• Ofcom backs operator for 3G Power Increase

    by
    3GScottishUser
    Published on 2nd March 2010 02:54 PM
    5 Comments Comments
    Consultation launched on whether operators can extend power limits of 3G licenses

    Moves to boost mobile phone coverage in the UK by increasing the power limits of operators’ 3G licenses are in the pipeline.

    Ofcom has come out in in favour of UK operators topping up the power of their 3G base stations - subject to consultation - after considering an application from Vodafone.

    The regulator has published a consultation document today and is calling for comments on the plans.

    The key issues the consultation will address are whether the increase in power would create any significant interference on adjacent spectrum, whether it should be extended to all five operators and whether it should be extended to 2G base stations.

    Although the application was made by Vodafone the other four UK operators have told Ofcom they also want to extend their 3G power limits.

    Ofcom argues in favour of the extension, on the grounds that it will benefit consumers by giving better network coverage. The regulator also argues the extension in power will not cause any significant interference on other spectrums and will not breach the maximum permitted emission levels set by the International Committee for Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).

    The deadline for responses to the consultation is 5pm on 19 March. Ofcom says it will publish its decision shortly after that date.

    http://www.mobiletoday.co.uk/Mobile_..._coverage.aspx
    This article was originally published in forum thread: Ofcom backs operator for 3G Power Increase started by 3GScottishUser View original post
    Comments 5 Comments
    1. hecatae's Avatar
      Ofcom smears 3G across spectrum 900, 1800MHz approval in August

      http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/03/12/ofcom_tweaks/

      Ofcom has finally proposed the use of 3G technologies at 2G frequencies, slipping the amendment into a bundle of updates and tweaks that should get approval come August.
      Reply
    1. Ben's Avatar
      Oh. My. God.
      Reply
    1. Ben's Avatar
      "Ofcom has finally proposed the use of 3G technologies at 2G frequencies, slipping the amendment into a bundle of updates and tweaks that should get approval come August.

      The bundle includes updates to rules on Ultra Wide Band and permitting radar installations at level crossings, but also permits the deployment of 3G networking technology at the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands which were previously restricted to 2G (GSM) operations. But one shouldn't expect to see 3G spreading immediately as there's neither the infrastructure nor the handsets to support that just yet.

      The EU directive on 900 and 1800MHz made it just a matter of time until the UK approved the deregulation, but the subject has been politically difficult in the UK where 2G frequencies were allocated and 3G spectrum was bought (at huge cost) on the basis that it was the only place where 3G operations would be allowed. Permitting 3G over 2G is nice for those who got 2G spectrum (everyone except 3) but also devalues the 3G spectrum which operators spent so much money obtaining, and that has made the issue something of a hot potato.

      But with the government committed to pushing Kip Meek's spectrum plan those issues are now being resolved, so Ofcom's final approval should go through in August."
      Continues...

      An extract from the article. While The Register doesn't seem to place much importance on the change, I believe that this will be the catalyst for 99.9% 3G coverage and decommissioning GSM with increased haste.
      Reply
    1. DBMandrake's Avatar
      Gasp. Never expected that so soon

      A couple of possible negatives (from my perspective at least) - the iPhone doesn't support 3G on 900Mhz or 1800Mhz - will Apple pull finger and finally update the chipsets to provide at least 900Mhz 3G ? (Which has already been deployed and in use in New Zealand and Parts of Europe for a couple of years)

      My guess is that this year's iPhone will still not support any additional 3G frequencies (over the existing 850, 1900, and 2100, the first two of which are useless to us in the UK) but I'd like to be proved wrong. (The iPad supports exactly the same speeds and set of frequencies as the 3GS which makes me think it's still using the same or very similar 3G chipset, so I'm not holding my breath)

      Also, what happens to 3 - who only have spectrum holdings at 2100Mhz ? It didn't occur to me previously, that although 3G on 900Mhz would ultimately be the thing that would allow 3 to provide adequate coverage without Orange 2G roaming, 3 don't actually OWN any 900Mhz (or 1800Mhz) spectrum, so will they end up left behind in a very precarious position once the other operators start rolling out 3G on lower frequencies, or will some of those lower frequencies be relinquished and re-auctioned to all networks ?
      Reply
    1. Ben's Avatar
      Unfortunately I think it may take a couple of years before many of us actually have exposure to 3G in the 2G bands plus have a handset capable of exploiting it. But a couple of years from August is one hell of a lot better than a couple of years from we-can't-decide. Hopefully the networks will start off by ordering dongles that support 3G in the bands, letting mobile broadband users lead the way.

      As for 3 UK... well, that's tricky. I suppose through their agreement with T-Orange there's the potential at least for a full-on network share to include 3G in the new bands. Failing that, 3 UK will have to survive with its larger numbers of masts and strength of 3G in the more densely populated areas of the country. I just hope that they don't cry foul at this stage and hold things up.
      Reply