WCIS Insight: UMTS900 - From Concept to Commercial Launch - 2nd Edition

SUMMARY

This edition comes with a comprehensive 20-page appendix of GSM and UMTS spectrum allocations for European operators, as well as details of WCDMA network coverage in Europe.

This latest edition provides a detailed update on the European Commission's moves to repeal the so-called ‘GSM Directive', paving the way for the introduction of UMTS900 in Europe, as well as details of the latest device announcements and equipment trials from vendors.

Key Coverage

Each case study includes:

• The regulator's approach to the flexible allocation of spectrum
• Plans for renewing GSM licences and re-allocation of 900MHz spectrum on a harmonised basis
• Examination of different operators' attitudes to in-band migration
• Updates on any UMTS900 trials conducted by operators to date

Key issues addressed

• What are the main benefits of deploying WCDMA (UMTS) at 900MHz and the major hurdles?
• What factors will affect the timing of potential UMTS900 launches?
• What is the forecast rate of subscription migration from GSM to WCDMA in Western Europe?
• Can the re-allocation of spectrum between operators in Finland and Switzerland set a precedent?
• Which operators are pushing the UMTS900 agenda?
• What is the likely timetable for the availability of WCDMA devices at 900MHz?

Who should read this report?

• Operators
• Vendors
• Analysts
• Financial Institutions
• Government
• Regulators

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1

• INTRODUCTION
• Why UMTS900?
  • Figure 1.1: The nine UMTS band classes
  • Figure 1.2: Nortel study showing cell sites for UMTS900 vs UMTS2000
  • Figure 1.3: Western Europe GSM versus WCDMA subscription forecasts, 2007-2012
• Challenges of spectrum re-farming
  • Figure 1.4: Carrier separation of 5MHz between two UMTS carriers
  • Figure 1.5: Carrier separation of 2.8MHz between UMTS carrier and GSM carrier
  • Figure 1.6: Minimum carrier separation in 900/1800MHz bands

CHAPTER 2

• THE REGULATORY OUTLOOK IN THE EUROPEAN UNION
• GSM Directive to be repealed by October/November 2007
  • Figure 2.1: The GSM Directive
  • Figure 2.2: Excerpt from the Final Draft Decision
• Finalisation of CEPT studies sets clear framework for technical feasibility of UMTS900 deployment scenario
• Finland and Switzerland set clear precedents for overcoming re-farming issue
• General policy climate within the EU favours flexible allocation of spectrum
  • Figure 2.3: The initial set of frequency bands under investigation for the implementation of more flexibility
• GSM licence renewals
  • Figure 2.4: Timetable for expiry of GSM licences
• Regulators outside the EU embrace UMTS900

CHAPTER 3

• INFRASTRUTURE VENDORS READY TO MEET OPERATOR DEMAND
  • Figure 3.1: UMTS900 trials carried out by Nokia Siemens Networks
  • Figure 3.2: UMTS900 trials carried out by Alcatel-Lucent (including former Nortel trials)
  • Figure 3.3: UMTS900 trials carried out by Huawei

CHAPTER 4

• DEVICE VENDORS WILL FOLLOW NOKIA'S LEAD
• Nokia takes the lead
  • Figure 4.1: Nokia 6121
  • Figure 4.2: Chipset suppliers preparing solutions to support WCDMA900 handsets

CHAPTER 5

• AUSTRALIA
• Regulatory environment is welcoming
• Optus completes the country's first UMTS900 technical trials
• Other operators consider their options