|
MINUTES OF THE 5th WGRA MEETING IN BRIJUNI, CROATIA, 23-27 May 2005.
1. REPORTS OF OTHER MEETINGS
1.1 Report of the 10th ECC meeting
Document (05)090 which was the report of the last ECC meeting was introduced. Issues of interest to WGRA included the proposed amendment to ERC/REC (95)01 and ERC/DEC(97)05, the review of ERC/ECTRA and ECC Decisions older than 3 years, the review of the future role of WGRA and the future of S-PCS Decisions.
A JPT of WGSE and WGFM had been established to develop a regulatory framework for FWA in certain frequency bands.
With regard to the need for free circulation Decisions, ERO and WGRA were asked to provide information on implementation of these Decisions by non-EEA countries.
WGRA was asked to put the work on GSM Draft Decisions on hold until the ECC October 2005 meeting.
1.2 ETSI Co-operation
No information was provided.
1.3 Report from EFIS Maintenance Group
ERO introduced the latest report from the EFIS MG to WGFM in doc(05)050. Information on radio interfaces can now be uploaded to EFIS, PMR and PAMR had been added to the level 3 list of EFIS applications and the MG discussed the EU study on the allocation, availability and use of radio spectrum in the EU Community with a view to determining whether new information items could be implemented in EFIS.
1.4 Report from SRD/MG
Document Info doc 07 which was the report of the last SRD/MG was introduced. The SRD MG reviewed the structure and content of ERC Recommendation 70-03 and prepared some guidance for industry.
The request from Lithuania to find a harmonised solution for the licence exemption of inductive applications (148.500-1600 kHz) was still under discussion.
A solution seemed to emerge for a way forward with Micro FM transmitters, which is addressed further under agenda item 9.
A JPT of WGSE and WGFM had been established to address 5.8 GHz WAS applications.
1.5 Report of ECC TG3 on UWB
ERO introduced Info.doc 08 which was a report of the last ECC TG3 meeting. The ECC had agreed that TG3 carry out an impact analysis with a PSD limit of -55 dBm/MHz and several measurement campaigns had taken place. Concerns were raised about the technical nature of the report and the fact that regulatory issues were not addressed.
Present technical studies achieved in TG3 show that FCC limits are not applicable in Europe due to compatibility with other services in the bands concerned. The likely adoption of a -55dBm/MHz limit and even of different masks for different sub-bands in CEPT, as the impact analysis underway in TG3 seems to indicate, will result in different masks being used on both sides of the Atlantic. Due to the nature of the UWB market (large scale and global market, mobile users) the present approach adopted by TG3 is likely to create enforcement difficulties of UWB applications in Europe: a EU-mask that would differ too much from the FCC one would be difficult to enforce.
WGRA would like to draw the attention of WGFM to these difficulties and urge WGFM to take them into account as far as possible in its studies before adopting definitely more stringent limits than FCC’s.
1.6 Report of JPT MSS 2 GHz
The Chairman introduced Document (05)076 which was the report of the last JPT 2 GHz MSS meeting including comments from RA5. All proposals from the JPT had been discussed in detail and agreed by RA5. WGRA endorsed the JPT proposals.
1.7 Report of ECC PT7
The Chairman introduced Document (05)096 which was the report of ECC PT7. Issues addressed included the review of the ECC Rules of Procedures and Working Methods on abrogation of Decisions and possible criteria to determine whether to start work on new Decisions. PT7 also discussed the future role of WGRA and reviewed WGRA’s current activities. PT7 will conclude its work for the ECC October 2005 meeting.
The meeting noted that Document (05)096 referred to an older version of the WGRA ToR and PT7 should be informed about the latest version.
The proposals on the future role of WGRA were examined in small groups. The results are summarised in Document 112rev1. The document was agreed and will become an input to ECC PT7.
1.8 Liaison statement from ECC PT8
ERO presented doc(05)103 which was a liaison statement from ECC PT8 asking for WGRA’s views on how to licence the “Flex band model” proposed in its draft report on enhancing harmonisation and introducing flexibility in spectrum management. It was agreed to place the item on the agenda of the next RA6 meeting.
1.9 Pseudolite
The Chairman presented Document (05)105 which was a liaison statement from WGSE inviting WGRA to consider regulatory issues associated with Pseudolite transmitters relating to satellite navigation.
