Frequency Bands
3.4-3.6 GHz (WLL)
6. In late 2000, the Ministry published an Engineering Considerations Document (ECD) for the band 3.4-3.6 GHz. This ECD ascertained the preferred technical subdivision of the band for WLL purposes and determined any necessary sharing with other services. Up to 11 paired blocks, each of 7 MHz bandwidth, are potentially available (see Appendix 1).
24.5-26.4 GHz (LMDS)
7. The 24.5-26.4 GHz band has also been the subject of a Ministry ECD. This band is adjacent to other bands suitable for LMDS use allocated by auction in February 1998. The ECD proposed a technical plan for creating further management rights based on a European plan. Up to five paired blocks, each of 168 MHz bandwidth, are potentially available (see Appendix 2).
890-900 MHz (and Associated Paired Spectrum)
8. Management rights already exist for the band 890-900 MHz band (and the associated GSM pair at 935-945 MHz). Parts of these bands were used for GSM cellular services in the early 1990's but, following some interference, the usage was relocated to higher bands. Similar interference effects were experienced in Australia. The 890-900 MHz band was left as a "guardband" and is held by the Crown. Management rights can also be readily created for the band 845-849 MHz (the associated pair if AMPS/CDMA use is envisaged). Possible uses for the 890-900 MHz frequency band therefore include both GSM and AMPS/CDMA technologies. Some new cellular technologies have been introduced to New Zealand since 1994 and the Ministry has recently investigated the technical compatibility of the various cellular systems operated in the 890-900 MHz band. Some cellular use of the 800-900 MHz frequency band is now considered to be possible. Recent investigations are available from the Ministry website.
9. The Ministry recognises that existing services in the adjacent frequency bands will limit a new management rightholder's ability to create and certify licences. The extent of actual usage will depend upon the nature of the technology adopted and whether special filters are used to protect receivers from out-of-band transmissions. At this stage it is considered that a manager could use at least 50% of the 890-900 MHz band with very few constraints. The constraint on usage is effectively applied through the process of creating licences under the Radiocommunications Act 1989. Licences are required to be certified as being technically compatible with other existing services by an approved radio engineer. The Chief Executive of the Ministry also has the statutory power to develop a Reference Standard to apply when certifying any licences in these bands.
Other Spectrum Rights
10. A single unpaired management right for the frequency range 1785-1805 MHz (recorded on the Register of Radio Frequencies as Management Right No 78) was not sold in the recent 2 GHz auction. It is proposed to include this spectrum in the auction with the other management rights.
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