DIGITALEUROPE Whitepaper on 5925-6425 MHz (6 GHz) Wireless Access Systems - Radio Local Area Network (WAS-RLAN)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

With the continuing and growing demand for data, by users and businesses, there is a need to address the lack of available spectrum for Wireless Access Systems/Radio Local Area Network (WAS/RLAN) technologies for use in Wi-Fi and other networks. In order to meet this demand and the higher capacity needs on WAS/RLAN network traffic, additional license exempt spectrum must be made available.

In this whitepaper, DIGITALEUROPE examines the regulatory framework currently in place for WAS/RLAN spectrum. We identify a lack of progress at the international level and are concerned that WRC-19 will be unable to identify new spectrum suitable for WAS/RLAN. In that context, we support European efforts to identify and make available adequate spectrum.

DIGITALEUROPE considers that the 5925-6425 MHz frequency range offers significant potential to meet the aforementioned license exemptspectrum need. We suggest the MOBILE allocation in Region 1 for the 5925-6700 MHz range could form the basis for WAS/RLAN deployment in 5925-6425 MHz. We also support amending the European Common Allocation Table to reflect this.

We make several suggestions for studies, in order to examine and determine the availability of location and operation conditions, mitigation techniques for coexistence and sharing with incumbent users, compatibility and sharing conditions. We note the complexity of the ecosystem regarding 5925-6425/6725 MHz and the need to align this further.

On the EU level, DIGITALEUROPE welcomes the Commission “Mandate to CEPT to study feasibility and identify harmonised technical conditions for Wireless Access Systems including Radio Local Area Networks in the 5925- 6425 MHz band for the provision of wireless broadband services”.

We support the Commission here also with the overall policy objective to ensure effective and efficient spectrum use, with the principle of service and technology neutrality, including the need to ensure sufficient spectrum resources are made available on a harmonised basis. For the 5925-6425 MHz frequency range in particular, and noting the potential for significant harmonisation, we recommend the development of regulatory strategies to make this available and advise here a license exempt approach for WAS/RLAN.