On 28 October 2021 Arcep launched a public consultation on the rules that would allow for the coexistence, in the department of Réunion, between:
- mobile networks in the 3.4 – 3.8 GHz band;
- and fixed satellite service earth stations operating in the 3.8 – 4.2 GHz band.
One of the chief aims of this public consultation is to address any potential harmful interference that mobile networks – which are due to be deployed in the 3.4 – 3.8 GHz band that is currently being assigned – are likely to cause to fixed satellite service earth stations operating in the 3.4 – 4.2 GHz band.
Obligations to comply with transmit power levels
To prevent such harmful interference, the Arcep Decision [1] sets out future 3.4 – 3.8 GHz band licensees’ obligations to take the necessary measures to comply with set transmit power levels, and stipulates that the conditions allowing for the coexistence of mobile networks in the 3.4 – 3.8 GHz band and fixed satellite service earth stations in the 3.4 – 4.2 GHz band are likely to change over time.
Clarifying the conditions allowing for coexistence
The purpose of this public consultation is therefore to clarify the conditions that will allow for coexistence, as much in terms of the technical conditions required as their location and duration. The proposed text is careful to distinguish between existing stations and those that might be deployed in future, and to factor in the restriction levels on mobile network deployments that may vary depending on the stations and their location.
Stakeholders are invited to send their contributions to Arcep before 17 December 2021.
Associated document:
Note:
[1] Decision No. 2021‑0590 of 15 June 2021.