02008D0411 — EN — 08.02.2019 — 002.002

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►B COMMISSION DECISION of 21 May 2008 on the harmonisation of the 3 400 -3 800 MHz frequency band for terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic communications services in the Community (notified under document number C(2008) 1873) (Text with EEA relevance) (2008/411/EC) (OJ L 144 4.6.2008, p. 77)

Amended by:





Corrected by:









▼B

COMMISSION DECISION

of 21 May 2008

on the harmonisation of the 3 400 -3 800 MHz frequency band for terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic communications services in the Community

(notified under document number C(2008) 1873)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/411/EC)







Article 1

This Decision aims at harmonising, without prejudice to the protection and continued operation of other existing use in this band, the conditions for the availability and efficient use of the 3 400 -3 800 MHz band for terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic communications services.

▼M1

Article 2

▼M2

1. Without prejudice to the protection and continued operation of other existing use in this band, when Member States designate and make available, on a non-exclusive basis the 3 400 -3 800 MHz frequency band for terrestrial electronic communications networks, they shall do so in compliance with the parameters set out in the Annex.

▼M1

2. Member States shall ensure that networks referred to in paragraph 1 give appropriate protection to systems in adjacent bands.

3. Member States shall not be bound to implement the obligations under this Decision in geographical areas where coordination with third countries requires a deviation from the parameters in the Annex.

Member States shall make all practicable efforts to solve such deviations, which they shall notify to the Commission, including the affected geographical areas, and publish the relevant information pursuant to Decision No 676/2002/EC.

▼B

Article 3

Member States shall allow the use of the 3 400 -3 800 MHz band in accordance with Article 2 for fixed, nomadic and mobile electronic communications networks.

▼M1

Member States shall facilitate cross-border coordination agreements with the aim of enabling the operation of those networks, taking into account existing regulatory procedures and rights.

▼B

Article 4

Member States shall keep the use of the 3 400 -3 800 MHz band under scrutiny and report their findings to the Commission to allow regular and timely review of the Decision.

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Article 4a

Member States shall report on the application of this Decision on 30 September 2019 at the latest.

▼B

Article 5

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

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ANNEX

PARAMETERS REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 2

A. DEFINITIONS

Active antenna systems (AAS) means a base station and an antenna system where the amplitude and/or phase between antenna elements is continually adjusted resulting in an antenna pattern that varies in response to short term changes in the radio environment. This excludes long-term beam shaping such as fixed electrical down tilt. In AAS base stations the antenna system is integrated as part of the base station system or product.

Synchronised operation means operation of two or more different time division duplex (TDD) networks, where simultaneous uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) transmissions do not occur, that is at any given moment in time either all networks transmit in downlink or all networks transmit in uplink. This requires the alignment of all DL and UL transmissions for all TDD networks involved as well as synchronising the beginning of the frame across all networks.

Unsynchronised operation means operation of two or more different TDD networks, where at any given moment in time at least one network transmits in DL while at least one network transmits in UL. This might happen if the TDD networks either do not align all DL and UL transmissions or do not synchronise at the beginning of the frame.

Semi-synchronised operation means operation of two or more different TDD networks, where part of the frame is consistent with synchronised operation, while the remaining portion of the frame is consistent with unsynchronised operation. This requires the adoption of a frame structure for all TDD networks involved, including slots where the UL/DL direction is not specified, as well as synchronising the beginning of the frame across all networks.

Total radiated power (TRP) is a measure of how much power a composite antenna radiates. It equals the total conducted power input into the antenna array system less any losses in the antenna array system. TRP means the integral of the power transmitted in different directions over the entire radiation sphere as shown in the formula: ▼C1 where P( , φ) is the power radiated by an antenna array system in direction ( , φ) given by the formula: P( , φ) = PTxg( , φ) where PTx denotes the conducted power (measured in Watts), which is input to the array system, and g( , φ) denotes the array systems directional gain along the ( , φ) direction. ▼M2

B. GENERAL PARAMETERS

Within the 3 400 -3 800 MHz frequency band:

1. the duplex mode of operation shall be time division duplex (TDD);

2. the assigned block sizes shall be in multiples of 5 MHz. The lower frequency limit of an assigned block shall be aligned with or spaced at multiples of 5 MHz from the lower band edge of 3 400 MHz ( 1 );

3. there shall be spectrum available providing the opportunity to access sufficiently large portions of contiguous spectrum, preferably 80-100 MHz, for wireless broadband electronic communications services;

4. base stations and terminal stations transmission shall be in compliance with the technical conditions specified in Part C and Part D, respectively.

C. TECHNICAL CONDITIONS FOR BASE STATIONS — BLOCK EDGE MASK

The following technical parameters for base stations called block edge mask (BEM) are an essential component of conditions necessary to ensure coexistence between neighbouring networks, in the absence of bilateral or multilateral agreements between operators of such neighbouring networks. Less stringent technical parameters, if agreed among the operators of such networks, may also be used.

