05 November 2013
The Romanian National Authority for Management and Regulation in Communications (ANCOM) published for public consultation a position paper on the national use of the radio spectrum in the 26 GHz frequency band, with a view to determine the principles and conditions for the use of this band at a national level within the fixed service starting 2014.
Following an internal analysis, ANCOM concluded that the 26 GHz band no longer attracts the providers of public electronic communications networks. This is caused, among others, by the significant cost and limited variety of the types of equipment, by the propagation characteristics which are flatly inferior to the lower frequency bands (with major implications on the network operational expenses), by the absence of regulations harmonised on an international level for this band (with direct consequences on the price and availability of the equipment), as well as by the fierce competition coming from other available technologies.
Three operators are currently holding national licences in this band for the provision of point-multipoint (PMP) networks, to ensure the fixed wireless access (FWA) directly to the end-user. Two of these national licences are due to expire in 2013, while the third will expire in 2014.
In such circumstances, the Authority proposes to extend until end-2013 the validity of the licences for the provision of PMP FWA networks in the 26 GHz band, which expire in 2013, without altering the text of the licences, if some of the holders show an interest for using this band for the provision of these networks after the expiry of the licences in force and send ANCOM requests therefor. Until the expiry of the licences, their holders will be able to reasonably request the granting of new licences for radiorelay lines within the same frequency sub-bands that are currently allocated.
According to the document submitted to public consultation, starting 2014, the Authority will award usage rights in the 26 GHz band only for radiorelay lines, based upon reasonable requests.
The position paper on the national use of the radio spectrum in the 26 GHz frequency band is available for consultation here. The interested persons are invited to send their comments and suggestions, by 20.11.2013, to the ANCOM headquarters in 2 Delea Noua Street, Bucharest 3, or directly to the ANCOM Registry Office or to the Authority’s regional divisions. Comments may also be sent by fax to +40 372 845 402 or by e-mail to consultare@ancom.org.ro.