Solaris Mobile Welcomes LS telcom Report

The report, ‘Comparison of the performance of 700 MHz versus 2 GHz networks for PPDR Services’ makes a direct comparison between the performance of an expanded 700 MHz network and that of a 2 GHz terrestrial-satellite hybrid network operating in Greater London.

LS telcom found that “the Solaris 2 GHz network [is] able to deliver and exceed the stated PPDR community data requirements and provide good indoor coverage at a cost per bit that is substantially lower than the use of a 700 MHz network in the same area.” A 700 MHz network covering Greater London was estimated to cost EU3.5 million NPV/Mbps compared to EU1.9 million NPV/Mbps for a terrestrial-satellite network operating in S-Band.

Matthew Child, Chief Executive, Solaris Mobile, welcomed the findings of the report stating that a converged terrestrial-satellite network was the logical, cost-effective choice for critical communications agencies.

“Only the combination of satellite and terrestrial coverage can give the PPDR sector the bandwidth, availability and resilience they need to meet the projected demand for data services. A hybrid solution plays to the unique strengths of each network. High bandwidth services can be delivered via S-Band at a lower cost-per-bit than current solutions while mission critical voice systems can stay on narrowband networks until ready to migrate to LTE in the future”, he continued.

In addition, the report raises concerns about the practicality of expanding 700 MHz spectrum for the exclusive use of critical communications users. The conclusions noted:

• 700 MHz spectrum is unlikely to become available for mobile usage until at least 2018 and more likely 2020;
• There is no guarantee that, once 700MHz spectrum is released, it would automatically be made available for PPDR services;
• The opportunity cost to Europe of providing 2 x10 MHz for PPDR services in the 700 MHz band is estimated to be €5 billion.