Radio spectrum for terrestrial mobile and wireless broadband services
Mobile communications including wireless broadband have been playing important roles in the economic and social developments of both developed and developing countries, such as growth of economy, mitigation of digital divide, improvement of life quality, and facilitation of other industries. Rapid uptake of smart phones, tablets and innovative mobile applications created by users has resulted in a tremendous increase in the volume of mobile data traffic which was not foreseen at least before the last decade. This tremendous increase in mobile data traffic, translates in a requirement to make sufficient radio spectrum available for mobile communications.
Digital Dividend
Spectrum cannot be created, but it can be repurposed for alternative usage. Due to the global phenomena of the mammoth increase in mobile data usage, mobile services are currently exerting enormous pressures for the need of additional spectrum resources. As a result of this increase in demand for spectrum by mobile communications services, the WRC-07 and WRC-12 have established technical regulatory frameworks leading to the identification of the first Digital Dividend (DD1), the so-called 800 MHz band; WRC-15 has allocated the 700 MHz band, the second Digital Dividend (DD2), for mobile use including wireless broadband.
Digital dividend may be defined as the amount of terrestrial broadcasting spectrum that is freed up in the switchover from analogue to digital television.
Digital Dividend #1 – 800 MHz band
The switchover from analogue to digital terrestrial TV, has made available radio spectrum available in the upper part of the UHF TV band between 790 and 862 MHz (the 800 MHz band) for the provision of mobile services. This ‘digital dividend’ provided a unique opportunity to meet the huge demand for new wireless communications services ensuring equitable access to new information and communication technologies which help overcome the ‘digital divide’.
Prior to the adoption of Decision No. 243/2012/EU (RSPP Decision) which has, amongst other things, harmonised the 800 MHz band across all EU member states for electronic communications services, Malta commenced the frequency coordination discussions with its neighbouring countries. Challenges in the international coordination process for an alternative broadcasting frequency, coupled with cross-border harmful interference problems, led Malta to request and be granted a derogation by the EU Commission on the implementation timeframes associated with the 800 MHz band. The 800 MHz band was only fully cleared for local use at the start of 2017 after extensive work carried out by the MCA.
The 800 MHz spectrum was set to make its foray after Melita Ltd. expressed demand for this band in August 2016 which eventually was terminated prematurely due to the developments in the local mobile market. The assignment process for the 800 MHz band was restarted following a request by GO plc. in August 2017.
The assignment of the 800 MHz band will enable spectrum holders to further improve the quality, reliability and performance of their high-speed broadband mobile networks, including at indoor locations.
Further details on the 800 MHz band can be found in MCA/D/17-2971.
Digital Dividend #2 – 700 MHz band
The 700 MHz band, also known as ‘the second digital dividend’, is currently used for digital terrestrial television (DTT) and wireless audio programme making and special events (PMSE) equipment.
In line with Decision (EU) 2017/899 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the use of the 470-790 MHz band the MCA plans to make the 700 MHz band available for terrestrial wireless broadband services by the end of the first half of 2021. This involves clearing the spectrum currently used for commercial DTT services and wireless audio PMSE equipment.
The MCA, back in 2017 has commenced working on the repurposing of the 700 MHz band. The overall objective for the process is to facilitate the efficient use of the spectrum and maximize the economic benefit to the society. During 2017 the MCA has embarked on a frequency coordination exercise with Malta’s neighbouring countries (Greece, Italy, Tunisia and Libya) in order to clear and ensure that the 700 MHz band may be used for wireless broadband services in a timely manner and at the same time make available supplementary spectrum for DDT in the sub-700 MHz band.
In order to help meet spectrum demands for the new digital connectivity services and identify the needs of providers and users of electronic communications, in April 2018 the MCA published a consultation on the roadmap for the UHF band between 470 - 790 MHz.
In line with Decision (EU) 2017/899 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the use of the 470-790 MHz band, the MCA published the National Roadmap for the UHF band between 470 – 790 MHz. Through the roadmap, the MCA is establishing a phased programme of work which addresses the mandate as laid out by the European Parliament and Council in order to make the 700 MHz band available for wireless broadband use as soon as possible, whilst safeguarding the ongoing delivery of DTT services.
In line with Decision (EU) 2017/899 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the use of the 470-790 MHz band, the MCA published the National Roadmap for the UHF band between 470 – 790 MHz. Through the roadmap, the MCA is establishing a phased programme of work which addresses the mandate as laid out by the European Parliament and Council in order to make the 700 MHz band available for wireless broadband use as soon as possible, whilst safeguarding the ongoing delivery of DTT services.
The National Roadmap for the UHF band between 470 – 790 MHz lays down the foundation to ensure that Malta is well positioned to adopt and benefit from future wireless technologies while sustaining competitiveness in the rapidly changing digital world.
Other frequency bands available for the provision of terrestrial electronic communications services
Apart from the 800 MHz band, other frequency bands are today made available for the provision of electronic communications services in Malta. Details on the governing frameworks for these bands can be found in the links below:-
Updated:- 28.06.2018