NAB released a study that claims there is no spectrum crisis. Too bad the study doesn’t contain any quantifiable analysis. The study relies on (1) procedural attacks on the FCC, (2) a discussion of networking technologies without sufficient technical or economic analysis, and (4) an argument that the FCC should find spectrum somewhere else.
NAB’s procedural argument attacks the FCC’s own analysis as well as its reliance on evidence produced by independent analysts. NAB complains that the FCC’s decision was based on the forecasts of independent analysts and that the FCC’s technical paper supporting the need for additional spectrum took too long. NAB does not, however, claim that the forecast of the independent analysts were wrong or explain why the FCC’s delay in issuing its technical analysis is relevant to its substance.
In any event, NAB’s sole focus on the findings of the FCC is too narrow. The international community recognizes there is a spectrum crisis as well based on a rigorous technical analysis. According to the calculations of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 1,280 MHz to 1,720 MHz (including spectrum already in use or planned to be used) will be needed to support new mobile wireless broadband technologies. (See ITU report here.) Compared to the ITU’s estimate, the FCC’s plan to make available 500 MHz of spectrum in the next ten years is conservative.
NAB’s recitation of potential new network technologies fails because it doesn’t quantify the overall potential capacity benefits of these technologies or their cost. There are limits to cellularization of networks based on physics, economics, backhaul availability, and environmental concerns. The NAB study doesn’t discuss any of these issues. It also doesn’t discuss the extent to which spectrum forecasts have already taken these potential capacity increases into account. Compiling a list of potential network technologies doesn’t qualify as quantifiable analysis.
NAB’s claim that mobile service providers are warehousing spectrum also rings hollow. NAB uses cable operators as its poster children for this argument. But the statements of one set of licensees that hold a mere 10 MHz of spectrum in certain markets do not mean there is no spectrum crisis. Here NAB commits the fallacy of “proof by example” – if one licensee is warehousing spectrum (no matter how little), all licensees are warehousing spectrum. That fallacy won’t fly.
Finally, NAB argues that, if the FCC just made all spectrum in its pipeline available, the crisis would be solved. But the FCC and ITU analyses have already taken this spectrum into account.
Everyone agrees there is a spectrum crisis except the broadcasters – the group from which the spectrum would come. But if NAB really believes there is no spectrum crisis, it wouldn’t worry about incentive auctions. Service providers won’t pay for spectrum they don’t need. Of course, NAB never paid for it either.
Showing posts with label ITU. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ITU. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Monday, June 21, 2010
Dr. Rawat of Industry Canada to Run for Senior ITU Position
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) will be holding a Plenipotentiary Conference this October in Guadalajara, Mexico to elect the senior management team of the organization for the next four years. Among candidates for the position of Director, Radiocommunication Bureau is Dr. Veena Rawat, President of the Communications Research Center of Industry Canada.
One of the key functions of the Radiocommunication Bureau is to develop and implement, through established processes with member states, regulations, standards and coordination procedures for the global management of radio frequency spectrum and satellite orbit resources. The term for Director of the Bureau will begin the following January at the ITU headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
One of Dr. Rawat’s objectives is to ensure that the Bureau is relevant to all stakeholders and addresses the priorities established by the sector in a timely, effective and efficient fashion. As near term priorities, she has identified the issues of necessary improvements to the current satellite coordination process, security of wireless networks, and communications for emergency and disaster efforts. She believes these goals can be achieved through extensive consultation and working closely with stakeholders. In her opinion, some of the important issues to be addressed in the global management of radio frequency spectrum and satellite orbit resources are the rapid development of new technologies, the convergence of radio services and delivery platforms, and the exponential growth of wireless-enabled applications. She believes that collaboration with other ITU Sectors will enable a favorable environment to address emerging technologies such as Smart Grid and Green ICT. The extensive knowledge generated and shared within the ITU will help build the skill set and capacity needed to face the challenges of tomorrow.
“We must find and implement new ways to maximize the use of the finite spectrum and orbital resources if we are to continue promoting global telecom development, and achieve the United Nations 2015 target date for connecting all villages, towns and cities, universities and schools in the world,” said Dr. Rawat. “Among other initiatives, a strong effort is needed to further develop and implement integrated, computerized tools that will speed up the coordination of radio systems, and make them available to ITU members. This will result in effective, efficient and mutually beneficial cooperation among countries, and greater participation in ITU processes.”
Dr. Rawat, an internationally recognized expert in spectrum management and emerging technologies, has 34 years of senior management experience at Industry Canada. Her negotiation and leadership skills were put to the test in 2003 when, as the first female chair of a WRC conference, she deftly balanced the conflicting interests of 2500 delegates from 190 countries, working within a breakneck timeframe of just four weeks. At the outset, she asked delegates to keep three things in mind: “cooperation, consensus and conservation of time and energy.” Her advice and subsequent hard work paid off. Not only did Dr. Rawat meet the tight deadlines – a task one delegate described as “mission impossible” – she was also able to negotiate consensus on a complex agenda without the need for a single formal vote and was awarded an ITU Gold Medal for her efforts. WRC-03 ended with several landmark decisions to manage the increasing pressure on the radio-frequency spectrum – a limited global resource.
