Impact of WRC-15 Outcomeson Sub-Saharan Africa[1]
Abstract:
In 2015 Africa’s GDPwas projected to grow at a rate of 4.5%, making it the fastest growing economic zone in the world[1]. Governments in Sub-Saharan Africa are seeking for different arenas to increaseGDP. Studies have shown that there is a direct correlation between effective use of radio spectrum and GDP growth. It is inevitable that discussions and deliberation made for spectrum allocation and usageare critical for Sub-Saharan Africa .
The World Radio Conference (WRC) is the conference where international recommendations and deliberations are made on howradio spectrum is allocated for appropriate usage. The conference takes place every 3-4 years. The latest WRC, WRC-2015(WRC-15)was conducted from 2-27 November 2015[2]. The key discussions at WRC-15 were centered around allocation of radio spectrum for: global flight tracking International Mobile Telecommunication(IMT)[2] services, amateur services, broadband PPDR, satellite services, space research, unmanned aircrafts, et cetera[2].
Considerations that were agreed upon at the WRC-15 were significant for Sub- Saharan Africa at this critical time when economic growth is required. Discussions at WRC-15 that were pertinent to Sub Saharan Africa’s development were in the following area: additional spectrum allocation for IMT services, C-band allocations, and UHF TV broadcasting band.
The C-band has been primarily used for satellite operations in Africa. At WRC-15 one of the agenda items proposed the C-band for IMT services. This paper will highlight the history of the C-band battle[3] and the outcomes concerning this band and how Sub-Saharan Africa will be affected with the decision.At the WRC-15 one of the crucial debates was additional allocation of the IMT services. Realizing additional radio spectrum for IMT services is expected to aid growth of broadband services[4]. Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to benefit widely from the advance of wireless broadband services. TV broadcasting using the UHF band of 470-694 MHz primarily benefits Sub-Saharan Africa given that alternatives such as satellite TV and cable TV are not readily available or affordable for the majority. Therefore, wireless broadcast of TV is vital for Sub-Saharan Africa, thus the need to deliberate on the TV UHF band judiciously. Deliberation were made on the UHF band 470-694 MHz following potential identification of the band for IMT. WRC-15 outcomes decided to protect investments in broadcasting and allowed for further studies.
This paper provides a qualitative assessment on the outcomes of the WRC-15based on the issues cited above i.e. C-band allocation, additional radio spectrum for IMT services and TV UHF band and the expected impact they will have on the development in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Keywords: Radio Spectrum, Economy, Services
- Introduction
Our world heavily depends on radio spectrum with a vast number of services worldwide reliant on radio spectrum, for example mobile connectivity, satellite connectivity, avionics, radar et cetera. Studies have shown that effective use of the radio spectrum resource has a direct correlation to economic development. FCC (Federal Communications Commission) has estimated that the economic value of 645.5 MHz in United States of licensed radio spectrum is approximately $500 billion[5]. Global System for Mobile Communication Association (GSMA) in a news release in December 2015 indicated that the 700 MHz band that was made available for mobile in region 1 (Africa, Asia –Pacific & Europe) would increase a countries GDP by tenfold. The same release indicated that the 700 MHz had potential of creating an additional 21million jobs in Asia Pacific by 2020[6].
Sub-Saharan Africa is one of the fastest growing economic zone in the world[1]. Sub-Saharan Africa comprising of developing stateswhich are at a stage where key economic decisions are being undertaken in different sectors such as infrastructure development, energy, agriculture, health and, communication. The World Bank figures for projections for GDP for Sub-Saharan Africa shown in Figure 1[7] indicate that there was steady growth in 2014 and it was expected that the GDP in the region would continue to increase.
Figure 1: GDP growth in Sub Saharan Africa [7]
The World Radio Conference (WRC) is the conference where international decisions are taken on the use of radio spectrum. Following the results of different studies that are carried out in the ITU ( International Telecommunication Union) study groups, administrations determine the eventual use of different radio spectrum bands. The last WRC-15 was held from 2-27th November 2015 in Geneva Switzerland.
Sub-Saharan Africa is at a stage of significant economic development. Therefore decisions taken at the WRC are bound to have an effect on the region. The mobile industry remains a key driver of economic growth and employment across the region, making an important contribution given the population growth and high unemployment levels[8].
Three keys issues that were discussed at the WRC-15 are pertinent to the communication sector in Sub-Saharan Africa. These were in the following areas: radio spectrum allocation for IMT services, C-bandallocation, and UHF TV broadcasting band.
The Mobile Communication industry is highly dependent on availability of radio spectrum. A vital key agenda at WRC -15 was the additional radio spectrum allocation for IMT services. A number of bands were identified that were potential to avail additional radio spectrum for IMT. It was vital to consider compatibility of existing services in the identified bands with IMT. There is a global demand for radio spectrum to aid the growth of mobile connectivity. Last mile connectivity is heavily dependent on availability of radio spectrum to enable networks of the future to thrive. The outcomes of this agenda item were key to the development of the mobile industry.
