become New Radio bands as shown in the above table. (Extract from 3GPP R4-1709871).

In the same meeting at Nagoya Japan last month, an updated list for dual connectivity combinations of LTE bands and New Radio bands has been issued for approval. The combination list contains frequencies from below the 3 GHz band to very high mmWave band. (Document number: 3GPP R4-1710082; www.3gpp.org - /ftp/Meetings_3GPP_SYNC/RAN4/Inbox/).

More than 300 band combination work items, categorised below, have been submitted by the companies (in alphabetic order); British Telecom, China Mobile, China Telecom, China Unicom, Deutsche Telekom, Etisalat, Huawei, KDDI, Korea Telecom, LG Electronics, LG Plus, NTT Docomo, Orange, Soft Bank, SK Telecom, Telefonica, Telstra, T-Mobile, Sprint, Vodafone and ZTE.

C-Spire, Cohere Technologies, Ericsson, Fujitsu, HiSilicon, Mediatek, NEC, Nokia, Nubia, Qorvo, Samsung, Sanechips, Skyworks, Sumitomo, Swisscom, Telecom Italy, Telia and Xiaomi are listed at select work items as supporting companies.

• Dual connectivity combinations of LTE 1 Component Carrier (CC) + New Radio (NR) 1 band

• Dual connectivity combinations of LTE 2 CC + NR 1 band




• Intra-band NR Carrier Aggregation (Contiguous and Non-contiguous)

• Inter-band NR Carrier Aggregation with 2 Uplink

• New band combinations for UL Sharing

• Dual connectivity combinations for LTE 1 CC + NR 2 bands




In conclusion, Mobile Network Operators will require spectrums with multi-band utilisation. Band combination and aggregation between new radio and LTE, will benefit mobile operators for utilising the spectrum more efficiently as well as providing enhanced mobile broadband services, not only leading to very high capacity, but also seamless mobility and high reliability in communications that 5G promises.

Multi-band requirements and optimisation in usages is further demonstrated in the below diagram.



5. Are there any specific regulatory changes that would be required to facilitate and support satellite services in the context of 5G? Huawei’s response:

After establishing spectrum policy objectives that relate to spectrum allocation efficiency, the ACMA is to design licence core conditions that would facilitate and support both incumbent satellite services and new entrant 5G services, helping to ensure that the spectrum awarded can be used effectively and thus not causing licensees delay in rolling out networks and launching 5G services.

Due to the nature of propagation (very short wavelength for mmWave bands), using very narrow beam forming tracking techniques, and their intended use cases make it feasible for 5G services to coexist with incumbents (in specific cases), as compared to below 6 GHz bands.

For scenarios where satellite earth stations (for fixed satellite service, space research service, and earth exploration satellite service) are located in rural and remote areas, co-existence with 5G service can be achieved by defining a separation distance of few kilometres (need a close coordination among licensees and to be considered on a case-by-case basis for different terrain, vegetation, man-made structures, and the placement of direction of antennas) without having interference from 5G services, deployed in urban and suburban areas.

Many preliminary studies have been undertaken at ITU-R TG5.1 for sharing MBB/IMT and FSS (Additional information can be found in our response to Question 8). Further detailed compatibility studies are yet to be completed for standardisation, so a clear technical framework for this band to outline core conditions will be required to ensure compatibility of 5G service usage and Satellite Services.

In general, Huawei encourages the ACMA to continue engaging with international standardisation development bodies including the 3GPP, the ITU, and the APT. The ACMA should regularly



develop a progressive review of the existing spectrum licensing conditions and update changes as required for national constraints and international compliance obligations.

6. Should the 26 GHz band be accelerated through the initial investigation stage to the preliminary re-planning stage in the ACMA’s process for consideration of additional spectrum for MBB services? Why/Why not? Huawei’s response:

Huawei recommends the ACMA to consider this 26 GHz band progressing straight to the re-farming phase (decision paper) as an additional spectrum for MBB services, if this is viable. One of the key enablers for 5G is the availability of suitable radio spectrum in timely manner, of which the 26 GHz band is required by mobile network operators to access and to serve the needs of consumers, different vertical industries and enterprises.

