Intelsat, Intel propose market-based mechanism for clearing 5G spectrum bands

In a move that will be watched closely by Australian mobile carriers and satellite operators, global satellite provider Intelsat has teamed up with Intel on a joint proposal that would open up parts of the C-band spectrum for new 5G mobile services.

In a submission to a US Federal Communications Commission inquiry seeking to expand access to mid-band spectrum for 5G, the two companies argued that satellite providers could voluntarily clear parts of the band and then enter into market-based agreements with mobile players for use of the spectrum.

While acknowledging that the proposal would still cause pain for satellite operators, the two companies said it had the advantage of fully compensating satellite providers, reducing interference issues and putting the spectrum to its highest value use.

Intelsat and Intel made their proposal in relation to terrestrial use in the 3700-4200 MHz downlink portion of the conventional C-band. The Australian Communications and Media Authority has recently kicked off a consultation on the adjacent 3.6GHz band, covering 3575–3700 MHz, but is yet to consult on the more widely used 37004200 MHz bands in Australia.

 Submissions to the ACMA's 3.6GHz inquiry highlighted a number of concerns from satellite operators, regional ISPs as well as the Communications Alliance around compensation for making way for 5G services. The ACMA is proposing to optimise the entire 125MHz of the 3.6GHz band for fixed or mobile broadband services in both metro and regional areas, while satellite operators with existing earth stations in metropolitan areas could be required to relocate their facilities to make way. Under the proposal from Intelsat and Intel, operators would be compensated through market-based incentives for incumbents to undertake voluntarily the clearing of portions of the C-band downlink spectrum in specific areas.

“Having cleared spectrum for terrestrial use in certain geographic areas, FSS satellite operators would enter into market-based agreements with one or more potential terrestrial users of the cleared spectrum. This market-based approach would enable terrestrial use in cleared spectrum in defined geographic areas, where and when it is efficient, while ensuring that incumbent FSS operations will be protected from harmful interference,” they explained in their submission.

“Under this proposal, incumbent FSS operators will be able to facilitate terrestrial mobile use in a manner that fully accounts for their costs, as well as allows the continued use of the downlink spectrum by satellite operators outside of areas where terrestrial use is enabled.”

The two firms said their approach achieves the spectrum objectives voluntarily and efficiently, unlike other regulatory alternatives, which they claimed would be impeded by the limitations of the administrative process.

They suggested that with proper market incentives, spectrum in the band could begin to be available for flexible terrestrial use within one to three years. Intelsat did not make a submission to the ACMA's 3.6GHz consultation; however, Intel urged the regulator to open up a wider band of spectrum in line with other countries and regions, including the US.

WHAT INTEL TOLD ACMA: “With all this momentum developing globally for the 3.3-3.8 GHz frequency range, now is the right time for ACMA to take the next step to make spectrum in that range available for 5G in Australia,” Intel said.

Two global satellite operators impacted by the potential changes in Australia are Inmarsat and Lockheed Martin.

In Inmarsat's case, it has told the ACMA that costs to relocate its earth station facilities at Landsdale near Perth – including antennas used by other C-band operators – could be well in excess of $30 million and might exceed $50m.

For its part, Lockheed Martin noted that relocation would be a complex and extremely expensive option “that is not realistically viable.” Geoff Long, Commsday