Use of Frequencieshttps://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=55129
Radio Licensinghttps://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=55130
NFAP 2008 - National Frequency Allocation Plan
The NFAP is considered a document with significant impact on the market and as such, on 15 October 2008, the draft of the new NFAP was submitted to the general consultation procedure.
Among the changes in the new version of the NFAP the following are noted:
- the allocation table was updated to reflect the results of the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-07);
- the uses of the frequency bands were updated;
- the availability of spectrum to the market for MCA (mobile communications on board aircraft), GSM-R (GSM for railways), Fixed Service - FH (opening of new radio channels at 56 MHz in the 7 and 13 GHz bands), Point-to-point links in the 74-76 / 84-86 GHz bands (Fixed Service), specific UWB, GPR/WPR and BMA (ultra-wideband equipment);
- license exempt equipment was updated;
- a set of bands was included for military command, agreed with the Armed Forces General Staff (EMGFA) for equipment operating on a "non-interference and non-protection" basis.
ICP-ANACOM reviewed the comments received through the consultation, and a revised version of the NFAP (NFAP 2008) was adopted on 17 December 2008.
National Agreement for Sharing of frequencies in Times of Peace (ANPF/1999)
Throughout 2008 a proposed revision of ANPF/1999 was drawn up which reflects the agreements reached in 1999 between ICP-ANACOM and EMGFA, with respect to the sharing of the radio spectrum.
ANPF/1999 became outdated in the light of the publication of NJFA (NATO Joint Frequency Agreement) (published in December 2002) and the Radio Regulations (revised by the World Radiocommunication Conference in 2007 (WRC-07).
ANPF/1999 contains an indication of the frequency bands of military command - aimed at meeting the needs for the establishment of radio in the national territory for the defence sector and public security forces - and the frequency bands of civil management.
Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT)
By determination of 30 January 2008, ICP-ANACOM adopted a decision on the limitation of the number of rights to use frequencies reserved for digital terrestrial television broadcasting and the definition of the allocation procedure.
This decision limited the number of rights to use frequencies reserved for the digital terrestrial television broadcasting service, to support two operations, as follows:
- One frequency usage right corresponding to coverage on a national basis, associated with Multiplexer A, and for the transmission of television programme services of free, unrestricted access;
- Five frequency usage rights to be allocated to a single entity, corresponding to two with coverage on a national basis, associated with Multiplexers B and C, and three with partial coverage of mainland territory, associated with Multiplexers D, E and F, for the transmission of television programmes services with unrestricted access with subscription or restricted access.
The same decision further defined the procedure for the allocation of the right to use frequencies, associated with Multiplexer A, as being by public tender.
Subsequently, approval was given to the regulation of the public tender for the allocation of a right to use frequencies on a national basis for the digital terrestrial television broadcasting service (Multiplexer A) - Regulation no 95-A/2008 of 25 February - and the respective tender was launched.
Accordingly, and relying in this respect on the advice of ICP-ANACOM, the Government, by Administrative Rule no 207-A/2008 of 25 February, opened the tender for the award of five rights to use frequencies for the digital terrestrial television broadcasting service (Multiplexers B to F) and for the licensing of a distribution operator, giving approval to the respective tender regulation and to other components of the tender.
On 24 April 2008, ICP-ANACOM, responsible for handling both tender processes, allowed the entry of the proposal of PTC to the tender regarding Multiplexer A and on 30 April 2008, following a favourable opinion of ERC - Entidade Reguladora para a Comunicação Social (Regulatory Authority for the Media), the entries of the proposals of PTC and Airplus Television Portugal, S.A. were allowed to the tender in respect of Multiplexers B to F.
On 9 December 2008, ICP-ANACOM determined to award PTC the title of allocation of the frequency usage right for the provision of the Digital Terrestrial Television service associated with Multiplexer A, whereby PTC will supply the digital transmission of the four current television programme services of free, unrestricted access on a national (RTP 1, RTP 2, SIC and TVI) and a regional (RTP Açores and RTP Madeira) basis, in addition to a fifth television programme service to be licensed over the course of 2009, and the further possible transmission of these services in high definition, in non-simultaneous mode until the switch-off of analogue television broadcasting.