The C-band has primarily been used for Satellite communication. The C-band is versatile and has been used for a number of applications such as mobile backhauling, maritime connectivity, TV broadcast etcetera. The limited infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa and ease of deployment of satellite services, has made C-band very critical in the past years in the region. Following end of WRC-2012, an agenda item was put across were the C-band would be identified for mobile services. The world would have to decide if the C-band would remain for satellite services or be given up for IMT services. One of the outcomes of WRC-15 would be the determinant of the future of the C-band.
Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) is a key means of provisioning television broadcast in Sub- Saharan Africa.The Geneva 2006 agreement took a decision to have part of the UHF band allocated to DTT services. The portions 791- 801 MHz and 694-791 MHz were allocated to mobile constituting Digital Dividend[3]1 and 2 respectively. A deadline was set for 17thJune 2015 for switch off from analog to digital terrestrial television. For region 1, the radio spectrum for DTT was 470-694 MHz . Studies leading to WRC-15 identified the band for 470-694 MHz as a potential for IMT.
Given that Sub-Saharan Africa has limited access tointernet connectivity- therefore alternatives for TV broadcast such as IP TV are nearly nonexistent and satellite television is very costly for the majority of people living is Sub-Saharan Africa. This makes the band 470-694 MHz avery vital resource in Sub-Saharan Africa for television broadcasting.
- Radio Spectrum Management Development in Sub Saharan Africa
African administrations are keen to develop strategies that ensure that mobile penetration is achieved. The importance of mobile communications networks as the primary form of communication on the African continent means that the expeditious use of radio spectrum is vital to the expansion of communications services to meet the needs of citizens and consumers[9].
African governments are well aware of the economic benefits that come with effective controlling and knowledge of radio spectrum management. Developments have been made in this aspect on the African continent. There has been a significant increase in participation of African administrations in matters concerning radio spectrum. Therefore Spectrum Reforms and Policy Frameworks have been developed in a number of countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Regional groups such as Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), East African Communications Organization (EACO), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) have enabled synergy to be achieved in the region in matters concerning ICT development and this includes radio spectrum management. Furthermore, African Telecommunications Union (ATU) has played a big role in creating an avenue for radio spectrum development on the continent as part of its key objectives.Additionally, Spectrum Working Group (AfriSWoG) a working group under ATU is mandated to promote, coordinate and harmonise, among others, the use of the radio spectrum in the continent[10].
Preparations and contributionstowards the WRC-15 was well received in Sub-Saharan Africa, Consequently, the participation of Sub-Saharan administrations at the conference could not be repudiated. This meant that Sub-Saharan Africa had pertinent interests that needed to be met at the WRC-15. Thus it was paramount that they stood out to defend theirrespective country positions and interests as well as those of the region.
- WRC-15
The WRC has the mandate to make decisions (including radio regulations) on the most efficient ways to exploit the limited resources of radio frequency spectrum and manage satellite orbits and if necessary revise the radio regulations[2].
The WRC-15 had over25 agenda itemsthat were fronted for studies summarized in the following areas: mobile broadband communication, emergency communications and disaster relief, unmanned aircrafts and avionics systems, monitoring environment and climate change, global flight tracking for civil aviation, space research, operations of satellite systems, universal time, maritime communications and road safety.
This paper concentrates on three aspects that were contained in the WRC-15 agenda under issues on mobile broadband communication. The first issue was on the additional radio spectrum for IMT services. The second issue was on the C-band that is predominately used for satellite communication was identified for potential use for IMT.And lastly, the use of the 470-694 MHz band currently allocated to digital terrestrial television in Region 1.
- IMT Radio Spectrum:
The ‘hype’ in the mobile industry of the latest technology is 5G technology and beyond. 5G networks refers to the next generation mobile communication technology beyond the experience of 4G. The mobile industry has experienced a wide transformation with increased capability and demand. The industry would therefore require additional radio spectrum to meet these demands.
Studies estimated that the total global radio spectrum requirements for IMT to be in the range of 1340 (for lower user density settings) to 1960MHz (for higher user density settings) bythe year 2020[11].
Agenda item 1.1 of the WRC-15 therefore identified a number of candidate bands from which allocation would be made to meet the global requirement for radio spectrum for IMT services. The bands that were identified included: 470-694 MHz, 1300-1525 MHz, 1695-1710 MHz , 2025-2110 MHz , 2200-2290 MHz , 2700-2900 MHz , 2900-3100, 3300-4200, 4400-4900 MHz , 4800-5000 MHz , 5350-5470 MHz , 5725-5850 MHz , and 5925-6425 MHz.
