The technical-economics of spectrum use in the ?C-Band? downlink band (3400 ?4200 MHz); satellite vs. mobile broadband

Proponents of satellite use of C-Band have presented economic and technical studies suggesting the band be preserved exclusively for satellite use. Proponents of using the band to support small cell mobile broadband systems have also presented various technical and economic arguments supporting an allocation to this service. These argument are being heard in the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in the lead up to WRC-15. In larger countries like Australia the evidence suggests that the existing benefits of C-Band satellite can be preserved while the economic benefits of small cell mobile broadband can still be had in major cities and large regional centres. This paper shows that the band has high economic value in populated areas and recommends that an allocation to mobile broadband, termed IMT in the ITU, should be made and that countries then be allowed to make their own choices on future uses of the band with this added flexibility.