African Telecommunications Union

Report

on the

ATU/ARCEP Capacity Building Workshop on WRC-15 Outcomes and National Broadband Plan Development

Held from

25 to 28April 2016

at

Azalai Hotel, Cotonou - BENIN

Page 1 of 24

Contents

Contents

1INTRODUCTION

2WORK PROGRAMME

3OPENING REMARKS

4SUMMARY OF WORKSHOP PRESENTATIONS AND DISCUSSIONS

4.1WRC-15 outcomes Implementation from the view point ATU, SADC, ECOWAS, ITU and Satellite Industry

4.2Key policy issues for policy makers after WRC-15 for mobile, satellite and PPDR spectrum

4.3Spectrum award best practices

4.4Networked Society Vision

4.5Developing ICT enabled policy framework for national development

4.6Key issues for national broadband plans policy framework

4.7Building blocks and rationale of broadband plans (the key ingredients)

4.8Case studies on national broadband plans from Kenya and Cameroun

4.9Case studies on national broadband plans - Benin

4.10Case studies on national broadband plans - USA

4.11Case studies on national broadband plans - Huawei

4.12Current and future terrestrial based broadband technologies and country positioning for maximised benefit from these technologies

4.13Current and future satellite based broadband technologies and country positioning for maximised benefit from these technologies

5ACTINABLE ITEMS

6CLOSING REMARKS

7APPENDICES

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1INTRODUCTION

The African Telecommunications Union (ATU) in collaboration with Autorité de Régulation des Communications Electroniques et de la Poste (ARCEP) of Benin held a four (04) day capacity building workshop onimplementation of WRC-15 outcomes and capacity building on development of national broadband plans at Azalai Hotel in Cotonou – Benin from 25 to 28 April 2016 under the theme: “Implementation of WRC-15 Outcomes and Development of National Broadband Plans”. The workshop addressed issues on: beyond WRC-15, broadband building our future, building a national broadband plan and broadband technologies.

The main objective of this workshop was to build expertise in practical steps of developing a national broadband plan – which is a crucial step to building robust and sustainable broadband systems and applications in a country for the social-economic development. The topics covered included the following:

1.Implementation of WRC-15 outcomes with particular regard to the WRC-19 preparatory roadmaps of ATU and ITU;

2.Key policy issues for policy makers on mobile spectrum after WRC-15;

3.Spectrum award best practices;

4.Networked Society Vision;

5.Role of broadband in social-economic development/well-being including examples of Public Policy Enabling ICT driven transformation;

6.Key issues for national broadband plans policy framework;

7.Building blocks and rationale of broadband plans;

8.Practical aspects of building a national broadband plan: three case studies from African countries (Benin, Cameroun and Kenya) andone from outside Africa (USA); and

9.Current and future terrestrial and satellite based broadband technologies and country positioning for maximised benefit from these technologies.

The workshop was attended by over 150 participants. The following countries,associate members, organizations and companies were represented: Countries: Benin, Burundi, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central Africa Republic, Cote d'Ivoire, Congo, DRC, Ghana, Gabon, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Mozambique, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Tchad, The Gambia, Togo and Uganda;Associate members: Avanti, Eutelsat, Ericsson, Access partnership, GSMA, O.T Otis, Huawei, Inmarsat, Intel, Motorola Solutions, Qualcomm, SES, Yahsat; International organizations:ITU, ARTAC, CRASA, ECOWAS, WATRA, SADC; andCompanies:Intelsat,UNIVERCELL; ALINK TELECOM BENIN; JENY SAS; ISOCEL; CANALBOX; SUD TELECOMS SA; OTI Telecom; BTI SA; GLO MOBILE BENIN; LIBERCOM SA; BELL BENIN COMMUNICATION; ETISALAT BENIN and EPAC-UAC.

The full list of participants is attached in annex 1A and 1B (List of participants).

2WORK PROGRAMME

The workshop agenda and work programme is attached as annex 2 (Agenda and work programme).Short profile of speakers during the workshop is attached as annex 3.

3OPENING REMARKS

The workshop commenced with opening remarks from the Chairman of ARCEP (Mr Marcellin ILOUGBADE), the Secretary General ATU (Mr Abdoulkarim SOUMAILA) and the representative of ITU (Mr Nikolai VASSILIEV). The workshop was opened by the Minister of Digital Economy and Communication of Benin (Mme.RafiatouMONROU). The remarks all extolled the role of communication in the social economic development. They all urged participants to engage actively during the workshop so as to gain maximum knowledge and experience in view of the importance of the workshop.Copies of the speeches annexed as annex 4A to 4B.

