2.2 Ensure stabilization of digital terrestrial television (DTT)
2.4 Study sharing and compatibility between radio services in the dividend II bands
2.6 Analyze the evolution of intelligent spectrum sharing and promote its implementation
2.1. Evaluate developments of broadcasting services, fixed and private mobile services, with a view to possible reallocation of spectrum.
This will be a priority activity of ICP-ANACOM over the course of 2013. The development of television and radio broadcasting services will be assessed, as well as the private mobile service and fixed service. Needs will also be identified in terms of spectrum use in the bands allocated to these services, taking into account technological developments and studies of coexistence of services in these bands. The goal is to ascertain whether the use that was envisaged for the spectrum remains justified or whether it is more appropriate to change such use, and if so, to formulate scenarios of use in light of the needs identified for the country.
2.2. Ensure stabilization of the digital terrestrial television network (DTT)
Furthermore, as regards the spectrum, ICP-ANACOM will continue to evaluate issues related to the stabilization of the digital terrestrial television (DTT) network. The DTT network is a recent network, which in 2012 may not yet have fully achieved stabilization and optimization. In similarity to the analogue network, which saw improvement over several years, the digital network might also require some intervention to achieve its consolidation. In 2013, ICP-ANACOM will continue to conduct constant monitoring of the functioning of the DTT network, overseeing the stabilization process in conjunction with the operator.
2.3. Reassess the opportunity of providing spectrum remaining subsequent to the broadband wireless access and multiband auctions
ICP-ANACOM conducted spectrum auctions in 2010 and 2011. In the former case, the auction covered BWA frequencies - with a second phase of this auction scheduled in the event that any spectrum was left remaining, as was the case, given that there remained spectrum left unallocated through the auction. Recently, the multiband auction took place, with the result that part of the spectrum remains free.
Therefore, it is important to examine whether and how to carry out any procedure to allocate available spectrum.
2.4. Study sharing and compatibility between radio services in the dividend II bands
The allocation of the bands of any new digital dividend (dividend II), resulting (as dividend I) from the release of radio frequencies previously associated with analogue television broadcasting and facilitating the provision of mobile broadband services (BLM), associated, in particular, with the 694-790 MHz band, presupposes the conclusion of studies on sharing and compatibility in the band. Similarly, it becomes particular important to analyze the 2.3-2.4 GHz band as used in Portugal.
2.5. Implement technical principles and regulations in accordance with the RSPP - neutrality in terms of technology and service and secondary spectrum trading
Under Decision 243/2012/EU, which approved the Radio Spectrum Policy Programme (RSPP), several activities were established that entail re-evaluation of the rights of use of frequencies and possible revision of the National Table of Frequency Allocations (NTFA) as regards the implementation of neutrality in terms of technologies and services. It is also important to check proper implementation of the conditions governing spectrum transfer and leasing, for example, under Decision 243/2012/EU (Article 6).
As such, the aim is to achieve more effective and efficient use of the spectrum, considering current and planned usage, technological development and studies on possibilities of coexistence.
2.6. Analyze the evolution of intelligent spectrum sharing systems and promote its implementation
Important technological developments are envisaged in terms of intelligent systems (e.g., as regards collective spectrum use, the shared use of spectrum with licensing, right of access to shared spectrum and cognitive radio) which may have direct implications for spectrum management and for which, in terms of national response, it is important to start preparing in 2013.
2.7. Conduct a national inventory of spectrum and monitor its use
One of the precedent actions of the RSPP is to conduct an inventory (under the terms of article 9 of Decision 243/2012/EU). This matter has profound repercussions in terms of information systems (e.g., in terms of the European Frequency Information System), in terms of national demand for spectrum, in terms of identifying the amount of spectrum and bands to put to market.
In 2013, an assessment will be made of the situation in terms of the spectrum that is allocated and regarding the needs of the market in the 400 MHz-6 GHz band.
In addition, also in 2013, ICP-ANACOM will develop and adapt some of its spectrum monitoring and control systems in order to conduct a survey of actual use of spectrum by wireless networks that use the 2.400 to 2.483 GHz band.
New spectrum bands will be set out for the remainder of the three-year period, based on experience and on the conclusions of the analysis of the extent of use in this range, which will be considered as a pilot.
Strategic Priority 3: Assure and protect the interests of users and citizens in general
A key aspect of ICP-ANACOM's remit is to uphold the rights and interests of the end-users and of the general public. To this end, ICP-ANACOM has been demanding that service providers conduct themselves in an increasingly transparent manner, and has also been requiring more and better information about the range of offers, on levels of quality of the various services and on pricing.
ICP-ANACOM continues to assure and protect the rights of users and citizens, creating conditions that ensure universal access to services, overseeing and monitoring compliance with universal service obligations with respect to pre-defined parameters and levels of QoS and affordability, without regard to geographic location, socioeconomic status and needs of users, paying particular attention to vulnerable groups of users such as elderly and disabled people or people with special needs.
In this context, ICP-ANACOM also provides a wide range of information on the market's network operators and communications service providers and on existing offers.
Equally important in this field are the activities that ICP-ANACOM undertakes in safeguarding the security and integrity of electronic communications networks that have the user of electronic communications as their beneficiary.