7. Are there specific issues that may affect the timeframe in which the 26 GHz band could be made available for broadband services? Huawei’s response:

As per Huawei’s current understanding, there will be no specific issues that can affect the timeframe for the 26 GHz band’s availability for broadband services in Australia.

It is, however, important to highlight that there will be complex cumulative interference issues to be managed for the 5G service co-existence with FSS in the mmWave bands.

Huawei urges the ACMA for accelerating the planning process in order to make this required spectrum available at the earliest opportunity in Australia.

8. Should the 24.25–27 GHz or 24.25–27.5 GHz be made available initially for broadband services?

Huawei’s response: Huawei suggests that the entire range 24.25-27.5 GHz should be made available for broadband services in Australia.

The ACMA wisely put in place Embago 59 in March 2016, stopping the issuing of new licences for this band in order to preserve future planning options. This was in consideration of WRC-19 Agenda item 1.13, where the 26 GHz frequency band would potentially be allocated to mobile services on a primary basis, allowing for the future development of International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT).

The current three (3) types of apparatus licences in this 26 GHz band are for Body Scanners, Space Research Earth Station Receivers and Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) - Earth to Space services, the latter occupying the top 500 MHz of the frequency band. The four (4) major licensees are NBN and iPStar at twelve (12) different locations which are outside major metropolitan areas.



In Australia, the top portion of the 26 GHz band, 27.0-27.5 GHz, (also at adjacent 28 GHz band) has heavy Satellite Uplink Gateways use, including the National Broadband Network (NBN). It is understandable that there will be complex cumulative interference issues to manage in order for 5G service to co-existence with FSS uplinks.

From 19-28 September 2017, the ITU-R Task Group 5.1 meeting was held in Abu Dhabi. At the meeting, a total of seventy- nine (79) documents were issued. Twenty-five (25) of these documents were for 24.25-27.5 GHz and 27.0-27.5 GHz band in sharing and compatibility studies between FSS and IMT 2020/5G, and are shown in the table below.

Reports from ITU-R TG5.1, issued at Abu Dhabi meeting, relevant to sharing & compatibility studies FSS and IMT at 24.25-27.5 GHz band

Document No.

Title Source

[ 94 ] Liaison statement to Task Group 5/1 - System parameters and considerations in the development of criteria for sharing and compatibility studies

WP 5C

[ 95 ] Liaison statement to Working Party 5A (copy TG 5/1 for information) - Revision of Recommendation ITU-R F.1336-4 - Reference radiation patterns of omnidirectional, sectoral and low gain other directional antennas for the fixed and mobile services for use in sharing studies in the frequency range from 400 MHz to about 70 GHz

WP 5C

[ 98 ] Reply liaison statement to Task Group 5/1 - Response to Request for additional information on parameters in support of sharing and compatibility studies with IMT-2020

WP 5B

[ 114 ] Sharing and compatibility study of passive services in adjacent bands and IMT operating in the 24.25-27.5 GHz frequency range

United States of America

[ 117 ] Preliminary sharing study for IMT systems in the 24.25-27.5 GHz frequency range with FSS

Australia

[ 118 ] Proposal on sharing study of IMT systems with fixed satellite service (Earth-to-space) in the band 27-27.5 GHz

Korea (Republic of)

[ 122 ] Preliminary sharing study between earth exploration satellite service (S-E) and IMT in the frequency band 25.5-27 GHz

Korea (Republic of)

[ 127 ] Sharing and compatibility studies between IMT-2020 systems and fixed satellite services in the frequency range 24.25-27.5 GHz

