NTC issues rules for frequency band allocation for wireless technology

By Mary Ann Ll. Reyes The Philippine Star

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has issued a set of proposed guidelines that will govern the allocation of frequency bands for broadband wireless access to the limited radio spectrum and the use of a cost-effective technology.

Broadband wireless access has been defined as a technology aimed at providing wireless access to data networks, with high data rates. The most widely-used technologies are local multipoint distribution service, (LMDS) and multichannel multi-point distribution service, also known as MMDS or wireless cable.

LMDS is a broadband wireless access technology that uses microwave signals operating between the 26 gigahertz (GHz) and 29GHz bands. It is a point-to-multipoint service, hence is typically deployed for access by multiple parties. Links up to five miles from the base station are possible.

On the one hand, MMDS is a wireless telecommunications technology, used for general purpose broadband networking or more commonly, as an alternative method of cable television programming reception. It is used in sparsely populated rural areas, where laying cables is not economically viable. The MMDS band uses microwave frequencies from two to three GHz in range. Reception of MMDS-delivered television signals is done with a special rooftop microwave antenna and a set-top box for the television receiving the signals. The receiver box is very similar in appearance to an analog cable television receiver box.

Under the draft rules which will be the subject of a public hearing on July 12, the NTC proposed to reallocate certain bands for broadband wireless access for fixed, nomadic, and mobile networks. These bands include 410 - 495 MHz; 1900 - 1910 MHz; 1980 - 1990 MHz; 2400 - 2483 MHz; 2500 - 2700 MHz; 3400 - 3600 MHz; 5150 - 5350 MHz; 5470 - 5850 MHz; and 10150 - 10650 MHz. The transfer of previously authorized persons or entities operating radio stations within the above listed radio frequency bands shall be governed by an earlier NTC ruling, the NTC said.

The NTC explained that the reallocation is in support of the government’s objectives to push the country’s socio-economic agenda through information and communication technologies (ICT) and achieving the goal of digital inclusion, enabling universal, sustainable, ubiquitous and affordable access.

According to the NTC, wireless access is one of the recognized solutions in providing ICT access in developing and remote (rural) and marginalized areas, hard and costly to reach areas using the traditional wirelines and thus prevent the widening of the digital divide or technology barrier.

The commission noted that new advances in wireless technologies offering high-speed portable and mobile connectivity can help bridge the widening digital divide. The World Summit of the Information Society (WSIS) Plan of Action to which the Philippines is a signatory, has set out objectives to help increase connectivity for underserved areas such as remote and sparsely populated areas, it added.

It also pointed out that the government is mandated under the Public Telecommunications Act to allocate the spectrum to service providers to meet public demand for telecommunications services.

This, it added, is in line with the thrust of the government to promote and facilitate ICT throughout the country. "ICT access and connectivity and development of ICT skills are becoming more important in economies around the world, improving efficiency and welfare and creating an equitable and efficient information society," the NTC said.