European Harmonized Technical Conditions and Band Plans for Broadband Wireless Access in the 790-862 MHz Digital Dividend Spectrum

The switchover from analogue to digital terrestrial television (DTT), expected to be completed in Europe by the end of 2012, will free up a large amount of radio spectrum. This socalled Digital Dividend will provide a unique opportunity to meet the demand for new wireless communications services. In October 2009, the Conference of European Post & Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) approved a number of band plans and technical conditions for the use of the 790-862 MHz Digital Dividend spectrum by mobile and fixed communications networks. These specifications are sufficiently flexible to allow FDD-only, TDD-only, or mixed frequency arrangements in this band. However, a preferred frequency arrangement based on FDD has been recommended, with the understanding that member states may implement different frequency arrangements with the aim of achieving general interest objectives, ensuring greater efficiency through market-based spectrum management, ensuring greater efficiency when sharing with existing use, or avoiding interference. In this paper we present an overview of the specified band plans and regulatory technical conditions. We also describe the methodologies behind their derivations, and discuss their implications for both DTT services and the new communication networks which will operate in the 790-862 MHz Digital Dividend band.