Update from Cluster 1

1. Spectrum Policy Forum Plenary
20th April 2017
Cluster 1 Report
Janette Stewart, Analysys Mason – Cluster 1 Chairman

2. Cluster 1 held a meeting on future demand for high
millimeter-wave bands (50-150GHz) on 16th March
2017
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss current research and commercialisation
of the high millimetre-wave bands for fixed links (particularly ‘W’ and ‘D’ bands)
- We had presentations from Huawei, Ericsson and Peter Curnow-Ford on research and commercialisation
of products in the high mm-wave bands
- The D band (130-175GHz) seems especially promising with suggestions of commercial equipment in this
band available from around 2025 onwards – to ensure this band can be exploited, it will be important for
this band to be available for licensing over the next 5-6 years.
- The ‘W’ band (92-115GHz) seems to have attracted less commercial exploitation to date, but still shows
promise
- There are various options for licensing W and D bands, and for other similar bands(e.g. block licences, light
block licences, light licensing) might exist, with different pros and cons. Understanding better the
characteristics of use of these bands (e.g. re-use distances) will be key
- The industry also has keen interest in E-band (70-80GHz) but with some concern about fragmented
availability and licensing requirements in this band around the world (e.g. different licensing approaches
and fees applying in different markets)
- There was some discussion about developments in use of the 60GHz band (e.g. unlike in Europe, the
regulations for this band in the US permit outdoor use)

3. Planned Cluster 1 activities for the remainder of this
year are on demand and use of spectrum for 5G,
HAPS/UAVs and IoT
5G
The SPF steering board has agreed that Cluster 1 should prepare a new SPF paper on 5G, providing
an update to the paper published in 2016 and focussing on bringing mm-wave bands to market in the
UK.
A Cluster 1 meeting on options and priorities for releasing 26GHz to market for 5G is scheduled for 8th
June, 1.30pm. A briefing paper will be circulated ahead of this meeting to summarise key points for
discussion at the meeting and discussions at the meeting will then be captured in a draft paper by the
Cluster 1 chairman. The agenda for the 8th June event is shown on the next slide
UAV/HAPS workshop
This is a workshop originally proposed by Airbus to explore developments in HAPS and UAVs and the
regulatory/spectrum questions ahead of WRC-19, scheduled for 8th June at 10am
- The agenda for this meeting is now confirmed and shown on the next slide
IoT
A meeting on spectrum implications of IoT is scheduled for 26th September – detailed agenda to be
confirmed

4. The agendas for the Cluster 1 events on 8th June
are as follows
HAPS/UAVS (10am, 8th June)
1. Welcome and introductions (Janette
Stewart, Cluster 1 Chairman)
2. New HAPS technology development
in the UK (Airbus)
3. HAPS as a connectivity platform for
broadband (Facebook)
4. WRC-19 considerations (Nasarat Ali,
Ofcom)
5. Certification/airborne use issues (John
Mettrop, CAA)
6. Discussion and next steps (All)
5G (1.30pm, 8th June)
1. Welcome and introductions (Janette Stewart,
Cluster 1 Chairman)
2. Presentation on Ofcom consultation proposals
on 26GHz (Cristina Data/Richard Moore, Ofcom)
3. Industry viewpoints –
Millimetre-wave trials - Ericsson
Bringing mm-wave bands to market – Qualcomm
Protecting 26GHz incumbent uses - Airbus
Perspective on licensing options/indoor use of 5G
spectrum - Stephen Temple/5GIC
MNO viewpoint - Three UK
4. Discussion and preparation of SPF paper (All)