Telefon AB - LM Ericsson

[ 128 ] WRC-19 agenda item 1.13: Technical study on IMT and FSS in the band 24.25-27.5 GHz Luxembourg

[ 134 ] Protection of the earth exploration satellite and space research services earth stations from interference from IMT in the 26 GHz band

European Space Agency , European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites

[ 140 ] Sharing studies between fixed satellite service and IMT systems in 24.65-25.25 GHz and 27-27.5 GHz France

[ 141 ] Adjacent band compatibility study between IMT-2020 in 24.25-27.5 GHz and EESS in 23.6-24 GHz GSMA

[ 144 ] FSS/BSS technical parameters for sharing studies under WRC-19 agenda item 1.13 Inmarsat Plc.

[ 145 ] Further sharing study of the fixed-satellite service (Earth-to-space) and IMT systems operating in the 24.25-27.5 GHz band

Japan

[ 146 ] EESS (s-E) sharing and compatibility studies for agenda item 1.13 in the 25.5-27.0 GHz band United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

[ 147 ] Sharing and compatibility studies of IMT systems in the 25.25-27.5 GHz frequency range with the inter-satellite service

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

[ 148 ] Preliminary sharing and compatibility studies of EESS (passive) in adjacent bands and IMT operating in the 24.5-27.5 GHz frequency range

China (People's Republic of)

[ 150 ] Sharing and compatibility studies of IMT systems in the 25.5-27 GHz frequency range with earth exploration-satellite service/space research service


[ 151 ] Sharing and compatibility studies of IMT systems in the 25.25 27.5 GHz frequency range with inter-satellite service


[ 152 ] Sharing and compatibility studies of IMT system in the 24.65-25.25 GHz and 27-27.5 frequency range with fixed-satellite service


[ 157 ] Coexistence considerations between IMT-2020 and fixed service applications Germany (Federal Republic of)

https://www.itu.int/md/meetingdoc.asp?lang=en&parent=R15-TG5.1-C-0094

https://www.itu.int/md/meetingdoc.asp?lang=en&parent=R15-TG5.1-C&source=WP%205C


https://www.itu.int/md/meetingdoc.asp?lang=en&parent=R15-TG5.1-C&source=WP%205C


https://www.itu.int/md/meetingdoc.asp?lang=en&parent=R15-TG5.1-C&source=WP%205B


https://www.itu.int/md/meetingdoc.asp?lang=en&parent=R15-TG5.1-C&source=United%20States%20of%20America


https://www.itu.int/md/meetingdoc.asp?lang=en&parent=R15-TG5.1-C&source=Australia


https://www.itu.int/md/meetingdoc.asp?lang=en&parent=R15-TG5.1-C&source=Korea%20(Republic%20of)


https://www.itu.int/md/meetingdoc.asp?lang=en&parent=R15-TG5.1-C&source=Korea%20(Republic%20of)


https://www.itu.int/md/meetingdoc.asp?lang=en&parent=R15-TG5.1-C&source=Telefon%20AB%20-%20LM%20Ericsson


https://www.itu.int/md/meetingdoc.asp?lang=en&parent=R15-TG5.1-C&source=Luxembourg


https://www.itu.int/md/meetingdoc.asp?lang=en&parent=R15-TG5.1-C&source=European%20Space%20Agency

https://www.itu.int/md/meetingdoc.asp?lang=en&parent=R15-TG5.1-C&source=European%20Organisation%20for%20the%20Exploitation%20of%20Meteorological%20Satellites

https://www.itu.int/md/meetingdoc.asp?lang=en&parent=R15-TG5.1-C&source=European%20Organisation%20for%20the%20Exploitation%20of%20Meteorological%20Satellites


https://www.itu.int/md/meetingdoc.asp?lang=en&parent=R15-TG5.1-C&source=France


https://www.itu.int/md/meetingdoc.asp?lang=en&parent=R15-TG5.1-C&source=GSMA


https://www.itu.int/md/meetingdoc.asp?lang=en&parent=R15-TG5.1-C&source=Inmarsat%20Plc.


https://www.itu.int/md/meetingdoc.asp?lang=en&parent=R15-TG5.1-C&source=Japan


https://www.itu.int/md/meetingdoc.asp?lang=en&parent=R15-TG5.1-C&source=United%20Kingdom%20of%20Great%20Britain%20and%20Northern%20Ireland






https://www.itu.int/md/meetingdoc.asp?lang=en&parent=R15-TG5.1-C&source=China%20(Peoples%20Republic%20of)








https://www.itu.int/md/meetingdoc.asp?lang=en&parent=R15-TG5.1-C&source=Germany%20(Federal%20Republic%20of)



Document No.

Title Source

[ 159 ] Sharing and compatibility studies of IMT systems in the 24.25-27.5 GHz frequency range with the fixed service

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

[ 161 ] Co-existence studies of IMT 2020 and fixed service in the 26 GHz band Switzerland (Confederation of)

[ 166 ] Sharing and compatibility of FSS and IMT operating in the 24.25-27.5 GHz frequency range United Arab Emirates

[ 167 ] Proposals on the working document for sharing and compatibility studies in the 24.25-27.5 GHz frequency range

Brazil (Federative Republic of)

[ 168 ] Study of sharing and compatibility of FSS and IMT operating in the 24.25-27.5 GHz frequency band Brazil (Federative Republic of)

The results of those analyses and studies, including Australia’s preliminary study document TG 5.1/117, suggest that IMT 2020 can co-exist with FSS in the 24.25-27.5 GHz frequency range. Additional sharing studies will be undertaken and will be included in the future contributions of TG5.1.

A well-defined technical framework will be concluded from these international studies for the timely standardisation and required adoptions for each region. Thus, the ACMA should be confident in allocating this entire 24.25-27.5 GHz band for broadband services.

Huawei thanks the ACMA led Australian delegation for their contributions to the ITU-R at Task Group 5.1 for developing draft Conference Preparation Meeting (CPM) report on WRC-19 agenda items, as well as a major contribution to the meeting with “Preliminary sharing study for IMT systems in the 24.25-27.5 GHz frequency range with FSS.”

9. What licensing approach should be used for broadband in the 26 GHz band?


Where feasible, an approach with an exclusive spectrum licensing awarding to Mobile Broadband implementation is preferred.

If this is not feasible, then spectrum licensing in high demand urban and suburban areas should be considered at the initial phase of release, followed in time by larger regional cities and remaining regional areas. In the event of an area-wide licensing option is considered, Area 3, as per 3.6 GHz paper defined area, and as a single geographic area should be arranged for the timely rollout of 5G in Australia.

Long-term, Nation-wide spectrum licensing arrangements may become relevant to deploy 5G services in rural areas. It should be noted that a range of different verticals, such as factories and industry sites which are located in rural areas, can benefit from 5G network infrastructure.

A significant development from previous mobile network generations, 5G will enable a mobile operator to deliver many different capabilities by creating slices (Network Slicing) that can be tailored for the intended use.

Larger contiguous spectrums are to be considered for efficient usage by 5G technologies, as propagation characteristics across 5G channels are largely consistent, enabling greater spectrum usage efficiency and significantly higher bit-rates.





https://www.itu.int/md/meetingdoc.asp?lang=en&parent=R15-TG5.1-C&source=Switzerland%20(Confederation%20of)


https://www.itu.int/md/meetingdoc.asp?lang=en&parent=R15-TG5.1-C&source=United%20Arab%20Emirates


https://www.itu.int/md/meetingdoc.asp?lang=en&parent=R15-TG5.1-C&source=Brazil%20(Federative%20Republic%20of)


https://www.itu.int/md/meetingdoc.asp?lang=en&parent=R15-TG5.1-C&source=Brazil%20(Federative%20Republic%20of)



To be consistent with the performance objectives and bit-rates currently being discussed in 3GPP and ITU-R working party WP-5D, we recommend that the minimum contiguous bandwidth for the 26 GHz band be 800 MHz (preferably 1,000 MHz) per network operator, with an allowance for network operators to aggregate channel increments of 100 MHz where there is sufficient bandwidth within the band to support future design developments and innovations.

The ACMA may consider adding a mid-term assessment for licensees for their usage of the spectrum allocated to them. This condition would promote and encourage use by spectrum licensees of their spectrum; and would provide better transparency for the community in relation to how the valued spectrum licences have been used for the benefit of Australia.

10. What geographical areas should be made available for broadband in the 26 GHz band?


High demand areas

Early 5G networks, which are based on 3GPP Release – 15, will be deployed in dense urban areas, as operators look to supplement existing mobile broadband capacity, whilst also providing for emerging 5G use cases. Huawei expects that mobile operators will initially upgrade macro cell sites to 5G in key locations, ensuring that 5G will provide additional capacity for specific use cases, such as in city centres and other locations with high footfall such as stadiums, shopping malls, transport hubs and densely populated residential areas.

Rural areas

It can be estimated that the demand for 5G in rural areas will be low. However, it can be readily envisaged that 5G may also be used to deliver enhanced MBB services in village centres and other clusters of population in the countryside.

Another important application of 5G is fixed wireless fast speed gigabit access, which will become very affordable and a faster service provided to rural and remote residents by having a very low cost of CPE device at their premises. Laying fibre, either underground or overhead, is not always feasible in some rural locations and it may no longer be a cost effective solution for end consumers to enjoy the same speed that next generation 5G network can offer.

Others

5G services at rail and road corridors are also feasible using the mmWave spectrum band. It has been demonstrated that it is possible to deliver high performance and reliable communications to fast moving mobile equipment through the use of beam tracking technologies. With a combination of multi-band (low band, mid band and mmWave band), 5G networks would provide nationwide to city-wide requirements, outdoor hotspots and indoor hotspots with super-fast broadband coverage, as well as for the Internet of Things services for smart cities, industry and automation.

The usage scenarios for IMT 2020 (5G in 3GPP term) are described in the diagram below.



Considering the incumbent services in rural and remote areas, it may be more feasible to consider a phased geographic release, where major metropolitan areas are to be targeted for the initial release, followed in time by larger regional cities/towns and lastly by the remaining regional areas.

11. Should any other mmWave bands be accelerated through the initial investigation stage to the preliminary re-planning stage in the ACMA’s process for consideration of additional spectrum for MBB services? Why/Why not? Huawei’s response:

37.0 – 43.5 GHz

As stated in our response for Question 3, the 37.0 – 43.5 GHz band is another mature band, included under WRC-19 agenda items, as well as the 3GPP release-15 prioritised work items, both of which are gaining strong global support. Therefore, this 37.0 – 43.5 GHz band can be considered as the next most mature mmWave band for 5G.

It is also important to acknowledge that Canada, the United States, the GSMA and China have submitted their studies and proposals to ITU at the TG 5.1 meeting last month. Their studies include:

• Sharing and compatibility studies of IMT systems in the 37.5 42.5 GHz frequency range with FSS (space-to-earth)

• Sharing and compatibility studies of EESS/SRS (passive) systems in the 36-37 GHz band and IMT operation in the 37-43.5 GHz frequency range

• Sharing study between IMT-2020 and FSS downlink in 37-42.5 GHz; and • Preliminary sharing and compatibility studies of EESS (passive) in adjacent bands and

IMT operating in the 37-43.5 GHz frequency range.



Considering a lead time requirement for planning and re-arrangement for the band, depending on comprehensive arrangements (for technical planning, licence types and their configuration, licence areas and allocation method) for new and incumbents, Huawei recommends the ACMA to accelerate this 37.0 – 43.5 GHz band to the re-farming stage, if this is viable, in order to allow mobile operators to deploy 5G infrastructure that will enable digital business innovations and transformations across different industries of the Australian economy.