Dr. Rawat is an adept negotiator: she has led Canadian delegates to over 100 CITEL and ITU-R meetings and chaired numerous technical committees and working groups for the ITU-R and WRCs, providing recommendations for treaty-binding decisions to the plenary on major spectrum issues affecting billions of dollars of industry investment. Currently, Dr. Rawat is chairman of the ITU study group responsible for satellite services (Study Group 4 – Satellite Services).
“Through her work Dr. Rawat has developed a unique understanding of the importance that innovation plays in the global economy and, in particular, of the necessity of sharing best practices and knowledge in support of capacity building worldwide,” Minister of Industry Tony Clement said in his written endorsement of Dr. Rawat’s candidacy on behalf of the Government of Canada. “Dr. Rawat also brings a vast experience in the international management of radio-frequencies and satellite orbits. Her excellent track record, both at home and internationally, speaks for itself.”
One of the key functions of the Radiocommunication Bureau is to develop and implement, through established processes with member states, regulations, standards and coordination procedures for the global management of radio frequency spectrum and satellite orbit resources. The term for Director of the Bureau will begin the following January at the ITU headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
One of Dr. Rawat’s objectives is to ensure that the Bureau is relevant to all stakeholders and addresses the priorities established by the sector in a timely, effective and efficient fashion. As near term priorities, she has identified the issues of necessary improvements to the current satellite coordination process, security of wireless networks, and communications for emergency and disaster efforts. She believes these goals can be achieved through extensive consultation and working closely with stakeholders. In her opinion, some of the important issues to be addressed in the global management of radio frequency spectrum and satellite orbit resources are the rapid development of new technologies, the convergence of radio services and delivery platforms, and the exponential growth of wireless-enabled applications. She believes that collaboration with other ITU Sectors will enable a favorable environment to address emerging technologies such as Smart Grid and Green ICT. The extensive knowledge generated and shared within the ITU will help build the skill set and capacity needed to face the challenges of tomorrow.
“We must find and implement new ways to maximize the use of the finite spectrum and orbital resources if we are to continue promoting global telecom development, and achieve the United Nations 2015 target date for connecting all villages, towns and cities, universities and schools in the world,” said Dr. Rawat. “Among other initiatives, a strong effort is needed to further develop and implement integrated, computerized tools that will speed up the coordination of radio systems, and make them available to ITU members. This will result in effective, efficient and mutually beneficial cooperation among countries, and greater participation in ITU processes.”
Dr. Rawat, an internationally recognized expert in spectrum management and emerging technologies, has 34 years of senior management experience at Industry Canada. Her negotiation and leadership skills were put to the test in 2003 when, as the first female chair of a WRC conference, she deftly balanced the conflicting interests of 2500 delegates from 190 countries, working within a breakneck timeframe of just four weeks. At the outset, she asked delegates to keep three things in mind: “cooperation, consensus and conservation of time and energy.” Her advice and subsequent hard work paid off. Not only did Dr. Rawat meet the tight deadlines – a task one delegate described as “mission impossible” – she was also able to negotiate consensus on a complex agenda without the need for a single formal vote and was awarded an ITU Gold Medal for her efforts. WRC-03 ended with several landmark decisions to manage the increasing pressure on the radio-frequency spectrum – a limited global resource.
Dr. Rawat is an adept negotiator: she has led Canadian delegates to over 100 CITEL and ITU-R meetings and chaired numerous technical committees and working groups for the ITU-R and WRCs, providing recommendations for treaty-binding decisions to the plenary on major spectrum issues affecting billions of dollars of industry investment. Currently, Dr. Rawat is chairman of the ITU study group responsible for satellite services (Study Group 4 – Satellite Services).
“Through her work Dr. Rawat has developed a unique understanding of the importance that innovation plays in the global economy and, in particular, of the necessity of sharing best practices and knowledge in support of capacity building worldwide,” Minister of Industry Tony Clement said in his written endorsement of Dr. Rawat’s candidacy on behalf of the Government of Canada. “Dr. Rawat also brings a vast experience in the international management of radio-frequencies and satellite orbits. Her excellent track record, both at home and internationally, speaks for itself.”
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
WCAI to Hold a Webinar on Spectrum Challenges and Availability for IMT in the Middle East
As the ITU is moving closer to finalizing its work on IMT-Advanced designation, regulators around the world are looking at the potential spectrum bands and working on the rules for these true 4G technologies. WCAI and its Global Development Committee (GDC) will hold a webinar on Wednesday, April 14 at 10 am (U.S. Eastern Time) to examine spectrum challenges, allocations and availability for the IMT and IMT-Advanced services in the Middle East. The webinar will feature Hasan Sharif, Senior Manager Spectrum Strategy at the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This webinar is free of charge and open to all. Register Now!
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