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Minutes of the 4th WGRA Meeting in Dublin, Ireland, 1-4 February 2005
1 REPORTS OF OTHER MEETINGS
1.1 Report of the 9th ECC meeting
Document (05)002 which was the report of the last ECC meeting was introduced. A number of issues were highlighted that were of interest to WGRA.
At the July 2004 ECC meeting it was agreed to transfer the work on Dispute Resolution Settlement Procedures to WGRA. After further discussion at the last ECC meeting, it was agreed that this would not be transferred to WGRA.
The meeting noted that the proposed corrigendum for free circulation decision (95)01 was adopted by the ECC and was forwarded for public consultation pending final adoption at the spring meeting. WGRA will be required to inform the ECC at the next meeting on the future of the base S-PCS Decision (97)05.
The Chairman informed the group that each WG were asked to review each of the ECC Decisions in their competency. It was proposed by ECC PT7 to consider the impact of convergence of services and technology on the spectrum regulatory framework. This will be added to the WGRA work programme.
Other items discussed at the ECC meeting were the GSM onboard aircraft Decision, EMC issues, Wideband PMR/PAMR, SAT OSS and the ERO regulatory database and ERO support to future AES and ESV Decisions.
1.2 ETSI Co-operation
It was explained that there were no issues to be dealt with except GSM on aircraft, which was agreed to be dealt with during the RA6 report. The group acknowledged the ongoing ETSI cooperation and thanked Mr Tosato for his attendance.
1.3 Report from EFIS Maintenance Group
ERO, gave a presentation on the new ERO Frequency Information System (EFIS), including the radio interface search facility. Administrations were requested to look at the EFIS system and provide the ERO with any suggestions in how to improve the system further.
Document (05)035 was introduced which contained information of a study on the allocation, availability and use of radio spectrum in the EU Community. It was proposed that WGRA studies ways of harmonising the publication of spectrum related information. It was suggested that the work done in EFIS was sufficient.
1.4 Report from SRD/MG
Document (05)017 which was the report of the last SRD/MG was introduced. ERO provided information on the status of ERC/REC 70-03, final draft report in response to the EC Mandate on SRDs, issues relating to the R&TTE Directive, frequency bands for medical telemetry, tuning ranges for hearing aids, and tank level probing radars. The liaison statement from RA11 to WGFM regarding (O)RLANS was forwarded to SRD MG to deal with. It was agreed that the RA11 Chairman would continue to liaise with SRD/MG on this matter.
It was suggested that WGRA look at the results of the EC Mandate on SRDs, to assist WGFM with the regulatory aspects. WGRA agreed that there should be further information
1.5 Report of ECC TG3 on UWB
Document (05)018 which was the interim ECC report to EC regarding UWB was introduced The interim report identified the most appropriate technical and operational criteria for the harmonised introduction of UWB-based applications in the European Union.
Document (05)010 which was a liaison statement from RA11 to ECC was introduced. TG3 referring to the interference aspects of UWB applications. RA11 expressed their concern that two different UWB systems, FCC-mask and EU-mask, are entering the EU-market. RA11 would like to request TG3, when considering UWB introduction in Europe, to take into account enforcement of UWB-regulation and propose a European UWB regulation that includes more stringent limits than those in other regions. The Enforcement authorities fear that it will be difficult to enforce these tighter limits due to the above mentioned aspects (large numbers, global trade and mobility of users) of especially the UWB communication devices. ERO informed WGRA that the statement was briefly discussed by TG3. WGRA shared the view of RA11 and therefore the chairman of RA11 was requested to attend the next TG3 meeting and to report back WGRA about the outcome of this subject.
1.6 Report of JPT MSS 2 GHz
Document (05)014 which was the report of the last JPT 2 GHz MSS meeting was introduced. WGRA were requested to note the recommendation to develop a new ECC Decision setting an appropriate regulatory framework for the MSS in the bands 1980-2010 MHz/ 2170-2200 MHz. WGRA were also asked to inform the ECC that the corrigendum to ERC/DEC(97)05 does not interfere with JPT MSS 2 GHz work and to clarify the issue of the terrestrial repeaters/ATC.
WGRA agreed with the proposals from JPT MSS 2 GHz and the comments made by WGFM contained in the liaison statement (Document (05)041). The proposed extension to the ToR was accepted by WGRA.
The WGRA Chairman will notify the JPT MSS 2 GHz Chairman to inform him that WGRA are happy with their work.
2 NEW TECHNOLOGIES
There were no work items on new technologies. The meeting agreed that the project team 9 on conformity assessment, later renamed to include new technologies, should be closed down as there is no more work for this group. The WG expressed its thanks to the long time chairman of the group.