According to this title, the beginning of the service provision shall take place no later than 31 August 2009 with the implementation of the network to be completed by the end of the 4th quarter of 2010. Following this date, the conditions for the transition to digital will have been met in terms of supply and as such for the cessation of transmission of the current terrestrial analogue system.
Process for monitoring the migration from the analogue television system to digital
In order to create conditions for the full implementation of the transition to digital, it is important to encourage migration by consumers, who, wishing to access the DTT service will need to have suitable reception equipment.
Accordingly, at the end of 2008, this Authority began preparing the monitoring of the transition process, specifically by drawing up a draft Resolution of the Council of Ministers to create a working group to monitor the migration from the analogue television system to digital.
As far as providing information to consumers is concerned, ICP-ANACOM embarked on a revamp of the area of its website devoted to Digital Television, introducing more detailed content, providing an explanation of how the transition will work and setting out the characteristics of the process to be undertaken in Portugal.
Mobile Television (DVB-H)
Subsequent to the interest demonstrated by the market in developing a network for this technology in the near future, and since the networks planned for mobile reception can only be developed and implemented after the switch-off of the analogue TV transmissions, which is expected to occur in 2012, an assessment was conducted into the availability of spectrum for the implementation of a network of this kind in the mainland territory, before the switch-off.
FM Radio broadcasting
To facilitate the response to any requests for frequencies for the holding of new public tenders, an electromagnetic compatibility study was carried out on a national basis to verify spectrum availability at municipal level.
BWA - Broadband wireless access
Following the adoption of the report of the public consultation on the introduction of BWA - Broadband Wireless Access) - descriptive term for new technologies using wireless broadband, including applications of a fixed, nomadic and mobile nature - in Portugal, and the respective action plan, on 24 January 2008 ICP-ANACOM adopted the final decision on the limitation of the number of new frequency usage rights allocated for BWA, taking account of the territorial division by zones, in the 3400-3800 MHz frequency bands, in addition to the respective allocation procedure - allocation by auction.
Following these discussions, studies were conducted to determine the auction model and work was begun to establish the governing rules and procedures, which will be subject to public consultation.
Rights to use frequencies in the 450-470 MHz band
By determination of 17 January 2008, ICP-ANACOM approved the decision on the limitation of the number of frequency usage rights to be allocated for the provision of the publicly available land mobile service (LMS) and further approved the definition of the respective allocation procedure, as well as the possibility of provision of the LMS in the same band by providers of the Mobile Trunking Service (MTS).
By determination of 7 August 2008, approval was given to the regulation of the public tender for the allocation of a frequency usage right on a national basis in the 450-470 MHz frequency band for the provision of the publicly available land mobile service, with approval likewise given to the respective tender specifications and the report on the respective consultation procedures.
The act of the public tender was held on 6 October 2008.
The Committee, appointed pursuant to ICP-ANACOM Regulation no 474/2008 of 22 August, ruled unanimously, without prejudice to Article 12 of the Tender Regulation, to propose to the Board of Directors of ICP - ANACOM that only one tenderer be formally allowed to enter the tender: RNT - Rede Nacional de Telecomunicações, S.A.
In compliance with paragraph 1 of article 18 of the Tender Regulation, on 21 November 2008, the Committee approved the final report containing the classification of tenders and the proposal for the allocation of the frequency usage right.
Mobile communications onboard Aircraft (MCA)
A Decision was adopted at the European Commission on the harmonized use of the 1710-1785 MHz and 1805-1880 MHz frequency bands and a recommendation regarding the harmonization of the authorisation process, both for services of Mobile Communications onboard Aircraft (MCA).
In this context, by ICP-ANACOM determination of 8 May 2008, a draft decision on the introduction of MCA was approved for public consultation, in addition to the definition of the type of respective authorization.
