Presentations from the UK SPF Plenary on the 19 October

1. © 2017 Smith Institute
Unlocking the value of spectrum using optimal repacking
and spectrum optimisation
Dr Jakob Blaavand
Smith Institute for Industrial Mathematics and System Engineering
UK Spectrum Policy Forum Plenary Meeting, techUK
19 October 2017

2. © 2017 Smith Institute www.smithinst.co.uk
Smith Institute
UK Spectrum Policy Forum Plenary Meeting, techUK,
London, 19 October 2017
 We solve complex problems for businesses and governments by applying
mathematical thinking and approaches
 We build trusted relationships with clients, offering expert insight to support informed
decision-making and reduce risk

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Some Clients
UK Spectrum Policy Forum Plenary Meeting, techUK,
London, 19 October 2017

4. © 2017 Smith Institute www.smithinst.co.uk
Smith Institute – Spectrum
 Rigorous independent verification and quality assurance for spectrum auctions by
applying mathematical approaches
 15 spectrum auctions across 10 countries
 Bidding strategies for Vodafone
 Broadcast Incentive Auction
 We verified the implementation of rules and algorithms in Reverse and Forward auctions and all
optimisation software
 We provided a comprehensive test programme and independent implementation of the auction
software
 Co-authored a paper with Brett Tarnutzer, GSMA, on the use of optimisation tools in
spectrum management based on learnings from the Broadcast Incentive Auction,
Colorado Technology Law Journal, volume 15.2.
UK Spectrum Policy Forum Plenary Meeting, techUK,
London, 19 October 2017

5. © 2017 Smith Institute www.smithinst.co.uk
Overview
 Setting the Scene
 Spectrum Repacking
 Broadcast Incentive Auction (BIA)
 Optimal Repacking and Spectrum Optimisation
 Spectrum Management Lessons from the BIA
UK Spectrum Policy Forum Plenary Meeting, techUK,
London, 19 October 2017

6. © 2017 Smith Institute www.smithinst.co.uk
Setting the Scene
 Growing need for more spectrum
 Biggest challenge is interference
 Spectrum managers must:
 allow use of spectrum while controlling interference
 revisit old allocations and assignments to free up spectrum and support new technologies, e.g. 5G
 Spectrum managers have two options:
 Re-assign existing licensees to different bands
 Repack a current band to free up spectrum, i.e. pack band more efficiently
 If re-assigning: find a suitable band and deal with the current assignments (again
repacking)
UK Spectrum Policy Forum Plenary Meeting, techUK,
London, 19 October 2017

7. © 2017 Smith Institute www.smithinst.co.uk
Spectrum Repacking
 Repacking:
 Respect non-interference rights of current licenses
 Complicated: daisy-chain effect of moving one licensee; must consider impacts on adjacent licensees
both in terms of spectrum and geography
 Examples:
 Digital Dividend (Analogue to Digital TV)
 700 MHz clearing in Europe
 US Broadcast Incentive Auction
UK Spectrum Policy Forum Plenary Meeting, techUK,
London, 19 October 2017

8. © 2017 Smith Institute www.smithinst.co.uk
Broadcast Incentive Auction
 US Digital Dividend ended in 2009
 Broadcast Plan published in 2010:
 Repack all broadcasters more efficiently and release 36 MHz of spectrum
 More spectrum needed:
 What if all Canadian TV stations are repacked along with the US?
 What if some broadcasters relinquish some of their spectrum rights?
 What if some broadcasters use parts of the new mobile band?
 Spectrum Act in 2012: enabling the BIA
 The BIA grew out of exploring What-If scenarios in spectrum planning enabled
by optimisation
UK Spectrum Policy Forum Plenary Meeting, techUK,
London, 19 October 2017
OPTIMISATION
Reverse
Auction
Forward
Auction
Optimal
Repacking

9. © 2017 Smith Institute www.smithinst.co.uk
Optimal Repacking and Spectrum Optimisation
 Modelling different spectrum policies
 Protecting incumbents
 Managing interference (TV – TV and TV – Mobile)
 Incorporate multiple cross-border agreements
 Improving quality of licenses
 Limiting transition costs
 Etc.
 Enable co-existence between different services
 Optimality goal: free up as much spectrum as possible while adhering to your chosen
spectrum policies
 Exploring What-If scenarios will inform regulators about new band plans and can be
used for making evidence-based decisions
UK Spectrum Policy Forum Plenary Meeting, techUK,
London, 19 October 2017

10. © 2017 Smith Institute www.smithinst.co.uk
Spectrum Management Lessons from the BIA
 Optimal Repacking is not limited to TV Broadcast and Mobile, but can accommodate
any users and uses, e.g. satellites, radar
 Optimal Repacking can enable co-existence between services by maximising the
quality of newly created licenses
 Optimal Repacking can accommodate political borders
 Optimal Repacking is a framework for evidence-based decision making by exploring
What-If scenarios
 One can do Optimal Repacking without the need for running an Incentive
Auction
 Optimal Repacking can be applied to any spectrum band. Which one should we
explore next?
UK Spectrum Policy Forum Plenary Meeting, techUK,
London, 19 October 2017

11. © 2017 Smith Institute www.smithinst.co.uk
Questions?
Jakob Blaavand
e: jakob.blaavand@smithinst.co.uk
t: 07917 155421
UK Spectrum Policy Forum Plenary Meeting, techUK,
London, 19 October 2017