3 MARITIME WORK ISSUES
3.1 Report of RA2
Document (05)012 which was the report of the last RA2 meeting was introduced. A number of topics were discussed during the meeting which include IMO matters, RA2’s involvement with respect to WRC-07 matters, a status update with respect to the discussion on the arguments and reasoning behind maritime licensing, ITU-R WP 8B matters, SRC/LRC certification within CEPT, EU issues, AIS time slot allocation and class ‘D’ VHF radios being brought in to the UK with US and Canadian channels programmed. These issues will continue to be discussed in RA2 and will be reported back at future WGRA meetings.
At the last ECC meeting, the meeting queried why RA2 were dealing with CPG related issues. RA2 commented that they will continue to observe the WRC-07 issues, as they have relevance to RA2, but would only work on these issues at the request of CPG.
3.2 Letter to the EU via ECC regarding the evaluation of the R&TTE Directive
Document (05)013 which was a draft letter developed at the last RA2 meeting providing comments to the EU Commission regarding their observations and conclusions in its ‘First Progress Report of Directive 1999/5/EC’ (= the R&TTE Directive) was introduced. WGRA was requested to provide comments on this draft letter. Only a minor change was made to the letter which was approved by WGRA.
The letter will be forwarded to the ECC for consideration and approval, and is proposed to be forwarded to the EU Commission.
WGRA thanked Mr Steenge and the RA2 delegates for their work.
4 WORK ITEMS ON LICENSING & FREE CIRCULATION
4.1 Report of RA6
Document (05)019 which was the report of the last RA6 meeting was introduced. There had not been an RA6 meeting since the last WGRA meeting, due to joint meetings being held with RA5 to deal with ESV, AES, and GSM onboard aircraft.
Document (04)101 which was a liaison statement from SE19 that was first seen by WGRA at the last meeting in Dublin was introduced. SE19 has developed the draft new ECC Recommendation for use of the band 64-66 GHz by Fixed Service links. WGRA were asked to comment on the feasibility of such an approach and it was agreed in Dublin that RA6 would look at this item. The drafting group set up to discuss this item came to the conclusion that a light licence regime was acceptable but proposed to remove annex 2. The UK objected to the removal of the 'informative' annex 2 and argued that it was an example relating to Recommends 4. The meeting decided to remove this part of the text and forwarded the adapted recommendation to WGSE.
4.2 Licence exemption and free circulation of wideband terminals
Document (05)019 annex 2 which was a draft Decision for the licence exemption and free circulation of wide band terminals in the 400 MHz, 800/900 MHz bands was introduced. At their last meeting, ECC queried the need for such a Decision.
Administrations were urged to indicate whether they could implement the draft Decision. The meeting noted that several Administrations would be able to implement this Decision. A letter will be sent to ECC asking for confirmation that the work on this Decision should be continued.
4.3 Free circulation and licence exemption Decisions
Document (05)036 which answered the question raised by the ECC on whether there was a need for free circulation Decisions, since the R&TTE Directive was implemented was introduced. The conclusion to the report was that some countries are not subject to the R&TTE Directive and may rely on such Decisions. Equipment from outside the EU Community can be brought into the community if they are covered by a free circulation Decision but would not be covered under the R&TTE Directive. Some small changes were made to the document, which in principle was approved for forwarding to the ECC. One reference to related TCAM documents would be inserted editorially at a later stage, and approved by correspondence.
Document (05)021 answering the question raised by the ECC was introduced. The advantages of free circulation Decisions in some countries is that a decree or other legal documents don’t have to be changed each time a free circulation Decision is being signed up to.
4.4 Draft Decision on GSM onboard aircraft
Document (05)019 annex 1 which was the preliminary draft Decision for GSM terminals onboard aircraft was introduced.
The WGSE meeting looked at the issue earlier in the week and informed WGRA that more time was needed by SE. A work item has been established to look at the interference levels before their next meeting.
Document (05)023 which were technical and legal concerns regarding the GSM base stations onboard aircraft was introduced. Document (05)038, which answered the concerns raised in particular the question in regard to the network control unit acting as a jammer, was introduced. If the system acts as a ‘jammer’ then it would be illegal. It was asked how the network control unit is compliant with the R&TTE Directive. It was considered as aeronautical equipment and was therefore not falling under the R&TTE Directive.
It was agreed that RA6 would draft and send a liaison statement to WGSE and WGFM informing them that WGRA will be looking at the legal and regulatory issues. This will help to coordinate the work, making sure that it is not being duplicated in other working groups. It was also suggested that Finland raises the issue at the next TCAM meeting.
