20 Jun 2012

Maravedis-Rethink: spectrum refarming to free 300MHz by 2016

Spectrum refarming, including digital dividend, is expected to free up to 300 MHz by 2016, reports Maravedis-Rethink in a study called "The Digital Dividend and Refarming Policy: Comparative Study."

The research reveals that on average, each region will free up to 300MHz of refarmed and digital dividend (DD) spectrum by 2016.

Region 1 (EMEA) will add 72MHz of spectrum from the DD, as well as up to 220MHz of refarmed 900 and 1800MHz spectrum. Region 2 (Americas) will add 164MHz of spectrum from the DD and could refarm up to 190MHz of the 2.6GHz band.

Meanwhile, Region 3 (Asia) will also free 164MHz spectrum from the DD, plus refarmed spectrum in the 1800MHz band for up to 150MHz.

"Regional focus will continue to be a priority over global coordination in spectrum management. This will require additional efforts from regulators for a successful digital transition and digital dividend utilization," said Lester Garcia, author of the report.

Although the DD is not the final answer to the spectrum shortage, its efficient use and implementation can help lessen the impacts of spectrum scarcity.

According to the report, in a worst scenario, the lack of available DD spectrum for mobile broadband could slow down the growth in numbers of mobile broadband users by 6.3% by 2016. This reduction in subscriber uptake would reduce investments in wireless infrastructure by 10.7%.

Other Key Findings:

• Various Latam regulators are considering the application of the APT channelisation scheme for the 700 MHz DD band

• The expected value of future auction processes will be around US$1 per MHz/pop

• Only a small number of 700 MHz auction processes are expected in the next 2 years as a result of digitization delays

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