Q1: Is the 2.5 - 2.69 GHz band available so far in your country for the mobile Internet and/or Broadband wireless service?
A1:
The 2.5GHz to 2.69GHz Band is currently used for Broadband Wireless Access Services. TRA issued a Spectrum Refarming and Packaging paper and Broadband Licensing Plan for Public Consultation elaborating on the different options for using this band of which making it available for Mobile and IMT-Advanced Family of Standards services.
Q2:
Will you issue a Public Consultation on the allocation of the 2.5 - 2.69 GHz band and for new Broadband wireless services?
A2:
There has been a public consultation on Spectrum Reframing and Packaging along with the suggested changes for this band. In addition, a Public consultation was issued on the Lebanese National Frequency Table (LNFT) which includes the above mentioned band. The TRA is studying the best policy approach on these band allocations. The 120 MHz duplex spacing for paired channels as well as the FDD uplink/downlink directions and the 5 MHz block structure in line with the ECC-2005 decision will be the starting stone.
Q3:Is an approach based on market demand for technology sharing between FDD (Frequency Division Duplex ") and TDD (Time Division Duplex") of the 2.5 - 2.69 GHz band considered? Is it possible that more than 50 MHz (corresponding to the central part of the allocation CEPT) be feasible for TDD?
A3:
The TRA is currently reviewing different scenarios and assessing underlying potential demand for TDD and FDD. The pros and cons for any decision not harmonized with ECDEC 0405 are being considered and assessed.
Q4:
Are Neutrality Services considered in the 2.5 - 2.69 GHz band?
A4:
The TRA in its Liberalization Roadmap issued for public consultation stated that “Competition between different technologies will also be encouraged by the TRA through a policy of technological neutrality, i.e., leaving the choice of technologies to service providers where possible.”
Q5:
If there are difficulties to liberate all the 2.5-2.69 GHz band, are there any plans to release at least 50 MHz of the central part TDD, in reference to the allocation of the band by CEPT (70 MHz FDD / TDD 50 MHz / 70 MHz FDD)?
A5:
The TRA is looking at harmonizing the spectrum starting with ITU-R M.1036-3 and EC DEC0505 Policy is currently under review.