Document (05)043 which was a liaison statement from ETSI ERM RM concerning GSM onboard aircraft was introduced. The meeting noted the document.
4.5 Licence exemption of DMR
Document (05)042 which was a liaison statement from WGFM who have developed a preliminary draft Decision on harmonised frequencies, technical characteristics and exemption from individual licensing of Digital land Mobile Radio operating in the frequency band 446.100-446.200 MHz, was introduced. This is being studied in FM PT38 who have asked WGRA to give guidance on how to write the licence exemption and carry and use into this Decision.
It was agreed that this item would be placed in the RA6 work programme. A liaison statement was produced which was sent to WGFM.
WGRA thanked the RA5 project team for all their hard work.
5 EU MATTERS
5.1 Spectrum Decision, Radio Spectrum Committee, Radio Spectrum Policy Group
Unfortunately, there was no information for WGRA at this meeting.
5.2 TCAM
Document (05)022 which was the report of the last TCAM meeting was introduced.
There were no comments on the EU matters.
6 WORK OF RA5
6.1 Report from RA5 Chairman
Document (05)032 which was a report of the last RA5 meeting was introduced. A number of items were discussed during the last meeting such as ESV, AES and the S-PCS Decision. RA5 also received a draft report from SE40 regarding aircraft protection, and found no need to propose any changes to the report.
6.2 Draft Decisions on the operation of Aircraft Earth Stations and ESVs
A text was required in each of the following Decisions, which contain the term ‘designate’, as the meaning of this is being discussed in ECC PT7. The meeting agreed that the word would remain in the text until the ECC had taken a decision on the PT7 recommendation.
Document (05)027 which was a draft Decision for AES operating in the bands 14-14.5 GHz (Earth-to space), 10.7-11.7 GHz and 12.5-12.75 GHz (space-to-Earth), was introduced. A number of minor changes were made to the text of the Decision which WGRA adopted. This Decision was agreed for public consultation.
Document (05)025, which was the draft Decision for ESV in the 11-14 GHz band was introduced. This Decision is for the installation of terminals on ships which operate in the fixed satellite services bands. The Decision was looked at in detail and some editorial changes were made which were adopted by WGRA. WGRA agreed the Decision for public consultation.
Document (05)024, which was the draft Decision for ESV in the frequency band 5925 – 6425 MHz and 3700 – 4200 MHz, was introduced.
There were a number of minor comments made in relation to this. It was requested that a liaison statement is sent to WGSE to study the use of the guard bands in the adjacent bands. A liaison statement was approved by WGRA which was forwarded to WGSE for discussion. WGSE notified the Secretary that SE19 would deal with this issue at their next meeting.
WGRA agreed the Decision for public consultation.
Document (05)026 which was the draft ECC report on ESV contours was introduced. This document was approved without amendment. ERO will start the procedure related to the approval for public consultation.
6.3 Revision of S-PCS Decisions
Document (05)032 which was a request from the ECC to discuss the future of the base S-PCS Decision (97)05, was introduced. WGRA agreed that no change to the Decision is needed at present, except those under consideration in JPT MSS 2 GHz.
6.4 Draft Decision on low EIRP satellite terminals
Document (05)028 which was the draft Decision on low power EIRP satellite terminals, was introduced. The terminals are to be used for the mass market of interactive TV digital services. Document (05)040 which contains a proposal to add a sentence in the considering part of the Decision stating that “some CEPT Administrations may require that LEST network operators obtain a frequency authorisation due to national regulatory requirements”, was introduced.
The meeting agreed on a number of proposals to improve the draft Decision and the text, and the meeting noted the concerns regarding public health aspects of this system. The meeting agreed that the health issues are beyond the remit of WGRA, although the R&TTE Directive enables the member states to request that the products have warning labels.
The group was informed that there are site clearance issues for this type of equipment and that they will be unable to implement this Decision. It was also suggested that WGRA works with Civil Aviation Authorities as SE40 have not ruled out the possibility that there are interference problems when using the equipment near airports, other than for avionics equipment.
A drafting group was set up to discuss the draft Decision and to recommend issues which need to be discussed further in RA5. These comments were addressed by WGRA and it was agreed that this item should be looked at further in the next RA5 meeting.
RA5 was also asked to consider the feasibility of merging the various similar existing and possible future satellite Decisions, in these or other bands, into one.