4SUMMARY OF WORKSHOP PRESENTATIONS AND DISCUSSIONS

4.1WRC-15 outcomesImplementation from the view point ATU, SADC, ECOWAS, ITU and Satellite Industry

Kezias MWALE (ATU) made the first presentation on this session outlining the implementation of WRC-15 outcomes from the view point of ATU titled “Highlightsof RA-15/WRC-15 outcomes, and ProposedATU Work Plan (Strategy) for RA/WRC-19”(see Day 1 Session 2 Presentation 1) in which he:

  • Cited fifteen (15)key RA/WRC-15 outcomes from the African view point and the key observations;
  • Observed that regional voices were the main basis for conference decisions notwithstandingthe voice of individual countries and sub-regions and that much of the conference decisions were in line with the African common proposals;
  • Outlined the proposedATU strategy for WRC-19 (RA/WRC-19) preparations to be spearheaded by AfriSWoG’s Sub-Working Group for Radiocommunications Conference Preparations, while RA/WRC-15 outcome implementation to be spearheaded by AfriSWoG’s Sub-Working Group for Spectrum Management and Engineering);
  • Stated that the 1st African Preparatory Meeting for WRC-19 (APM19-1) will appoint AfriSWoG management and Preparatory Group teams for the period 2016 to 2019 following nominations of the candidates by countries; and
  • Urged active participation in the RA/WRC-19 preparations at national, sub-regional, regional and ITU levels, and translation of RA/WRC-15 outcomes into national agenda including broadband plans.

Dr George AH-THEW (SADC) made the second presentation on this session outlining the implementation of WRC-15 outcomes from the view point of SADC (see Day 1 Session 2 presentation 2) in which he discussed:

  • Overview of SADC preparatory activities for WRC-15 including the meetings that were held, organization of work and the salient outputs;
  • Recommendations on WRC-15 outcomes both general and chapter specific; and
  • SADC roadmap (preparatory strategy) for WRC-19.

Dr Raphael KOFFI (ECOWAS) made the third presentation on this session outlining the implementation of WRC-15 outcomes from the view point of ECOWAS (see Day 1 Session 2 presentation 3) in which he discussed:

  • Overview of ECOWAS including its membership;
  • Overview of ECOWAS preparatory activities for WRC-15 including the manner in which the ECOWAS Common positions are adopted, andmeetings that were held;
  • High level implication of the WRC-15 outcomes on general ICTs, security, maritime, satellite and scientific research; and
  • The general outlook of the ECOWASwork plan for WRC-19.

Nikolai VASSILIEV (ITU-BR) made the forth presentation on this session on “Results and implications of World Radiocommunication Conference 2015” (see Day 1 Session 2 presentation 4A and 4B) in which he discussed:

  • WRC-15 general information highlighting that the WRC-15 was attended by 3275 participants and that 678Documents including 2888proposals were submitted before WRC-15;
  • Two thirds (66%) of the proposals were common proposals (either regional or multi-country) showing the growing importance of sub-regional preparatory work;
  • WRC-15 results with focus on broadband stating that “the main success of WRC-15 was to continue global harmonization for IMT and to secure future access to spectrum by other services (through coordination procedures, technical restrictions, in some cases operation on a non-interference basis”. Specifically, IMT spectrum identification increased by 60% after WRC-15 and that globally harmonized spectrum increased by39% after WRC-15 (318 MHz of harmonized bands in more than 80% of countries);
  • Implementation of WRC-15 decisions both administrative such as revision of the Radio Regulations and procedural matters;
  • Highlighted the particular issue of countries being invited to send Emergency and Disaster Relief frequency ranges and key contacts data to the ITU in accordance with WRC-15 outcomes on Emergency and Disaster Relief and BR administrative arrangements for the collection of the data; and
  • ITU-R preparations to WRC-19with focus on broadband (both terrestrial and non-terrestrial).

Fabio LEITE (Inmarsat for ESOA) made the fifth and final presentation on this session on the views of the EMEA[1] Satellite Operators Association (ESOA) (see Day 1 Session 2 presentation 5) in which he:

  • Stated that he was speaking on behalf of ESOA currently representing 21 satellite operators across Europe, Middle East and Africa;
  • Discussed the Space-related topics in WRC-15 agenda and extolled the WRC-15 outcomes favourable to the satellite industry including additional spectrum; ESIMs (Earth Stationsin Motion); Earth Stations on board Vessels (ESVs);Unmanned Aircrafts Systems and Global Flight Tracking, space research and space regulations in general;
  • Outlined the main changes/modifications to the Satellite regulations and stressed the need for full digestion of these crucial changes;
  • Expressed concern at the WRC-15 spectrum identification for IMT adjacent to MSS extended L-band; and called for continued preservation of the core C-band for satellite services as well as Exclusion of Ka-band from future 5G, HAPS & NGSO;
  • Overviewed the Space-related topics in WRC-19 agenda including ESIMs (Earth Stations in Motion); BSS; NGSO short-duration; NGSO FSS in C & Q/Vbands; GMDSS & GADSS; S-band MSS-MS; MMSS VDES; Space science (MetSat, EESS); Unauthorised Earth stations and the general Space regulations;
  • Stated that:
  • Spectrum is a rare resource and satellite operators have demonstrated their ability to make the best use of it.
  • Connectivity needs are huge and growing in Africa.
  • Thanks to the clear regulatory framework provided by WRC-15, satellite operators will be able to keep investing in infrastructure and services.
  • Mobile & satellite operators are complementary answers to this demand, and should take part in WRC-19 preparation in a constructive spirit.

Session discussion notables:

  1. Modality for the appointment of AfriSWoG management and Preparatory Group teams for the period 2016 to 2019 was agreed as reflected in the actionable items (see Section 5); and,
  2. RA/WRC-19 preparations to be spearheaded by AfriSWoG’s Sub-Working Group for Radiocommunications Conference Preparations, while RA/WRC-15 outcome implementation to be spearheaded by AfriSWoG’s Sub-Working Group for Spectrum Management and Engineering as reflected in the actionable items (see Section 5).

4.2Key policy issues for policy makers after WRC-15 for mobile, satellite and PPDR spectrum

Mortimer HOPE (GSMA)made the first presentation on this session titled “Realizing the potential of Mobile spectrum to bringBroadband to Africa: Considerations for Policymakers” (see Day 1 Session 3 Presentation 1) in which he:

  • Overviewed the GSMA, stating that the GSMA was founded in 1987, that it represents the interests of nearly 800 mobile operators plus more than 300 companies of the broader mobile ecosystem worldwide, that it works to deliver a regulatory environment that maximises opportunities for mobile operators, and that today, there are over 7.5 billion mobile connections on worldwide;
  • Stated that Fixed broadband connection is underdeveloped in most African countries (1,4% penetration rate), and that as a result, Mobile broadband enables more effective delivery of essential information such as health advice, educational tools and Government services to remote and under-served areas. Crucially that Mobile is key to achieving objectives of National Broadband Plans particularly in Africa;
  • Pointed out that spectrum allocated to mobile services by WRC-15 will help reduce the digital divide, notably the three globally harmonised mobile bands 694 – 790MHz, 1427-1518 MHz and 3.4 – 3.6GHz, as well as the 3.3 – 3.4GHz identified in countries in Africa, Asia Pacific and the Americas;
  • Summarised the WRC-15 outcome regarding spectrum identified for IMT from the African perspective stating that WRC-15 identified an additional 487 MHz thus bringing the total IMT identified spectrum to 1272 MHz from 885 MHz;
  • Urged countries to review current usage of the new frequency bands allocated to mobile services, update National Frequency Allocation Tables to incorporate WRC-15 allocations, and make the bands allocated to Mobile services at WRC-15 available for use as soon as possible in order for mobile broadband to realise its full potential in Africa;
  • Stressed that harmonized frequency arrangements are key, urged mobile industry and governments collaboration in the development and decisions regarding channel plans and cited latest version of Recommendation ITU-R M.1036 as a reference;
  • Reiterated that Digital Dividend will unlock broadband in Africa and recommended the lower duplexer of the APT700 Plan for the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) region;
  • Concluded by urging countries to:
  • Update national spectrum policies/regulations (including NFATs) to incorporate WRC-15allocations
  • Consult with stakeholders to assess spectrum requirements and appropriate release timing
  • Develop and publish a spectrum roadmap to aid planning to support mobile

broadband expansion and evolution

  • Opt for harmonized frequency arrangements to enable international interoperability and more affordable devices
  • Need for consultation processes to give clarity on the way the spectrum will be

assigned and get inputs from key stakeholders

  • Develop and publish guidance and rules for transparent and fair access to spectrum (e.g. auctions where appropriate) and licensing conditions and renewal.