The item was added to the RA6 work programme. A liaison statement was sent to WGSE.
1.10 Liaison statement from WGFM on PT43 ToR
During the meeting a liaison statement was submitted by WGFM in Document(05)109. The Liaison statement contained ToR of the new PT43 which was established to respond to the “Mandate to CEPT
to analyse further harmonisation of frequency bands in use for Short Range Devices (SRDs)” of EU. WGRA was invited to take part in this work. Issues concerning WGRA relate to enforcement and licensing/free circulation.
Administrations are requested to provide a candidate to be a contact point on the issue and possibly represent WGRA in PT43.
2 MARITIME WORK ISSUES
2.1 Report of RA2
Document (05)074 which was the report of the last RA2 meeting was introduced. Issues addressed included the letter to the EC on the R&TTE Directive, potential harmful interference from SRD on board vessels, the need for extra frequencies for AIS, improvement of work procedures with IMO, results of the Norwegian survey on competences of GMDSS certified radio operators and plans for a campaign to assess further the situation, the preliminary draft report on licensing of maritime equipment, the review of the implementation of SRC/LRC certification and of the underlying ERC Recommendations from 1994, the evaluation of the EU directive on seafarers, the issue of Class ‘D’ VHF radios being brought in to UK with US and Canadian channels programmed, the exchange of experience on non-compliant maritime equipment and the possible set up of a database hereto.
The meeting questioned whether the latter should not be considered within RA11’s remit.
2.2 Revision of RA2 ToR
A proposal for revised ToR was presented in Document (05)100.
Some minor amendments were made and the revised ToR were adopted.
WGRA thanked the RA2 project team for all their hard work.
3 WORK ITEMS ON LICENSING & FREE CIRCULATION
3.1 Report of RA6
Document (05)085 and annexes 1 to 3 which was the report of the last RA6 meeting was introduced. The first part of the meeting had addressed licensing matters, including GSM onboard airplanes and GSM onboard vessels. The second part of the meeting had dealt with amateur issues.
Although ECC asked WGRA not to work on GSM, RA6 had already planned a meeting and therefore improved the draft Decision on GSM onboard airplanes which was provided to WGRA for information.
Document (05)101 which highlighted a number of issues with regard to GSM on board airplanes that needed attention was introduced. The issues will be addressed after the ECC has agreed with the continuation of the work.
Info doc 6 which discussed the licensing issues to be resolved for GSM on board vessels was noted. Some amendments were made and the document was forwarded to the ECC with a view to seeking agreement for starting the work on GSM on-board vessels.
Documents (05)86, 87 and 88 on amateur radio were addressed in detail under agenda items 10.2 to 10.4.
Document (05)047 highlighting the difficulties with the decision taken by the ECC to abrogate ERC/DEC(95)01 was introduced. RA6 proposed to ask the ECC to freeze the process and ERO to maintain the status quo for the time being.
Document (05)098 was introduced which expressed concerns with regard to the status of circulation of mobile satellite terminals within CEPT following the recent abrogation of ERC DEC (95)01, as well as Documents 95 and 102, a letter to WGRA and a legal opinion with regard to the same issue. The abrogation of ERC/DEC(95)01 created legal uncertainty and hindered free circulation of terminals for CEPT-based operators. It was proposed to restore the legal value of ERC/DEC(95)01 as well as implementing the related corrigendum.
The meeting agreed to refer the issue to the ECC. The WGRA report to ECC should include a summary of the issues raised in the various documents.
3.2 Free circulation and licence exemption Decisions
Document 73 was presented, which provides an answer to the ECC question on the implementation of free circulation Decisions in non-EEA countries.
It was stressed that the information on implementation by non-EEA countries is not sufficient to conclude on the benefit of free circulation decisions, as free circulation Decisions also provide a basis for EU countries to accept equipment coming from non EEA countries.
3.3 Digital Land Mobile Radio (DMR)
A draft Decision on DMR had been received from WGFM PT38 and RA6 was asked to complete the text so as to cover free carriage and use aspects. The RA6 response was presented in Document (05)085 Annex 4. A Liaison statement has been sent to WGFM PT38 by RA6 directly.
There were some difficulties with the wording on free carriage and use as this is already covered by the R&TTE directive.
The meeting asked WGFM to forward the final draft of the Decision before adopting it for public consultation.