6.5 SAT OSS and the ERO Regulatory Database
Document (05)037 which proposes to abrogate ERC/DEC(99)22 and ECTRA/DEC(99)05, ERC/DEC(97)09 and ECTRA/DEC(97)01, ERC/REC(00)01 and ECTRA/REC(00)02, was introduced. Imbedded in this is a draft Decision proposing the abrogation This Decision relates to the regulatory database which was discontinued as decided at the last ECC meeting. Document (05)037 also proposes to recommend to the ECC the abrogation of the SAT OSS Recommendations ERC/REC(00)01 and ECTRA/REC(00)02. It was suggested that WGRA should forward both proposals to the ECC and ask the ECC to adopt the draft Decision on abrogation for public consultation.
WGRA adopted the draft Decision and agreed to forward this to the ECC for approval for public consultation. WGRA also agreed to recommend to the ECC to abrogate the SAT OSS Recommendations.
Document (05)020 which regarded the links to regulatory information on CEPT NRAs’ websites was introduced. ERO was tasked by the ECC to identify on the ERO website the appropriate internet links to the sites of CEPT administrations. ERO searched NRAs’ websites for regulatory information and application forms, in general and for the satellite area. Unfortunately the information ERO was able to find was not complete, and the amount and type of data available varies greatly from country to country. WGRA members were requested to contact the ERO to provide the necessary information. It was decided to send the questionnaire in Document (05)20 to all CEPT administrations.
7 MATTERS CONCERNING FEES AND CHARGES
7.1 Report of RA8
Document (05)029 which was the report of the last RA8 meeting. Discussions took place during the meeting on developments within Administrations, on the topic of auctions and beauty contests, and the impact of licence exemption on NRAs activities and revenues was introduced. The meeting noted the draft questionnaire on licence exemption. Administrations were asked to suggest further questions that could be added. Some suggestions were made which will be taken on board by RA8 when finalising the questionnaire.
The Administrations was encouraged to try to participate in RA8 meetings. There has recently been a low attendance and it was suggested that the ToR should be reviewed and enhanced as they may now be out of date. RA8 will propose a revision to their ToR at a future WGRA meeting.
7.2 Draft report on Auctions and Beauty Contests.
Document (05)031 and gave a presentation on the draft report was introduced.The objective of the work was to provide an overview to assist Administrations when planning Auctions and Beauty contests. Some amendments were made to the report since the last WGRA meeting, which were adopted by WGRA.
The draft ECC report was adopted by WGRA and was forwarded to the ERO for public consultation.
8 ENFORCEMENT
8.1 Report of RA11
Document (05)004, which was the report of the last RA11 meeting was introduced.
The meeting was informed that a liaison statement was forwarded to WGFM (Document (05)008) expressing the enforcement concerns of RA11 regarding future exempted licence regimes of mobile applications in the 5.8 GHz band. There are concerns that the equipment will have the same regulatory weaknesses as the 2.4 GHz band (O)RLANs applications .
The meeting was informed that RA11 has submitted a liaison statement to RA2 in order to solve the problems concerning maritime radio equipment in the Maritime VHF band.
The meeting was also informed about a PMR446 handheld applications, which devices directly is connected by cable with an external antenna, thus without an antenna connector. Some administrations indicated that this type of equipment does not fulfil the definition of PMR446. WGRA agreed that RA11 should investigate this issue and report at the next meeting, the outcome of the discussion.
RA11 is preparing a 24 GHz SRR guidance for the enforcement authorities for the national enforcement authorities. The guidance is firstly intended to report cases of harmful interference in the CEPT member countries. It is proposed that the collected information will be placed on a central electronic database, under control of the ERO. The electronic information will be only available for enforcement authorities and RA11 members. More detailed work is necessary for creating this database, however the ERO is prepared to assist RA11 in this matter. Furthermore, it is concluded by RA11 to produce a guideline for the market surveillance authorities. It gives answer of questions about selling/placing and (illegal) use of SRR equipment after the 1 July 2007 and after 1 July 2013. The work will be continued at the next RA11 meeting and WGRA will be informed about the progress of this matter.
A presentation regarding the enforcement situation at the recent Olympic Games, held in Athens was given. For setting up this event Greece was also guided by ECC report 44 on special events.
The meeting agreed that RA11 should investigate desktop market surveillance in more detail. WGRA agreed that this work is already mentioned in the RA11 work programme. Therefore it is not needed to add this work as separate work item.
8.2 Feasibility study on mobile phone interceptors
Document (05)005, which was a draft ECC report on mobile phone interceptors was introduced. This has been enhanced since the last meeting as more information has been received from Administrations. It was enquired how this had turned from feasibility study into a draft ECC report. The meeting agreed that this report would go back into RA11 for examination of the initial three questions. RA11 would then produce an internal feasibility report at the next meeting, before WGRA agrees whether it should be made available to a wider audience as an ECC Report. The RA11 Chairman requested that information and comments are sent to him from Administrations to assist in completing the report.