The BEM consists of several elements given in Table 1. The in-block power limit is applied to a block owned by an operator. The baseline power limit, designed to protect the spectrum of other operators, the transitional region power limit, enabling filter roll-off from the in-block to the baseline power limit, and the restricted baseline power limit applicable to cases of unsynchronised or semi-synchronised operation represent out-of-block elements. The additional baseline power limit is an out-of-band power limit which is used either for the protection of radar operation below 3 400 MHz or for the protection of fixed satellite services (FSS) and fixed services (FS) above 3 800 MHz.

Tables 2 to 7 contain the power limits for the different BEM elements for TDD networks providing wireless broadband (WBB) electronic communications services (ECS). Power limits are provided for synchronised, unsynchronised and semi-synchronised WBB ECS networks.

In Tables 3 and 4, the power level PMax is the maximum carrier power in dBm for the base station in question. PMax is defined and measured as the equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) per antenna for base stations with non-active antenna systems (non-AAS). For AAS, base stations PMax is defined as the maximum mean carrier power in dBm for the base station and measured as TRP per carrier in a given cell.

▼C1

In Tables 3, 4, and 7 the power limits are determined relative to a fixed upper limit by means of the formula Min(P Max – A, B), which sets the lower (or stricter) of two values: (1) (P Max – A) expressing the maximum carrier power P Max minus a relative offset A, and (2) the fixed upper limit B.

▼M2

To obtain a BEM for a specific block, the BEM elements that are defined in Table 1 are combined in the following steps:

1. in-block power limit is used for the block assigned to the operator;

2. transitional regions are determined, and corresponding power limits are used;

3. baseline power limit is used in the case of synchronised WBB ECS networks for spectrum within the band except from the operator's block in question and the corresponding transitional regions;

4. restricted baseline power limits are used in the case of unsynchronised and semi-synchronised WBB ECS networks;

5. for spectrum below 3 400 MHz the respective additional baseline power limit is used;

6. for coexistence with FSS/FS above 3 800 MHz an additional baseline power limit is used.

The Figure below provides an example of the combination of different BEM elements.

Figure

Example of base station BEM elements and power limits







Table 1 Definition of BEM elements BEM element Definition In-block Refers to a block for which the BEM is derived. Baseline Spectrum within 3 400 -3 800 MHz used for WBB ECS, with the exception of the block assigned to the operator and the corresponding transitional regions. Transitional region Spectrum within 0 to 10 MHz below and 0 to 10 MHz above the block assigned to the operator. Transitional regions do not apply to TDD blocks assigned to other operators, unless networks are synchronised. The transitional regions do not apply below 3 400 MHz or above 3 800 MHz. Additional baseline Spectrum below 3 400 MHz and above 3 800 MHz. Restricted baseline Spectrum used for WBB ECS by networks unsynchronised or semi-synchronised with the operator's block in question.

Explanatory note to Table 1

The BEM elements are applicable to base stations with different power levels, typically referred to as macro, micro, pico, and femto base stations ( 2 ).







Table 2 In-block power limit for non-AAS and AAS base stations BEM element Frequency range Power limit for non-AAS and AAS base stations In-block Block assigned to the operator Not obligatory.

Explanatory note to Table 2

In the specific case of femto base stations, power control shall be applied to minimize interference to adjacent channels. The requirement on power control for femto base stations results from the need to reduce interference from equipment that may be deployed by consumers and may thus not be coordinated with surrounding networks. Member States wishing to include a limit in their authorisation or to use a limit for coordination purposes may define such limits on a national basis.







Table 3 Baseline power limits for non-AAS and AAS base stations with synchronised network operation BEM element Frequency range Non-AAS e.i.r.p limit AAS TRP limit Baseline Below – 10 MHz offset from lower block edge Above 10 MHz offset from upper block edge Within 3 400 -3 800 MHz Min(PMax – 43, 13) dBm/(5 MHz) per antenna (1) Min(PMax′ – 43, 1) dBm/(5 MHz) per cell (2) (3) (*1) PMax is the maximum mean carrier power in dBm for the base station measured as e.i.r.p. per carrier per antenna (*2) PMax′ is the maximum mean carrier power in dBm for the base station measured as TRP per carrier in a given cell (*3) In a multi-sector base station, the radiated power limit applies to each one of the individual sectors.

Explanatory note to Table 3

The applied fixed upper limit (13 dBm/(5 MHz) for non-AAS or 1 dBm/(5 MHz) for AAS) provides an upper bound on the interference from a base station. When two TDD blocks are synchronised, there will be no interference between base stations.







