Product Code: M15315IN2
Which pathways to broadband PPDR networks?
PPDR usage worldwide is concentrated on a limited number of frequency bands. Among them, the 400 MHz is the most currently used for narrowband systems.
At the WRC-15 in November 2015, a decision is to be taken on allocation of frequencies for broadband PPDR spectrum. The 700 MHz is the best candidate at world level, with distinct scenarios being considered.
TETRA-like narrowband networks have served PPDR issues well in the last decade.
Major PPDR users and industry associations have defined LTE as the technology for broadband PPDR systems.
This report presents the considered pathways to broadband PPDR spectrum and systems for the next decade.
Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary
- 1.1. Status of PPDR allocations
- 1.1.1. Narrowband spectrum
- 1.1.2. Broadband spectrum
- 1.2. PPDR over LTE-A
- 1.3. Business models for PPDR
2. Methodology & definitions
- 2.1. General methodology of IDATE's reports
- 2.2. What is PPDR?
3. Status of PPDR allocations
- 3.1. Narrowband Spectrum
- 3.1.1. The 400 MHz band is used for narrowband PPDR in all Regions.
- 3.1.2. The 800 MHz band in Regions 2 and 3 (Asia-Pacific, USA)
- 3.1.3. The 700 MHz band is also used in Region 2
- 3.2. Broadband PPDR spectrum
- 3.2.1. In the USA, the 700 MHz band has already been allocated to PPDR services
- 3.2.2. In Asia-Pacific, the APT700 MHz plan is likely to be adopted everywhere
- 3.2.3. In Europe, the 700 MHz is a candidate band alongside the 400 MHz
- 3.2.4. Alongside the 700 MHz band, the 400 MHz (410-430 MHz and 450-470 MHz) is one of the most propitious candidates for broadband PPDR in Europe
- 3.2.5. Other bands
- 3.2.6. Wrap-up: Potential bands for broadband PPDR spectrum
4. PPDR over LTE-A
- 4.1. Consensus around LTE for PPDR networks
- 4.2. Current LTE is not suitable
- 4.2.1. Extended capabilities are expected with LTE-Advanced
- 4.2.2. Spectrum and radio access sharing capabilities
5. Business models for PPDR
- 5.1. Narrowband/wideband PPDR network as long as possible
- 5.2. Narrowband PPDR network + MVNO agreement for broadband services
- 5.2.1. Description
- 5.2.2. Advantages
- 5.2.3. Disadvantages
- 5.2.4. Spectrum
- 5.2.5. Case studies
- 5.3. Narrowband PPDR network + broadband capabilities
- 5.3.1. Description
- 5.3.2. Advantages
- 5.3.3. Disadvantages
- 5.3.4. Spectrum
- 5.3.5. Case studies
- 5.4. Commercial mobile network with commercial spectrum and specific requirements
- 5.4.1. Description
- 5.4.2. Advantages
- 5.4.3. Disadvantages
- 5.4.4. Spectrum
- 5.4.5. Case study: BDBOS (Germany)
- 5.5. Satellite services in combination with commercial LTE networks with specific requirements
- 5.5.1. Description
- 5.5.2. Advantages
- 5.5.3. Disadvantages
- 5.5.4. Spectrum
- 5.5.5. Case studies
- 5.6. Dedicated LTE network with commercial (or shared) spectrum
- 5.6.1. Description
- 5.6.2. Advantages
- 5.6.3. Disadvantages
- 5.6.4. Spectrum
- 5.6.5. Case study: the ESMCP in the UK
- 5.7. Dedicated PPDR network with PPDR spectrum
- 5.7.1. Description
- 5.7.2. Advantages
- 5.7.3. Disadvantages
- 5.7.4. Spectrum
- 5.7.5. Case study: FirstNet
- 5.8. Business models wrap-up
- 5.8.1. Narrowband PPDR as long as possible
- 5.8.2. Narrowband PPDR+MVNO
- 5.8.3. Narrowband PPDR + LTE with specific requirements / Narrowband PPDR + broadband
- 5.8.4. Narrowband PPDR + LTE + Satellite
- 5.8.5. Dedicated LTE network with commercial spectrum
- 5.8.6. Dedicated PPDR network with PPDR spectrum
6. Annexes
- 6.1. Current PPDR networks
- 6.2. A complex landscape to deal with PPDR spectrum
- 6.3. Current LTE bands below 1 GHz
7. Main references
8. List of acronyms
Report's tables and figures
Tables
- Table 1: Frequency bands below 1 GHz currently used for PPDR applications
- Table 2: Business models overview
- Table 3: The channeling arrangement proposed by CEPT for WRC-15 in the 700 MHz with options considering Programme Social Making Events (PMSE) and PPDR
- Table 4: Potential candidate bands for broadband PPDR by region
- Table 5: Overview of European TETRA networks in operation
Figures
- Figure 1: PPDR systems timeline
- Figure 2: Recent developments on the 700 MHz band in Europe
- Figure 3: Re-planning of the 400 MHz band for PPDR, using the 700 MHz duplex gap for SDL
- Figure 4: PPDR frequency bands, used for public safety
- Figure 5: Current narrowband and wideband PPDR spectrum in place at least until 2025/2030
- Figure 6: Estimated timeline for device to device and relay features availability
- Figure 7: The big PPDR picture
- Figure 8: Blue Light Mobile context
- Figure 9: Role of ASTRID as an integrator
- Figure 10: Potential evolution of the PPDR networks
- Figure 11: Basic concept of the pilot
- Figure 12: The Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme (ESMCP)
- Figure 13: Current roadmap snapshot
- Figure 14: Dedicated public safety spectrum for FirstNet in the band class 14 in the upper 700 MHz
- Figure 15: How each US state decides to join FirstNet
- Figure 16: Business models overview: Two major routes towards broadband PPDR networks
- Figure 17: The TETRA or TEDS 'as long as possible' business model
- Figure 18: TETRA PPDR networks and MVNO
- Figure 19: Narrowband PPDR + LTE networks with specific PPDR requirements / Narrowband PPDR + broadband capabilities
- Figure 20: Mobile LTE networks combined with satellite capabilities
- Figure 21: Dedicated LTE network, commercial spectrum
- Figure 22: The dedicated PPDR network with PPDR spectrum
- Figure 23: Digital PPDR voice networks in Europe
- Figure 24: Bodies involved in the PPDR spectrum harmonisation process
- Figure 25: CEPT groups dealing with broadband PPDR
List of players
- Blue Light Mobile*
- Airwave*
- ASTRID
- Virve*
- RAKEL*
- FirstNet*
- BDBOS
- Renita
- Antarès-Acropol-Corail NG
- Rakel
- Nodnett
- BDBK
- C2000
- BOS
- ESMCP*
- Vodafone*
- SFR*
- Proximus
- Base
- Belgacom Mobile
- Telefónica UK
- UK Broadband Networks
- Thalès group
- Selex
- Nexium Wireless
- Dish Networks
- SES
- EchoStar
- Inmarsat
- Atkins
- Kellogg Brown and Root
- KPMG
- Lockheed Martin UK
- Mott MacDonald
- CGI IT, HP Enterprise Services
- Motorola Solutions
* detailed case studies