8.3 Draft recommendation for Wire-line telecommunication networks
Document (05)006 which was the draft ECC recommendation criteria for the assessment of radio interferences caused by radiated disturbances from wire-line telecommunication networks was introduced. Document (05)007 contained a liaison statement which was sent to WGSE informing them of the progress of the recommendation as it was WGSE who instigated this work item for RA11. A number of editorial comments were made to the recommendation which were taken into account during the meeting. It was mentioned that the EMC Directive is sufficient together with the relevant standards. This was noted by WGRA.
A liaison statement was sent to WGSE notifying them that WGRA have approved the recommendation containing the amendments. During the meeting WGRA was informed that the recommendation was adopted by WGSE and will be sent out for public consultation.
8.4 Bench Marking of Enforcement
Document (05)009 which was a proposal to add a new work item relating to bench marking of resources across Administrations dealing with enforcement activities was introduced. It was proposed that the information from administrations regarding enforcement activities is stored in a database to assist administrations in sharing information about each others experiences. This could be an important work item, to track increased activities arising from liberalisation. The value of the database was questioned. It was agreed that a further document would be produced containing information on how the data will be collected, and what it will be used for. This was approved by WGRA and the work item was put onto the RA11 work programme.
The Chairman thanked the RA11 Chairman and the participants for all their hard work.
9 RADIO AMATEURS
9.1 Update of Amateur matters
Document (05)030 which was a paper on the T/R 61-01 and T/R 61-02 implementation was introduced. Administrations were invited to provide an update to the tables and to note the information received from Israel and Australia.
Document (05)011 which was information relevant to the work in RA6 on entry level amateur radio licences was introduced. One administration informed WGRA that they did not support the creation of a new licence class. WGRA noted the objection and suggested that the concerns be raised at the next RA6 meeting.
9.2 Thailand application to participate in T/R 61-01 and T/R 61-02
The group was informed that there are some organisational changes in the Thai Administration and that there would be a delay in them joining T/R 61-01 and T/R 61-02.
10 IMPLEMENTATION OF ECC DECISIONS
10.1 Implementation of ECC Decisions
Document (05)034 which show the implementation of ERC/ECC Free circulation and Use and Licensing Decisions in CEPT member administrations was introduced. The charts will continue to be updated.
Document (05)033 which highlights the implementation of Satellite Decisions in CEPT member administrations was introduced.
11 RA WORK PROGRAMME & SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS
11.1 RA Work Programme
Document (05)003 which was the draft WGRA work programme was introduced.
Administrations are also urged to contact the Chairmen or Secretary if they are interested in hosting a future WGRA meeting.
11.2 Note of 4th Meeting
Document (05)039 which were notes produced by the WGRA Secretary explaining the issues being discussed during the meeting to assist Administrations was introduced. This document was noted by the meeting.
11.3 Inductive applications
Document (05)016 which suggested that WGRA study the feasibility of the use of inductive applications on the basis of exemption on individual licensing operating in the 148.500 – 1600 KHz band, and to refer to WGSE for an approach was introduced. It was suggested that it was too early for WGRA to start work on the licence exemption issues and that SRD/MG should look at this at their next meeting. It was agreed that this document would be forwarded to the SRD/MG.
12 ANY OTHER BUSINESS
12.1 CEPT Conference
The meeting was informed that the programme is now available on the ERO website, and encouraged Administrations to attend.
12.2 Vice Chairman Vacancy
The meeting were informed that there was only one candidate for the post of Vice Chairman, who was Mr Jaap Steenge, Netherlands. The meeting supported the appointment and Mr Steenge was appointed Vice Chairman.
Mr Steenge expressed his thanks for being appointed as Vice Chairman with broad support from the meeting, and was looking forward to his role at future meetings.
12.3 Presentations
A number of presentations were given to WGRA which can be found annexed to the minutes of the meeting:
Use of GSM Onboard Vessels –MCP Norway also introduced Information Document 3 which was an example of a licence for this service. The meeting noted this document.
Australian licensing and trading policies – ERO, made a presentation on the Australian spectrum licensing and trading regime based on discussions held with the Australian regulator as well as the Department of Defence and a number of operators on the Australian markets.
Market Surveillance of Internet Sales –The Netherlands gave a presentation about desktop market surveillance.
The Chairman thanked the speakers for their interesting presentations.
13 DATE AND PLACE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting will be held in Croatia 23rd -27th May 2005.
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