UMTS900: From Concept to Commercial Launch

• The regulator’s approach to the flexible allocation of spectrum
• Plans for renewing GSM licences and re-allocation of 900MHz spectrum on a harmonised basis
• Examination of different operators’ attitudes to in-band migration
• Updates on any UMTS900 trials conducted by operators to date

• Australia
• Finland
• France
• Italy
• New Zealand
• Portugal
• UK

• What are the main benefits of deploying WCDMA (UMTS) at 900MHz and the major hurdles?
• What factors will affect the timing of potential UMTS900 launches?
• What is the forecast rate of subscription migration from GSM to WCDMA in Western Europe?
• Can the re-allocation of spectrum between operators in Finland and Switzerland set a precedent?
• Which operators are pushing the UMTS900 agenda?
• What is the likely timetable for the availability of WCDMA devices at

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

Why UMTS900?

Figure 1.1: The nine UMTS band classes

Figure 1.2: Nortel study showing cell sites for UMTS900 vs UMTS2000

Figure 1.3: Western Europe GSM versus WCDMA subscription forecasts, 2007-2012

Challenges of spectrum re-farming

Figure 1.4: Carrier separation of 5MHz between two UMTS carriers

Figure 1.5: Carrier separation of 2.8MHz between UMTS carrier and GSM carrier

Figure 1.6: Minimum carrier separation in 900/1800MHz bands

CHAPTER 2 THE REGULATORY OUTLOOK IN THE EUROPEAN UNION

GSM Directive to be repealed by October/November 2007

Figure 2.1: The GSM Directive

Figure 2.2: Excerpt from the Final Draft Decision

Finalisation of CEPT studies sets clear framework for technical feasibility of UMTS900 deployment scenario

Finland and Switzerland set clear precedents for overcoming re-farming issue

General policy climate within the EU favours flexible allocation of spectrum

Figure 2.3: The initial set of frequency bands under investigation for the implementation of more flexibility

GSM licence renewals

Figure 2.4: Timetable for expiry of GSM licences

Regulators outside the EU embrace UMTS900

CHAPTER 3 INFRASTRUCTURE VENDORS READY TO MEET OPERATOR DEMAND

Figure 3.1: UMTS900 trials carried out by Nokia Siemens Networks

Figure 3.2: UMTS900 trials carried out by Alcatel-Lucent (including former Nortel trials)

Figure 3.3: UMTS900 trials carried out by Huawei

CHAPTER 4 DEVICE VENDORS WILL FOLLOW NOKIA’S LEAD

Nokia takes the lead

Figure 4.1: Nokia 6121

Figure 4.2: Chipset suppliers preparing solutions to support WCDMA900 handsets

CHAPTER 5 AUSTRALIA

Regulatory environment is welcoming

Optus completes the country’s first UMTS900 technical trials

Other operators consider their options

CHAPTER 6 FINLAND

The revocation of Tele2’s 3G licence removes potential hurdle to UMTS900

Figure 6.1: GSM900 channel reallocation

Operator perspectives

1) Reduce the cost of rolling out WCDMA networks

2) Improve coverage in rural areas

3) Improve indoor coverage

Elisa trial takes UMTS900 one step closer

Conclusions

CHAPTER 7 FRANCE

Figure 7.1: 900MHz frequency allocation with four operators

NSN and SFR trial shows SFR’s continued commitment

Rural coverage may require infrastructure sharing

CHAPTER 8 ITALY

Reallocation of existing 900MHz and 1800MHz frequencies

Figure 8.1: Italy: GSM frequency allocations

Two options: short cut or natural expiry of GSM licences

Option A

Option B

CHAPTER 9 NEW ZEALAND

Vodafone New Zealand: first commercial WCDMA900 deployment in the world

Ideal conditions in New Zealand

Other operators keen to join the UMTS900 bandwagon

CHAPTER 10 PORTUGAL

Figure 10.1: Portugal: GSM spectrum allocations

Anacom approves expansion of Vodafone trial

CHAPTER 11 UK

Figure 11.1: UK: GSM spectrum allocations

UK operators are optimistic but not hurried

i) Limited handset availability

ii) Current high level of usage of the GSM networks

iii) the cost of re-farming

CHAPTER 12 CONCLUSION

Wither GSM?

Vodafone leads the way

Figure 12.1: UMTS900 comparative matrix for Western Europe

APPENDIX 1

Appendix 1.1: GSM spectrum allocations in Western Europe

Appendix 1.2: GSM spectrum allocations in Central & Eastern Europe

APPENDIX 2

Appendix 2.1: UMTS spectrum allocations in Western Europe

Appendix 2.2: UMTS spectrum allocations in Central & Eastern Europe

APPENDIX 3

Appendix 3: WCDMA network coverage in Europe (selected markets)

APPENDIX 4

Appendix 4: Key events timeline