HONG KONG (WiMAX Day). The Telecommunications Authority (TA) in Hong Kong has issued its third and final consultation inviting input on the proposed allocation of 2.3 GHz spectrum for BWA licenses in early 2008.

Previous consultations in 2004 and 2005 sought input on the use of 3.5 GHz spectrum for BWA services. The second consultation received 22 responses, from companies such as PCCW, AT&T, Pacific Internet and Hong Kong Broadband. The 2005 consult also received feedback from operators of fixed satellite services who were concerned about the interference in adjacent frequencies of any services at 3.5 GHz. The TA concluded that the allocation of 3.5 GHz would be put on hold.

Given that 2.3 GHz spectrum is being used with success for WiMAX in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and South Korea, and has been allocated for use in mainland China, the TA stated last week “that the 2.3 GHz band can be allocated for the BWA applications in Hong Kong.” Prior to allocation, the TA noted that the usage of 2.3 GHz spectrum in Hong Kong would need to be coordinated with the authorities in China.

In the previous consult the TA asked if the BWA licenses should allow for “mobility,” and received a mix of response. It has now the “preliminary view that use of the BWA spectrum to provide fixed services, mobile services or fixed-mobile convergence services should be allowed. Hence, the TA will not restrict the types of applications and services that may be provided using the BWA spectrum.” The TA also noted that the spectrum would be allocated on a “technology neutral” approach.

Seeking counsel on 2.5 GHz
In addition to the 2.3 GHz frequencies, the TA will consider the allocation of 2.5 GHz spectrum, and the consultation will access the interest and demand for this spectrum for use with BWA services. A total of 190 Mhz in the 2.5 GHz band has already been identified for use in Hong Kong, in accordance with ITU frequency allocation standards for expanded 3G services.

In light of recent developments in the definition of IMT-2000, and the increasing use of 2.5 GHz spectrum around the world for WiMAX and other wireless broadband services in countries such as Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and America, as well as upcoming “technology neutral” allocations in the UK, Sweden, Japan, Norway and Thailand, the TA will consider the use of 2.5 GHz spectrum for use with services other than 3G.

However, the TA stated that it will postpone any decision on this spectrum until after the World Radiocommunication Conference 2007 (WRC-07) in October 2007, at which both IMT-2000 and 2.5 GHz spectrum will be discussed. Following WRC-07, “the TA will keep in view the development in WRC-07 and determine the way forward for the allocation of 2.5 GHz band.”