The chairman introduced Temp 3 which was the draft Decision on DMR provisionally agreed by WGFM for public consultation. WGRA discussed the document and sent a liaison statement expressing their agreement with the regulatory aspects of the draft Decision including decide 3 and 6.
WGRA thanked the RA6 project team for all their hard work.
4 EU MATTERS
4.1 Radio Spectrum Policy Group/TCAM
There was no information for WGRA at this meeting.
5 WORK OF RA5
5.1 Report of RA5
Document (05)083 which was the report of RA5 was introduced.
5.2 Draft Decisions on the operation of ESVs and Aircraft Earth Stations
The Chairman introduced Document (05)077 which was draft Decision ECC/DEC(05)EE for ESVs in the frequency band 5925 – 6425 MHz and 3700 – 4200 MHz. The Decision had gone through public consultation and comments had been discussed in RA5.
It was suggested that ESVs be included in the ship licence which should be referred to in the “Decides”. The meeting concluded that the draft Decision did not prevent Administrations to include ESVs in the ship licence and therefore no modification was needed to the text.
The meeting was informed that for the time being the country was not able to implement ECC/DEC(05)EE and ECC/DEC(05)GG due to differences in legislation, regardless of the issue.
Modifications to the draft Decision based on proposals provided in Document (05)91 were agreed.
Draft Decision ECC/DEC(05)EE was agreed for forwarding to the ECC for final adoption.
The Chairman introduced Document (05)079 which was Draft Decision ECC/DEC/(05)GG for ESVs in the 11-14 GHz band. The Decision had gone through public consultation and comments had been discussed in RA5. Modifications were made based on the proposals in Document (05)91.
Draft Decision ECC/DEC(05)GG was agreed for forwarding to the ECC for final adoption.
The Chairman introduced Document (05)078 which was Draft Decision ECC/DEC/(05)FF 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). The Decision had gone through public consultation and comments had been discussed in RA5. A list of Radio Astronomy sites was provided by one administration.
Administrations that have not yet provided information on RAS sites in those bands should send information to ERO before 30 May 2005.
Draft Decision ECC/DEC(05)FF was agreed for forwarding to the ECC for final adoption.
The report on contours in Document (05)080 was finally adopted with minor editorial changes.
5.3 Draft Decision on low EIRP satellite terminals and 7.4 Draft Decision on exemption of SITs, SUTs, and VSATs with e.i.r.p. above 34 dbW
The Chairman introduced Document (05)082 which was a draft Decision on low power EIRP satellite terminals. The terminals are to be used for the mass market of interactive TV digital services.
The meeting was asked whether WGRA had been authorised by the ECC to develop the draft Decisions in Documents (05)081 and 82.
The chairman described the history of those draft Decisions as follows. The issue was started in ECC PT5, which had a general mandate to develop such Decisions, in the autumn of 2003. The PT was transferred to WGRA, and a request for studies was sent to WGSE. Responses came back in the summer of 2004 and work continued on the Decisions as reflected in the RA work programme, which was repeatedly confirmed by the ECC. The work on these issues was described in some detail in the WGRA Report to the ECC meeting in March 2005, in a section that was noted by the ECC meeting.
The importance of having a clear mandate from the ECC plenary before sending the draft Decisions into public consultation.
The need for the Decision to be implemented in a maximum number of CEPT administrations was stressed, since it addressed mass markets terminals.
There were difficulties with a Decision with an e.i.r.p. above 34 dbW as power levels are too high and the distance to the runway too large to control.
The adoption of separate Decisions for LEST and for terminals with e.i.r.p above 34 dbW was questioned. Some administrations considered that merging the Decisions into a generic one would be more efficient.
It was recalled that RA5 had addressed the issue at some earlier meeting and listed the pros and cons of merging Decisions. RA5 had concluded that developing separate Decisions was preferable.
It was confirmed that separate Decisions would be preferable. A generic Decision containing different items would be complicated to develop and more difficult to implement. Also modifications were likely to be needed more frequently.
It was stressed that the two Decisions are already technology neutral and generic, but making it more generic was not desirable at this stage as one Decision raised concerns while the other did not.
WGRA agreed to proceed with the work on these issues as described in the following paragraph on the understanding that in case that the ECC meeting in June could not agree with the chairman’s interpretation of the history of the work, the ECC would be requested to direct WGRA to develop ECC Decisions corresponding to Documents (05)081 and 82.