Table 4 Transitional region power limits, for non-AAS and AAS base stations with synchronised WBB ECS network operation BEM element Frequency range Non-AAS e.i.r.p limit AAS TRP limit Transitional region – 5 to 0 MHz offset from lower block edge or 0 to 5 MHz offset from upper block edge Min(PMax – 40, 21) dBm/(5 MHz) per antenna (1) Min(PMax′ – 40, 16) dBm/(5 MHz) per cell (2) (3) Transitional region – 10 to – 5 MHz offset from lower block edge or 5 to 10 MHz offset from upper block edge Min(PMax – 43, 15) dBm/(5 MHz) per antenna (1) Min(PMax′ – 43, 12) dBm/(5 MHz) per cell (2) (3) (*1) PMax is the maximum mean carrier power in dBm for the base station measured as e.i.r.p. per carrier per antenna (*2) PMax′ is the maximum mean carrier power in dBm for the base station measured as TRP per carrier in a given cell (*3) In a multi-sector base station, the radiated power limit applies to each one of the individual sectors.







Table 5 Restricted baseline power limits for non-AAS and AAS base stations with unsynchronised and semi-synchronised WBB ECS network operation BEM element Frequency range Non AAS e.i.r.p limit AAS TRP limit Restricted baseline Unsynchronised and semi synchronised blocks, below the lower block edge and above the upper block edge, within 3 400 -3 800 MHz – 34 dBm/(5 MHz) per cell (1) – 43 dBm/(5 MHz) per cell (1) (*1) In a multi-sector base station, the radiated power limit applies to each one of the individual sectors.

Explanatory note to Table 5

These restricted power limits are used for unsynchronised and semi-synchronised operations of base stations, if no geographic separation is available. In addition, depending on national circumstances, Member States may define a relaxed alternative restricted baseline power limit applying to specific implementation cases to ensure a more efficient usage of spectrum.







Table 6 Additional baseline power limits for non-AAS and AAS base stations (1) below 3 400 MHz for country-specific cases Case BEM element Frequency range Non-AAS e.i.r.p limit AAS TRP limit A Member States with military radiolocation systems below 3 400 MHz Additional baseline Below 3 400 MHz (2) – 59 dBm/MHz per antenna – 52 dBm/MHz per cell (3) B Member States with military radiolocation systems below 3 400 MHz Additional baseline Below 3 400 MHz (2) – 50 dBm/MHz per antenna C Member States without adjacent band usage or with usage that does not need extra protection Additional baseline Below 3 400 MHz Not applicable Not applicable (*1) Alternative measures may be required on a case by case basis for indoor AAS base stations on a national basis. (*2) In cases where Member States have already implemented a guard band when issuing licences for terrestrial systems capable of providing WBB ECS before the adoption of this Decision and in accordance with Commission Decision 2008/411/EC, those Member States may apply the additional baseline only below such guard band, provided it complies with the protection of radars in the adjacent band and with cross-border obligations. (*3) In a multi-sector base station, the radiated power limit applies to each one of the individual sectors

Explanatory note to Table 6

The additional baseline power limits reflect the need for protection of military radiolocation in some countries. Member States may select the limits from case A or B for non AAS depending on the level of protection required for the radar in the region in question. A coordination zone of up to 12 km around fixed terrestrial radars, based on AAS TRP limit of – 52 dBm/MHz per cell, may be required. Such coordination is under responsibility of the relevant Member State.

Other mitigation measures like geographical separation, coordination on a case-by-case basis or an additional guard band may be necessary. In case of indoor deployments, Member States may define a relaxed limit applying to specific implementation cases.







Table 7 Additional baseline power limits above 3 800 MHz for base stations for coexistence with FSS/FS BEM element Frequency range Non-AAS e.i.r.p limit AAS TRP power limit Additional baseline 3 800 -3 805 MHz Min(PMax – 40, 21) dBm/(5 MHz) per antenna (1) Min(PMax′ – 40, 16) dBm/(5 MHz) per cell (2) (3) 3 805 -3 810 MHz Min(PMax – 43, 15) dBm/(5 MHz) per antenna (1) Min(PMax′ – 43, 12) dBm/(5 MHz) per cell (2) (3) 3 810 -3 840 MHz Min(PMax – 43, 13) dBm/(5 MHz) per antenna (1) Min(PMax′ – 43, 1) dBm/(5 MHz) per cell (2) (3) Above 3 840 MHz – 2 dBm/(5 MHz) per antenna (1) – 14 dBm/(5 MHz) per cell (3) (*1) PMax is the maximum mean carrier power in dBm for the base station measured as e.i.r.p. per carrier per antenna (*2) PMax′ is the maximum mean carrier power in dBm for the base station measured as TRP per carrier in a given cell (*3) In a multi-sector base station, the radiated power limit refers to the level corresponding to each one of the individual sectors

Explanatory note to Table 7

The additional baseline power limits are applied at the 3 800 MHz band edge to support the coordination process to be carried out at national level.

D. TECHNICAL CONDITIONS FOR TERMINAL STATIONS







Table 8 In-block requirement — terminal station BEM in-block power limit Maximum in-block power 28 dBm TRP

Explanatory note to Table 8

The inblock radiated power limit for fixed/nomadic terminal stations may exceed the limit in Table 8 provided cross-border obligations are fulfilled. For such terminal stations mitigation measures to protect radar below 3 400 MHz may be necessary, for example, geographical separation or an additional guard band.