The final decision that was made at the conference for allocation of additional radio spectrum for IMT from the aforementioned bands included allocation in the following bands: 1427-1518 MHz, 3300-3400 MHz and 3400-3600 MHz.Furthermore the conference, confirmed the primary allocation in Region 1 for the second digital dividend in the 700 MHz i.e. 694-791 MHz.
Table 1 gives the approximate allocation that were agreed upon forSub-Saharan Africa at the WRC-15 conference. Approximately 487 MHz of additional radio spectrum was allocated for IMT in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Table 1: IMT spectrum in Sub-Saharan Africa
Before WRC-15 / 885 MHzNew Allocation / 487 MHz
After WRC -15 / 1372 MHz
- Battle for the C-Band
The battle for the C-band (3400-4200 MHz) has been long-standing. At each WRC, representatives of terrestrial wireless broadband promoters seek to break the hold of satellites on a portion of C-band, which the terrestrial interests claim they need to meet surging demand[12].
At the WRC that ended in 2007, C-band was maintained as an allocation for satellite services following lengthy debates on an probable allocation to mobile services. At this WRC the satellite proponents had victory over the mobile proponents.
At WRC-12 the C-band was maintained for allocations to fixed satellite services in Sub-Saharan Africa on a primary basis. However some countries in Sub-Saharan Africa allowed for mobile services allocation in the range 3400-3600 MHz on a secondary basis by footnote[4]. (Secondary allocation do not claim for protection from primary allocations)
The same debate on the C-band was resurrected for WRC-15. Agenda item 1.1 of the WRC-15 looked at allocation of additional radio spectrum for IMT. One of the identified bands was the 3400-4200 MHz- the C-band. The outcomes of the studies on sharing of fixed satellite services and IMT in this band showed that sharing between IMT-Advanced and the fixed satellite services was feasible only when fixed satellite services earth stations were at known, specific locations, and deployment of IMT-Advanced limited to the areas outside of the minimum required separation distances for each azimuth to protect these specific fixed satellite services earth stations[11]. However whenfixed satellite services earth stations are deployed in a typical ubiquitous manner or with no individual licensing, sharing between IMT-Advanced and the fixed satellite services is not feasible in the same geographical area since no minimum separation distance can be guaranteed[11].
Numerous debates were conducted that justified the reasons why C-band should be maintained for satellite rather than allocate it to IMT. The proponents for this approached were obviously those from the satellite industry.
The final decision that was taken at the WRC-15 was a win-win situation. Part of the C-band was allocated to mobile and another portion maintained for satellite services. The conference decided that 200 MHz of the C-band i.e. 3400-3600 MHz be allocated to IMT; while 3600-4200 MHz allocation remain unchanged.
- UHF Band:
The UHF band 470-694 MHz has propagation properties that make itsuitable for mobile applications. Theseproperties include: providing high quality, wide coverage especially for rural areas and ability to penetratedeep inside buildings. With these benefits 470-694 MHz was a suitable candidate for WRC-15 agenda item 1.1 As stated above Agenda item 1.1 of the WRC-15 looked at allocation of additional radio spectrum for IMT.
Some administrations were comfortable having the band allocated to IMT services. Egypt, Jordon, Lebanon, and Morocco are examples of some of the countries that were advocating for allocation for this band to IMT[2].On the hand countries underEuropean Conference on Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) were against the allocation for this band for IMT [12].
Sub-Saharan Africa’s position on the item was a rejection for allocation to IMT. Most of Sub-Saharan Africa had recently undergone a process of digital migration of television services to this portion of the UHF band. A deadline was provided for 17th June 2015 to migrate from analog to digital operations for television broadcasting. However by the time the deadline most countries had not fully migrated.
A huge amount of investment and time have been dedicated for the migration exercise. The outcomes of the migration havenot yet been reaped and to talk about another possible migration of television services wouldnot be well received.
Terrestrial broadcasting for television is still vital in Sub-Saharan Africa. The alternative that are available are not readily available to the population in Sub-Saharan Africa . For example, satellite television is available however it is very costly for the majority in the region. Additionally, limited availability of fast internet in Sub-Saharan Africa makes the use of IP TV as source of television nearly unreliable and unavailable. Therefore terrestrial television spectrum is still important in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The outcome at the WRC-15 was in favour ofthe position from Sub-Saharan Africa. The conference agreed to maintain the existing status of the band 470-694 MHz in Region 1 and requested for a review of the use of the frequency band 470-960 MHz at the WRC that would be held in 2023.
- Impact of the outcomes on Sub-Saharan Africa
The outcomes of the WRC-15 discussed above are expected to have an impact on Sub-Saharan Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa being at a point of great economic development. In 2014, the broader mobile ecosystem generated 5.7% of GDP in Sub-Saharan Africa, a contribution of just over $100 billion in economic value. Migration to mobile broadband and the growth of new services will see this figure increase to 8.2% of GDP by 2020, reflecting how increased access to mobile services generates regional growth and development[8].