On 13 August 2008, ICP-ANACOM adopted a final decision on the issue and, in general terms, decided the following:
- To alter the provisions of the National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP) in order to accommodate the use of the 1710-1785 MHz and 1805-1880 MHz frequency bands for MCA services over 3000 meters of altitude;
- To authorise the operation of MCA systems - mobile communications onboard aircraft - in the cited frequency bands, on a non-interference and non-protection basis, subject to the general authorization scheme;
- To make MCA operators subject to compliance with the provisions of the Law of Electronic Communications (paragraph 1 of Article 27.)
-
Not to make the operators of MCA services subject to the payment of spectrum usage fees for the use of frequencies.
Short-range radar applications (SRR)
During the second half of 2008, the European Commission issued a mandate to CEPT to conduct a detailed review of the conditions / requirements for the operation of SRR (at 24 GHz and 79 GHz, with the possibility of identifying additional spectrum), with this Authority monitoring the work which will support the CEPT's response to this mandate. According to data which has been collected at a European level, no problems of harmful interference have been identified in the 24 GHz range. Indeed, the total number of vehicles registered, placed on the market or put into service, equipped with short-range radar in this band does not currently exceed 7 percent of the total number of vehicles in circulation in each Member State and it is not expected that this limit will be reached before June 2013.
It should be noted that the use of the 24 GHz frequency band to accommodate these applications has been provisionally adopted, given that the long-term solution at 79 GHz is not yet commercially available.
GSM Onboard Vessels
The study on the impact of the introduction of mobile terminals on board vessels has been concluded. The aim is to provide the land mobile service to passengers based on GSM 900 and 1800 technology during the passage of vessels in territorial waters, whereas the preparations have likewise been included of the CEPT decision on the free movement and use of GSM terminals on board ships.
The European Commission mandated the CEPT to identify the technical and operational conditions necessary to ensure the absence of harmful interference in radio services operating in the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequency range, in the territorial waters of Member States. In order to comply with the mandate, the CEPT began preparing its response, with a view to conclusion by March 2009.
Ultra Wide Band (UWB)
UWB technology enables the development of various systems with different applications, including communication, measuring, viewing, surveillance and localisation systems. This technology, which is designed for wireless communications over short distances, with a very high rate of transmission which can reach 500 Mbps, uses low power and spectrum spreading, characteristics which mean that UWB devices could affect various Radio services.
In 2008, ICP-ANACOM actively participated in the studies which were carried out at CEPT level with the objective of continuing the development of solutions for the harmonisation of radio spectrum usage for UWB systems.
National interest in the 2.6 GHz band
As part of its remit for the promotion competitiveness and the development of the telecommunications market and to undertake regulation and supervision of the communications sector, in addition to the management of the radio spectrum, during the second half of 2008, a document (public consultation) was prepared, receiving approval on 11 December 2008. This document had the objective of sounding out the market in Portugal in order to assess the level of interest in the release of the 2500-2690 MHz frequency band (also known as the 2.6 GHz band) for the operation of publically available electronic communications services. This frequency band has been discussed at European level and it is expected that there will also be interest among the various market participants at national level.
Formal amendment of the license of Radiomóvel for the provision of the MTS
By determination of 26 April 2008, this Authority approved the final decision on the formal amendment of the license issued to Radiomóvel - Telecommunications, SA to provide the Mobile Trunking Service (MTS) under the terms of Law no 5/2004 of 10 February. In particular, the following was determined:
- To approve the report on the prior hearing of interested parties on the respective draft decision;
- To state that the obligations binding upon Radiomóvel for the provision of the MTS under license no ICP-ANACOM - 012/MTS are compatible with the new regulatory framework transposed by Law No 5 / 2004 of 10 February, subsumed in the general conditions established therein for the exercise of the activity and the specific conditions which may be associated with the allocation of rights to use frequencies and numbers, laid down, respectively in paragraph 1 of article 27, paragraph 1 of article 32 and in paragraph 1 of article 34, all of Law No. 5 / 2004 of 10 February;
-
To set out the specification of the general conditions associated with the provision of the MTS, of the conditions associated with the use of frequencies and the conditions associated with the use of numbers of the National Numbering Plan, under the terms of the adapted title.
Revocation of the right of BROADMEDIA to use frequencies
By determination of 16 April 2008, the right to use frequencies assigned to the company BROADMEDIA - Global Communications, SA for the operation of the FWA (fixed access radio) was revoked and it was decided to proceed with the respective recovery of the 2x56MHz block, corresponding to the 25.109 GHz - 25.165 GHz and 26.117 GHz - 26.173 GHz frequency, which had been assigned to the company.
Registration of OnAir N.V. in the register of entities providing services of mobile communications onboard Aircraft (MCA)
By determination of 16 April 2008, ICP-ANACOM issued a temporary declaration, for a period of six months, to OnAir N.V., subject to approval being given to the amendment of the NFAP to allow the use of frequencies in the 1710-1785 MHz and 1805-1880 MHz bands for the provision of the MCA service.
After subsequently studying the mode of access to frequencies (general authorization or allocation of individual frequency usage) and the type of obligations which should be included in the non-temporary authorization, in October 2008 ICP-ANACOM approved the issue to OnAir N.V. of a non-temporary declaration.
Renewal of the usage rights of Radiomóvel for the provision of the MTS
On 26 June 2008, ICP-ANACOM decided to grant the application presented by Radiomóvel for the renewal of the right to use frequencies for the provision of the Mobile Trunking Service, to renew the rights held by Radiomóvel to use frequencies for a period of 15 years, expiring on 14 October 2023 and to submit the draft of the renewal title to the prior hearing of the company.
Having examined the comments of operator, by order of 25 September 2008, the corresponding title of renewal of the frequency usage for the provision of the MTS was issued to Radiomóvel.
Revocation of the right of AR Telecom to use frequencies
On 27 August 2008, ICP-ANACOM revoked the right to use frequencies assigned to AR Telecom for the operation of FWA (Fixed Wireless Access) and proceeded to recover the corresponding the block of 2x56 MHz, corresponding to the 24.885-24.941 GHz and 25.893-25.949 GHz frequencies, which had been assigned to the company.
Authorization for making two channels of 56 MHz available in the 7425-7725 MHz frequency range and two channels of 56 MHz available in the 12.75 to 13.25 GHz frequency range
Sonaecom submitted a request to ICP-ANACOM that channels of 56 MHz bandwidth be made available in frequency bands below 15 GHz for the establishment of point-to-point high-capacity radio links, as an alternative to fibre optic.
According to the company this request not only aims to address situations where existing conduits do not allow the passage of more cables, a commonly occurring situation, but also to overcome difficulties encountered in obtaining local authority permission/licensing for the construction of new conduits, which is often a very protracted or even paralysed procedure.
On 23 July 2008, ICP-ANACOM authorised the provision of two channels of 56 MHz in the 7425-7725 MHz frequency band and two channels of 56 MHz in the 12.75-13.25 GHz frequency band for the provision of high-capacity radio links.
Final decision on the introduction of the GSM-R system and the definition of the respective types of authorization
On 6 August 2008, ICP-ANACOM approved the final decision on the introduction of the GSM-R system (Global System for Mobile Communications-Railway) and the definition of the respective types of authorization, in respect of which it was decided as follows:
- To authorise REFER Telecom, S.A. to operate the GSM-R in the 876-880 MHz and 921-925 MHz frequency bands, according to the general authorisation system, in accordance with Law no 5/2004 of 10 February (LEC);
- to make the operation of the system subject to the fulfilment of the applicable conditions as laid down in article 27 of the LEC, including the technical conditions of Decision ECC/DEC/(02)05;
-
To amend the National Frequency Allocation Plan in respect of non-publicly available networks and electronic communications services, so as to designate and reserve the 876-880 MHz and 921-925 MHz frequency bands for the GSM-R system.
Provision of new nomadic broadband service by Radiomóvel
By determination of 29 October 2008, approval was given to the draft decision on the provision of a new nomadic broadband service by Radiomóvel, submitting it to the prior hearing of this company and to the general consultation procedure.
Rights of RTP to use frequencies for the activity of analogue television broadcasting
On 3 January 2008, approval was given to the draft decision which includes the conditions governing the rights to use frequencies and included in the titles to be issued to Rádio e Televisão de Portugal, S.A. (RTP) for the exercise of the activity of analogue television broadcasting, and the recovery by ICP-ANACOM, without charge, of the frequencies in question, subsequent to the alteration made to the NFAP, in particular, as a result of setting the date for the switch-off of television transmissions of the analogue system. This draft decision was submitted to the general consultation procedure.
On 12 March 2008, and subsequent to the general consultation procedure initiated in the meantime, ICP-ANACOM determined as follows:
- To include, among the conditions governing the frequency usage rights in accordance with article 32 of Law no 5/2004 of 10 February and included in the titles to be issued to RTP for the exercise of the activity of analogue television broadcasting associated with programme services of RTP 1, RTP 2, RTP Azores and RTP Madeira, the recovery by ICP-ANACOM, without any charge, the frequencies in question subsequent to changes made to the NFAP, in particular, as a result of setting the date for the switch-off of television transmissions of the analogue system;
- To submit the drafts of the title to the prior hearing of RTP.
On April 16, 2008, approval was given to the issuance of titles which substantiate and realise the rights of RTP to use frequencies, with approval having been given to the report on the prior hearing to which the draft titles were submitted.
Decree-Law of the amateur service and amateur satellite service
On 11 December 2008, ICP-ANACOM approved the draft Decree-Law of the amateur service and amateur satellite service, which will update and simplify the rules governing the use of the amateur radio service from a technical point of view and in terms of the administrative procedures to be followed in the exercise of the amateur activity.
This law was published in Diário da República, 1st series no 42 of 2 March 2009 (Decree-Law no 53/2009).
Regulation setting out the rules on the identification and marking of radio stations
On 17 December 2008, ICP-ANACOM approved a draft Regulation laying down rules on the identification and marking of radio stations, which was submitted to the general consultation procedure provided for in Article 11 of the Statutes of ICP-ANACOM.
The objective of this activity is to conduct the licensing of networks and stations for the various radiocommunication services, particularly in the areas of mobile services and radiodetermination (private and public networks), the fixed and satellite service and the broadcasting service (radio and television).
ICP-ANACOM performed the analysis and handling of the respective licensing procedures, including the assignment of frequencies. The distribution of radio licensing activities by the various radio services during 2008, is presented in Table 1.
|
Radiocommunication Service |
New |
Amendment of |
Temporary |
Miscellaneous |
||||
|
Station |
Network |
Station |
Network |
Station |
Network |
|||
|
Amateur |
Amateur |
212 | - | 1,636 | - | - | - | 2,540 |
|
Mobile |
Terrestrial - |
- |
192 |
- |
394 |
- |
323 |
254 |
|
Terrestrial- Networks |
- |
- |
- |
50 |
- |
- |
21 |
|
|
Terrestrial - |
- |
- |
- |
49 |
- |
- |
3 |
|
|
Terrestrial - |
- |
- |
- |
0 |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
Maritime |
38 |
- |
49 |
- |
- |
- |
53 |
|
|
Aeronautical |
8 |
- |
5 |
- |
5 |
- |
10 |
|
|
Fixed |
Links Point-to- |
- |
19 |
1 |
220 |
- |
2 |
172 |
|
Links Point-to- |
- |
2 |
- |
3 |
- |
- |
11 |
|
|
Studio Links |
- |
2 |
- |
36 |
- |
10 |
53 |
|
|
Transportable |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
Broadcasting |
Sound |
10 |
- |
63 |
- |
25 |
- |
313 |
|
Sound |
- |
- |
- |
1 |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
Television |
8 |
- |
13 |
- |
- |
- |
15 |
|
Licensing and reorganization of networks/stations
In comparison to the previous year and with respect to the land mobile service - UMTS, a slight increase in the number of stations was seen in 2008, with 1,435 new registrations in 2008 as opposed to 1,111 in 2007.
With respect to the GSM networks, a decline was seen, with the registration of 520 new stations in 2008, compared to the 924 registered during 2007.
These registrations resulted from 49 applications for the amendment of UMTS network licenses and 50 requests for the amendment of GSM network licenses, which were processed over the course of 2008.
In the context of mobile services, licensing was granted to the HF - High Frequency aeronautical station for the provision of Operational Control. The station, located on the island of Santa Maria in the Azores, is to cover the area which, under the terms of Appendix 27 of the Radio Regulation, is designated as NAT-MWARA (Major Area of North Atlantic).
Furthermore, the process was continued of licensing stations included in the maritime traffic control system (VTS - Vessel Traffic System) of IPTM - Instituto Portuário e dos Transportes Marítimos (Port and Maritime Transport Institute).
Regarding the fixed service, 19 licenses were awarded and amendments were made to 218 licenses, corresponding to the radio networks of operators, of which note should be made of those of Radiomóvel, Vodafone, Sonaecom, PTC, Onitelecom - Infocomunicações, S.A. (Onitelecom) and IPTM which, combined, represented the installation of 2,692 new fixed stations, providing 1,346 point-to-point connections. Note should also be made of the high number of stations that were established in 2008, as is evident from the number of issued/amended licences.
With respect to the space operations service and the Earth exploration by satellite service, 3 earth stations of the European Space Agency (ESA) were licensed, to be installed on the island of Santa Maria (Azores), with one station designed for following up on the launch of the Arianne 5 rockets and the other two designed to receive data sent by the ERS-1 and ENVISAT satellites.
Note should also be made of the licensing of the SINTRA 8 earth station, offering MEO DTH services (Direct to Home).
Amateur and amateur satellite services
A process was begun of decentralising the conduct of amateur exams in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, making it possible for amateur candidates on the other islands to do the exam without having to travel to ICP-ANACOM's office on Ponta Delgada. In this respect, exams were conducted in Terceira at the end of 2008. This was one of the raft of measures adopted by ICP-ANACOM as part of the 2008 SIMPLEX programme.
Notification and registration of frequencies
In respect of the inventory process and the process of frequency assignments to be notified to the BR/ITU, covering the 1.5 GHz - 56 GHz frequency range, an analysis and updating of notifications of frequencies assigned to national radio stations in respect of the fixed satellite services was carried out over the course of 2008.
20 notification filings were sent in connection with earth stations and 12 notifications were registered in the Master International Frequency Register (MIFR).
With respect to the radio broadcasting service and as usual, the frequencies used by short-wave operators, for the two currently defined periods, were reported. Notifications were also made with respect to FM radio broadcasting, resulting from changes in stations as well as from new stations entering operation.
Coordination of satellites networks
During 2008 an analysis was made of 311 CR/C special sections (notifications for coordination of satellites networks) published in 18 ITU (International Telecommunication Union) Weekly Circulars, which resulted in 17 manifestations of disagreement with the corresponding applications for coordination from various foreign administrations.
Protection of radio stations and networks
Under the powers conferred by Decree-Law no 151-A/2000 of 20 July 20, ICP-ANACOM, as a result of licensing and authorisations granted for the operation and use of radio networks and stations and in view of safeguarding their operation, undertakes to assure them the protection that is necessary and possible so as to enable them to pursue their objectives.
According to Decree-Law no 597/73 of 7 November, some of these radio stations enjoy special protection with administrative service, which places restrictions on the construction and placement of obstacles in areas defined in respect of this use.
ICP-ANACOM is asked to give an opinion on the feasibility of installing buildings and infrastructure in these areas. In particular, its assistance has been requested in the review of projects and issuance of opinions with regard to the feasibility of installing radio infrastructure, pursuant to Decree Law no 11/2003 of 18 January.
ICP-ANACOM has also participated in several Joint Coordination Committees to review Municipal Director Plans (PDM), representing its Tutelage, attending the meetings of these Committees, contributing to the drafting of PDMs and issuing opinions on them.
Table 2 presents the distribution of the number of requests and opinions expressed by ICP-ANACOM in this respect.
|
Subject |
Number of |
Number of |
|
Items for the review of Municipal Director Plans |
57 |
41 |
|
Installation of radio infrastructure |
19 |
19 |
|
Installation of Wind Farms |
69 |
63 |
|
Installation of High Voltage Overhead Lines |
27 |
25 |
|
Plans for construction/urban development |
136 |
124 |
|
Other cases |
6 |
2 |
|
Total |
314 |
274 |
