NMIA formulates its radio spectrum strategy 2016-2020

The NMIA has developed its radio spectrum strategy for the period 2016-2020. This document defines the main strategic directions and tasks related for spectrum management, describes the regulatory and broader economic and technological environment affecting spectrum management and informs operators about the objectives related to spectrum management and the tools for their implementation.

By publishing its strategy for the next five years, the NMIA aims to ensure a predictable professional and technical environment for operators, meaning that the NMIA needs to formulate long-term concepts and map out a clear, transparent professional and technical route. The strategy involves, for example, the NMIA preparing seven bands, from 700 MHz to 26 GHz, for sale from the domestic set of frequencies over the next five years. It is clearly indicated in the outlined roadmap which bands are to be sold, when and typically with which method (by auction or tender). The strategy is also a powerful tool for the NMIA, through its implementation, to promote effective frequency use and reduce undue spectrum hoarding, enable broadband services to develop and stimulate innovation; to achieve this, the NMIA will also work towards updating the spectrum pricing system.

The NMIA expects that the implementation of the strategy will indirectly allow, for example, 99-percent wireless indoor internet coverage to be achieved at national level by 2020. The most important strategic objectives include selling digital multiplexes, reserving the 470-790 MHz band for terrestrial television broadcasting until 2020 and launching a tendering procedure for broadcasting in that band by then. In 2016, preparation must begin for the sale of wireless broadband frequency usage rights due in relation to the 694-790 MHz (DD2) band as the NMIA wants to make available another 160 MHz spectrum for mobile services. In addition, the early adoption of 5G technologies must be promoted, among others, by meeting early needs in frequency bands above 20 GHz on an experimental basis and the operation and development of public protection and disaster relief (PPDR) systems must be supported. The document containing strategy is attached.

Background

The strategy for the allocation and use of national frequencies was prepared taking into account the decisions adopted at the World Radio Conference of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) held in Geneva last November. At the Conference, representatives of the Member States in attendance also decided, among other matters, that the allocation of the 700 MHz band should be used primarily for mobile services, and adopted the rules applicable to the technical criteria and international frequency coordination process for the protection of air navigation services and a resolution on the global tracking system for civil aviation. In the light of this, the NMIA held a consultation with communications companies (manufacturers, service providers) and other frequency users (e.g. amateur radio operators, Hungarian State Railways) about the expected directions of the strategy and user expectations. The national radio spectrum strategy was formulated on the basis of all the international resolutions and domestic needs and available at nmhh.hu/spektrumstrategia_2016_2020.

Spectra available for browsing - online inventory

The NMIA developed a Spectrum Management Information System (STIR) which is now accessible to all at http://stir.nmhh.hu/. This service facilitates the interpretation of Decree 7/2015. (XI. 13.) of the NMIA laying down the rules for the use of frequency bands, which is about 600 pages in length. From now on, spectrum management experts and interested parties can use the STIR online interface to study the existing version of the Decree laying down the rules for the use of frequency bands in both Hungarian and English in a clear interactive graphical display that includes a useful view of relevant parts of other pieces of legislation and an easy-to-use integrated search feature.

To make it easier to read and interpret the Decree and quickly find the required information, for example, interactive information (definitions, referenced documents, footnotes, annexes) can be queried for the international frequency allocation table in Annex 1 to the Decree and the table containing the rules for national frequency allocation and use in Annex 2, and it is also possible to do a basic or advanced search in the so-called national table which includes a comprehensive description of frequencies available for use in Hungary. A user manual was also prepared to get to know the system.

Both the software and the interface are continuously improved based on feedback to make them more user-friendly according to actual user needs. Therefore, the NMIA asks users to send their comments and suggestions regarding improvement to stir@nmhh.hu. The input received will be implemented in subsequent versions if possible.