Fabio LEITE (Inmarsat) made the second presentation on this session focusing on key policy consideration regarding satellite spectrum (see Day 1 Session 3 Presentation 2) in which he:

  • Stated that ESIMs (Earth Stations in Motion) is yet another innovation born out of the need for mobility;
  • Overviewed ESIMs as being a new innovation which expand the traditional FSS and MSS type applications providing truly broadband services to mobile platforms on aboard aircraft, ships, land vehicles & platforms, etc, stating that technically, ESIMs operate in Fixed-Satellite Service (FSS) networks but that user terminals have small directional antennas which lock-to-and-track a given FSS satellite for the provision of broadband communication services;
  • Pointed out that WRC-15 designated the use of the frequency bands 19.7-20.2 GHz and 29.5-30.0 GHz by earth stations in motion communicating with geostationary space stations in the fixed-satellite service subject to specified conditions in Resolution 156;
  • Advocated for establishment of a global (e.g. the ITU GMPCS-MoU) or regional (e.g. ECC/DEC(13)01 for ESIMs) mutual licence and type approval recognition, whereby:
  • Foreign visiting ESIMs freely circulate when already authorised in the country of origin
  • Domestic ESIMs are given class/blanket licences, e.g. no cumbersome individual terminal-by-terminal licenses
  • Clarity and transparency in the national licensing framework
  • Reasonable priced licensing
  • Invited countries to actively participate in the ATU and ITU-R preparatory studies on sharing studies to seeking to extend the use of ESIMs to the 17.7-19.7 / 27.5-29.5 GHz band;
  • Urged countries to ensure that any IMT authorisation in 1492-1518 MHz take into account the need to protect MSS, by among other things, actively participating and obtaining results of current ITU-R compatibility studies between IMT & MSS;
  • Discussed the need to protect C-band satellite services and urging countries to apply conditions of use to IMT stations to provide for sustainable development of said C-band satellite servicesvital to Africa; and
  • Further urged preservation of satellite spectrum to ensure a sustainable development of satellite services vital to Africa.

Daniel HAMADEH (Motorola) made the third and final presentation on this session focusing on key policy consideration regarding PPDR spectrum (see Day 1 Session 3 Presentation 3) in which he:

  • Reiterated that:
  • Public safety agencies need wireless communications to protect property and help save lives
  • Existing systems and bands are suitable for Narrow Band applications
  • In today’s broadband age, police and other agencies have a critical need for mobile broadband communications to succeed in their mission to save lives and property
  • If all countries work with different frequencies and technologies, the market becomes fragmented and costs increase … Harmonizing spectrum and standards is also essential for enabling multiple agencies to deal with major incidents together;
  • WRC-15 agenda item 1.3 was to consider the broadband needs of Public safety agencies around the world (PPDR)
  • Reminded the workshop that WRC-15 resolved to harmonize 694-894MHz as a global frequency range for public safety mobile broadband, and showed the countries around the world which are adopting parts this global harmonized range;
  • Gave examples how broadband PPDR mission critical can use broadband;
  • Discussed the scenarios for PPDR frequency arrangements for Broadband PPDR in 700MHz;
  • Cited PPDR work in the ITU (update of Report M. 2273 and Recommendation ITU-R M.2015), CEPT (Draft ECC Dec 16(02) and Arab States regarding PPDR in the 700MHz band after WRC-15 on Broadband PPDR;
  • Invited African countries, through the ATU platform, to develop a common proposal for Broadband PPDR or to adopt Arab states or CEPT proposals and contribute to WP5A and update the ITU Recommendation M.2015 for Region I, stating that Arabs states have adopted -25dBm/8MHz for Band 68, while, ECC Draft Decision is aiming for -42dBm/8Mhz (-30dBm/8Mhz in normal conditions); and
  • Urged countries to ensure that National Broadband plans include PPDR frequency arrangements and to develop clear and transparent frameworks if commercial networks are to be utilized.

Session discussion notables:

  1. GSMA recommends spectrum award/licencing via auctions for transparency reasons but urges wise design/execution of the auction to fulfil given national objectives such as coverage;
  2. There is need to licence and use the IMT identified spectrum as soon as possible, by taking the following key steps, in a consultative manner;
  3. Policy development for IMT spectrum (and ICTs in general);
  4. Develop and/or adopt the channelling plans, where necessary such as the L-band and 3.3 – 3.4GHz band; and
  5. Establishment of roadmaps on when and how to licence/issue out the spectrum.
  6. Africa ought to be more active in the ITU-R study groups to ensure the regional interests are taken into account at the very early stages of ITU regulatory development;
  7. ESIMs are designed to ‘go beyond’ national borders, hence, common/mutual licence and type approval recognition is required;
  8. ATU was invited to spearhead an model MoU on common/mutual licence and type approval recognition for ESIMs for possible adoption beginning with sub-regional level;
  9. MSS/IMT compatibility and co-existence studies and framework development was highlighted as an urgent issue;
  10. Smart cities wil require more and more of PPDR systems, hence, there is need to continue identifying spectrum for PPDR; and,
  11. PPP is becoming a method of choice for implementing PPDR systems.

4.3Spectrum award best practices

Scott McKenzie (Coleago for GSMA) made the only presentation on this session focusing on spectrum licensing via auction (see Day 1 Session 4presentation 1) in which he: