CA announces withdrawal of frequencies in 26 GHz band from April 1, 2019, for use by 5G services
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Under section 32G of the TO, the CA has a statutory duty to promote the efficient use of spectrum as a scarce public resource of Hong Kong. Under section 32H of the TO, the CA is empowered to assign radio frequencies and to, subject to giving a reasonable notice to the frequencies assignee, vary or withdraw frequencies.
"It is necessary to withdraw the assignment of frequencies in the 26 GHz band in order to better prepare Hong Kong for the launch of 5G services in around 2020, if not before," a spokesman for the Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) said.
"The International Telecommunication Union has identified spectrum in the frequency range of 24.25 – 86 GHz for deliberation of global allocation for 5G services at the next World Radiocommunication Conference to be held in November 2019. Within this frequency range, the 26 GHz band is the lowest one which is actively being considered by many economies elsewhere for 5G deployment. Considering that some frequencies in the 26 GHz band are being used by two carrier licensees for fixed links in Hong Kong, the CA has come to the view that these frequencies should be withdrawn pursuant to the sections 32G(1) and 32H of the TO," the spokesman continued.
In accordance with the statement issued by the former Telecommunications Authority entitled "Minimum Notice Periods for Variation or Withdrawal of Spectrum Assignments" in January 2008, the CA considers that under the present circumstances, it is appropriate to give the carrier licensees concerned an advance notice of around two years on the frequencies withdrawal, which means the withdrawal of the frequencies concerned in the 26 GHz band will take effect from April 1, 2019.
To enable the continued operation of the existing fixed links by the affected licensees, the CA is prepared to assign to them alternative frequencies in other frequency bands as replacement. OFCA will closely follow up with these licensees so as to effect frequency relocation before the expiry of the notice period.
The notices pursuant to Section 32H of the TO on withdrawing the frequencies concerned in the 26 GHz band assigned to the two carrier licensees are published today on the official website of the CA, and are available respectively at www.coms-auth.hk/filemanager/statement/en/upload/399/HTCL_26GHz_Band_Notice.pdf
and www.coms-auth.hk/filemanager/statement/en/upload/400/SCL_26%20GHz_Band_Notice.pdf.
Ends/Tuesday, April 18, 2017
Issued at HKT 16:55
Issued at HKT 16:55
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