2008, July 9

3.         What are the SMA’s future plans for the provision of additional spectrum to an operator working within the 30MHz TDD band as and when additional capacity is required due to subscriber growth, congestion, requirement for increased upload & download speeds and the introduction of new technology e.g. 20MHz channels?

The SMA requires all successful bidders to make the most efficient use of the spectrum that has been assigned to them.  The SMA takes the opportunity to indicate that the following bands of spectrum are available or may be made available for similar services in the future:

• 3.5GHz  Band
• 2.3GHz Band; and
• 700MHz Band

4.         Section 2.5 within the ‘Information Memorandum’ refers to “opening the 2.5GHz for wireless broadband and 3G services”. Can the SMA confirm what 3G technologies commercially available today can be deployed in order to meet the timeframes set out in the document?

The timeframes in the document are indicative. Recognizing that there may be interest from companies of different sizes, and proposals in terms of services to be offered, interested parties bidders will be required to present reasonable timeframes for roll out of services based on their particular plans.  These commitments will be contained in the terms and conditions of the licence to successful bidder(s) and will be strictly upheld by the Authority.

5.         Within the ‘Information Memorandum’, the SMA has allocated 30MHz for the TDD band. Can the reason for the allocation be explained?

6.         In devising the SMA’s channel plan contained within the ‘Information Memorandum’ can the SMA confirm, which international standards channel plan it is conforming to and / or what recommendations it is working towards or working within in the creation of the channel plan?

7.         As there is no standards based FDD equipment commercially available to deploy by any interested operators why has the SMA assigned ¾ of the 2.5GHz (2500MHz - 2690MHz) unassigned band (excluding the already assigned STV band) to the use of paired FDD spectrum for, which there is no equipment to meet the timeframes set out in the same Information Memorandum’?

8.         Given the availability of 802.16e-2005 Mobile WiMAX (TDD) certified and commercially available equipment, why has TDD only been assigned 30MHz of spectrum (¼ of the available spectrum not already pre-assigned) given this is the only technology ready to deploy today?

9.         Section 2.5 within the ‘Information Memorandum’ refers to “the SMA has taken account of the potential risk of the inefficient use of the spectrum, and given the limited amount of spectrum in the 2.5GHz band allotted for broadband and/or 3G wireless services to meet the needs of existing and potential new users”.11 Given the SMA has taken into account the potential risk of inefficient use of the spectrum and the limited amount of spectrum available why has the SMA decided to assign ¾ of the band (excluding the STV band that has been assigned to TV broadcast) to the use of paired FDD spectrum over that of unpaired TDD spectrum, which has only been allocated ¼ of the available band, given TDD is by its very nature more spectrally efficient than FDD?

Response to Questions 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

The SMA examined the channel plans of the recently completed auctions in Sweden and Norway and also looked at that for the upcoming auction in the UK.  The SMA then took account of the peculiarities of the Jamaican situation whereby the entire 190MHz is not available for this process.  Bearing in mind the requirement for the 120MHz separation for FDD technology, the accommodation for the 65MHz for STV was placed in the typical placement for the TDD spectrum (as per the plan used in the case of Sweden).   In presenting the combination of paired and unpaired spectrum, the SMA is seeking to create flexibility in terms of the services that interested parties may wish to offer to the public. This flexibility also allows for the conversion of indicated FDD spectrum to TDD spectrum, based on the market requirements. The SMA also took account of recommendations of the WiMAX forum and the ITU-R working party 8F.  The SMA will also be guided by the requirements of the interested parties through this consultation process.