After discussion the meeting agreed that the two draft Decisions (Documents (05)081 and 82) should be sent to PTs RA5 and RA11 for further refinement, for instance to include enforcement issues. It was suggested that the title for Document (05)081 should be more generic, as there seems to be no need to mention the SITs, SUTs and VSATs, while the mentioned frequency bands could be maintained. The two PTs are requested to work together on the two Decisions in order to present draft Decisions to the next WGRA meeting. It was also agreed that RA5 is asked to in the long term develop one generic Decision to cover both low and high power terminals, consistent with ECC practice requiring the periodic review of Decisions.
5.4 Appointment of RA5 chairman
The Chairman mentioned the call for candidates in Document (05)075 and asked candidates to contact him.
WGRA agreed that RA5 could work under a temporary new chairmanship to be confirmed at the next WGRA meeting in September.
The meeting thanked the RA5 project team for their hard work.
6 MATTERS CONCERNING FEES AND CHARGES
6.1 Report of RA8
Document (05)060 which was the report of the last RA8 meeting was introduced. Besides the finalisation of the RA8 questionnaire on licence exemption, discussions took place during the meeting on developments within Administrations as well as on the topic of fees for broadcasting and for non-commercial and passive services.
6.2 Draft report on Auctions and Beauty Contests.
The draft report on auctions and beauty contests in Document (05)062 was presented. Only minor changes had been received from during public consultation, concerning their own jurisdiction. The main issues addressed in the report were highlighted. Some editorials were requested at the meeting.
The report was finally adopted by WGRA.
6.3 Revised ToR for RA8
ERO introduced Document(05)061 which was a proposal for revising the RA8 ToR.
In discussion it was decided to modify the text in order not to limit the work to radio communications but to address electronic communications.
The meeting adopted the revised ToR.
The revised ToR will be annexed to the WGRA report to the ECC.
6.4 Questionnaire on licence exemption
The questionnaire on licence exemption in Document (05)067 had been sent to administrations in early March 2005. The deadline for responses had been extended to 20 May 2005. As the next meeting of RA8 is scheduled 7-8 June 2005, further administrations are invited to provide responses by 3 June 2005.
7. ENFORCEMENT
7.1 Report of RA11
Document (05)068, which was the report of the last RA11 meeting and the combined RA11/ADCO meeting was introduced. Issues discussed included plans for a new market surveillance campaign on SRDs, a draft report on the feasibility study of GSM interceptors, desktop market surveillance, the enforcement of (O)RLANs, compliance of PMR 446 equipment and placing on the market of FM broadcast transmitters.
A liaison statement to WGFM on (O)RLANs was introduced in Document(05)49.
Cooperation between SRD MG and RA11 was established and the SRD MG will liaise with RA11 about new applications so that RA11 can investigate enforcement issues.
The compliance of PMR 446 equipment with external antennas was discussed and RA11 concluded that such equipment was compliant with the R&TTE Directive.
Administrations interested in desktop market surveillance were invited to take part in RA11.
7.2 Answers to WGRA and 9.3 Draft ECC Report on mobile phone interceptors
Document (05)069 was introduced, which was a response from RA11 to three questions raised at the last WGRA meeting on the:
- Legality of the civil use of interceptors
- Technical feasibility study of a typical interceptor device
- Investigation on the regulatory position of NRAs with regard to allowing the placing on the market and the use of interceptors
The view was expressed that Document(05)069 did not provide sufficiently clear answers on the legality of civil use of interceptors and Denmark could not agree with proceeding with an ECC report.
Some administrations did not support the publication as an ECC Report.
The benefits of having an ECC report as opposed to a WGRA document without official status was highlighted.
The meeting finally agreed to proceed with an ECC report on the subject.
The meeting adopted the report for public consultation.
7.3 Liaison statement on SRD to WGFM
A liaison statement from SRD MG on FM broadcast transmitters was presented in Document (05)097.
A liaison statement from WGFM was received during this meeting in Document (05)109.
The WGFM proposal to modify ERC Recommendation 70-03 by adding a new category in Annex 13 is pending results of WGSE studies.
WGRA considered the proposals with regard to enforcement aspects and sent a liaison statement back to WGFM.
7.4 SRR 24 GHz enforcement difficulties
Cooperation with ADCO on the enforcement of the conditions imposed on 24 GHz SRR equipment whereby placing on the market should stop from 2013 is on-going.
