Innovations in Spectrum Management, Lynne Fancy, RadComms 2014

RadComms 2014:

Innovations in Spectrum Management

Lynne FancySenior DirectorSpectrum Development and OperationsIndustry Canada

September 2014

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Our Conundrum

Everybody wants more spectrum Unmitigated demand for wireless

capacity is a reality and its growth is exponential.

However, there is no corresponding exponential growth in the availability of spectrum

Everybody wants it faster Most spectrum is encumbered

A shared issue between regulators and industry

Source: Spectrum Outlook, 2013

Forecast of Mobile Data Growth in Canada

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Our Framework

Our Objective: Maximize the economic and social benefits that Canadians derive from the use of the radio frequency spectrum

Our Commitment: To apply real-world proven spectrum management practices so that we are prepared for an increasingly connected 5G world

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How We’re Managing

Allocation of new spectrum

Focused research efforts

Policies to encourage efficient use of spectrum

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Allocation of New Spectrum

Committed to allocating 750 MHz of spectrum to commercial mobile services by the end of 2017, with the expectation that at least 1000 MHz will be required by 2020.

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Allocation of New Spectrum

Using different approaches to suit different needs

Auction formats AWS: Simultaneous multiple round ascending auction 700 MHz: Combinatorial clock auction AWS-3 (currently under consultation): Second price sealed

bid

Deployment conditions, e.g., for rural deployment

Measures to encourage competition

Set asides Auction caps

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Focused Research Efforts

Need to find innovative answers for the future

Industry Canada is one of the few spectrum regulators with an in-house communications research centre focused on wireless

Three “grand challenges”: Understanding how spectrum is used Enabling smarter and more innovative means to access

existing spectrum resources Expanding our wireless capacity

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Focused Research Efforts

Spectrum Awareness - Understand how spectrum is used

Provide real-time spectrum utilization knowledge and applications to enable more effective use of spectrum

What spectrum is being used, by whom and how effectively

Facilitate dynamic spectrum use by multiple parties in the same band

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Focused Research Efforts

Spectrum Access - Enabling smarter and more innovative means to access existing spectrum resources

Existing licensing mechanisms are based on static rights over a long term, supporting investments

Need to balance with the need to stimulate innovative and flexible use of spectrum

Find technical solutions Spectrum and network sharing Dynamic spectrum access

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Focused Research Efforts

Breaking the Frequency Barrier – Expanding our Wireless Capability

Advance the use of higher frequency bands through research to address the growing demand for mobile services

Specifically looking at spectrum over 6 GHz

Will require public and private cooperation to succeed

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Policies to encourage efficient use of spectrum

Collaborative solutions Network sharing agreements

Mandated solutions Tower sharing and roaming “Use it or lose it”

Fees Need to align fees with our objectives

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Summary: How We’re Managing

Allocation of new spectrum

Innovative and focused research efforts

Policies to encourage efficient use of spectrum

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