27.5 – 29.5 GHz

Huawei noted the ACMA’s information on adjacent band and in-band services in the 28 GHz, 27.5-29.5 GHz band, which states nine (9) licences for fixed links, and one hundred and six (106) licences for FSS currently occupy the frequency.

Huawei, however, encourages the ACMA to investigate the possibility to allocate all of or a portion of the 28 GHz band. Due to the markets driven by the United States, Japan and Korea, this 28 GHz band is also considered as an early 5G band. It is likely that the equipment vendors could have the same equipment for both 26 GHz and 28 GHz spectrum bands, resulting in coverage from 24.25 GHz to 29.5 GHz. There is also a possible future use of ESIMs at this frequency range, as already discussed by the ACMA during the mmWave tune-up meeting.

12. Are there specific issues that may affect the time frame in which other mmWave bands could be made available for broadband services? Huawei’s response:

As per Huawei’s current understanding, barring any unforeseen circumstances, there will be no specific issues that can affect the timeframe for the other mmWave bands availability for broadband services in Australia.

It is, however, important to highlight the necessity of rearrangement of used fixed links in the mmWave bands. We anticipate that it will be similar to the ACMA’s approach to the 3.6 GHz band that has also been considered for allocation to mobile broadband services.

Regional and rural point-to point fixed links at mmWave bands will be inherently isolated from 5G. It is, however, not feasible for 5G services to share with point-to-point services in same geographical area. Point-to point fixed links require a high reliability which cannot be met if sharing with 5G services. Thus, a mitigation solution with a defined re-allocation period (determined on a case-by-case basis) for incumbents will need to be planned well in advance to avoid delays in the mmWave bands allocation process.

The ACMA may also consider to issue with an “Embargo” for the 37.0 – 43.5 GHz and 27.5 – 29.5 GHz bands, similar to Embago 59, which was issued in March 2016, for planning and to reserve the 24.25 -27.5 GHz band for future options.



13. Should part or all of any these bands be considered initially for broadband services?

Huawei’s response: A range of different mmWave frequency bands above 24 GHz are being studied in the ITU-R for potential use in 5G technology. The frequency range between 37.0 GHz and 43.5 GHz band has 3 contiguous sub-frequency bands: 37-40.5 GHz (3.5 GHz spectrum bandwidth), 40.5- 42.5 GHz (2 GHz spectrum bandwidth) and 42.5 – 43.5 GHz (1 GHz spectrum bandwidth).

In order to benefit with the same products from global equipment vendors, thus maximising economies of scale, Huawei recommends the ACMA to plan for a wide contiguous range within the specified frequency range of those sub bands if the entire 6.5 GHz spectrum bandwidth cannot be considered initially for broadband services.

14. What licensing approach should be used for broadband in other mmWave bands?


In normal circumstances, the licensing approach for other mmWave bands (our proposed bands at Question 11, that is, 37.0 – 43.5 GHz band and 27.5 – 29.5 GHz) should be the same as the 26 GHz mmWave band.

15. What geographical areas should be made available for broadband in other mmWave bands? Huawei’s response:

Please refer back to question 10 for Huwawei’s response.



About Huawei Huawei is a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider. Through our dedication to customer-centric innovation and strong partnerships, we have established end-to-end advantages in telecom networks, devices and cloud computing. We are committed to creating maximum value for telecom operators, enterprises and consumers by providing competitive solutions and services. Our products and solutions have been deployed in over 140 countries, serving more than one-third of the world’s population.

For more information, visit Huawei online: www.huawei.com.

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Subject: Spectrum for broadband in the millimetre wave … · Spectrum for broadband in the millimetre wave bands. ... • 3GPP Release-15 Radio Access Network Working ... combinations