Document (05)071 was introduced, which is a guidance on 24 GHz SRR enforcement. The document will be finalised by RA11 and forwarded to TCAM.
One administration recommended to follow the EC solution on this subject.
7.5 Guidance for market surveillance authorities related to the 2nd market surveillance campaign
A second market surveillance campaign focusing on SRD equipment has been initiated upon request from the EC. To achieve a common understanding a code of practice has been prepared and agreed by TCAM/ ADCO and RA11, as presented in Document(05)072. The campaign results should be available in early 2006.
7.6 Draft recommendation for Wire-line telecommunication networks
The meeting was informed about progress with the Draft Recommendation prepared by WGSE in cooperation with WGRA. During public consultation comments were submitted in particular from the cable industry. WGSE decided not to modify the Recommendation.
The meeting considered the issues raised and agreed a liaison statement advising WGSE not to change the Recommendation.
7.7 Bench Marking of Enforcement
The questionnaire on benchmarking is still under preparation, and cooperation with RA8 on the subject is on-going.
The Chairman thanked the RA11 Chairman and the participants for all their hard work.
8 RADIO AMATEURS
8.1 Update of Amateur matters
ERO introduced Document (05)089rev1 which was a paper on the T/R 61-01 and T/R 61-02 implementation. She asked the meeting whether the data valid up until 2003 could be reinserted in Appendix 2 of T/R 61-01 for those administrations that were part of the arrangements before the Recommendation was revised and had not provided updates since.
The meeting agreed for ERO to complete the tables with former data. Administrations that would not be satisfied with the information could direct their comments to ERO.
8.2 ECC Report on radio amateur entry level licence
Document (05)86 on an entry level amateur licence was introduced. The entry level licence is mainly targeted at young people with technical interest who do not wish to take the CEPT HAREC examination although it is assumed that entry level licensees would be encouraged to upgrade to the CEPT examination after sometime. The emphasis of the entry level syllabus is on practical aspects and entry level licensees should be granted certain privileges. The report provides guidance for administrations who wish to grant entry level licences.
The introduction of practical aspects while both the Novice and the CEPT licence do not include any practical operating experience was questioned.
The draft report was agreed for public consultation.
8.3 Draft Recommendation on CEPT Novice radio amateur licence
Document (05)087 which was a Draft Recommendation on a CEPT novice radio amateur licence, based on T/R 61-01, was introduced.
The draft Recommendation was adopted for public consultation.
8.4 Revision of ERC report 32
Document (05)088 - a revised version of ECC Report 32 - was introduced. The revisions mainly reflected the deletion of Morse code requirements.
The revised report was adopted for public consultation.
9 IMPLEMENTATION OF ECC DECISIONS
9.1 Implementation of ECC Decisions
Document (05)058 was introduced, which described the implementation of ERC/ECC Free circulation and Use and Licensing Decisions in CEPT member administrations.
Document (05)059 highlighted the implementation of Satellite Decisions in CEPT member administrations.
10 Review of ECC Decisions
Document (05)065 presenting a questionnaire drafted by the SRD MG to address the review of Decisions and Document (05)066 presenting issues to be discussed by WGRA were introduced.
The list of criteria defined by ECC and presented in Document (05)066 was reviewed and some items were deleted as they do not apply to WGRA Decisions.
The task of initiating the review was given to RA6 with a view to reporting to WGRA in September.
11 RA WORK PROGRAMME & SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS
11.1 RA Work Programme
Document (05)099 which was the draft WGRA work programme was introduced. Reference numbers corresponding to the ECC work programme were added.
Some amendments were made to the document and the work programme was adopted.
11.2 Note of 5th Meeting
The Chairman introduced Document (05)084 which were notes produced by the WGRA Chairman explaining the issues being discussed during the meeting to assist Administrations. This document was noted by the meeting.
12 ANY OTHER BUSINESS
12.1 Vice Chairman Vacancy
The Chairman reminded the meeting that the post of Vice-Chairman was vacant and candidates were invited to make themselves known.
12.2 ERO Report on Australian spectrum licensing and trading regime
The ERO report on Australian spectrum licensing and trading regime in Document (05)064 was introduced.
13 DATE AND PLACE OF NEXT MEETING
The next WGRA meeting will be held in Helsinki, Finland, 26 to 30 September 2005.
|