Expert opinion on frequency allocation and combination of frequency bands

Project content

The telecommunications regulatory authority of Albania (AKEP) intends to allocate additional frequency spectrum for mobile communications use to interested network operators in future. In addition to the allocation of previously unused spectrum from frequency ranges already in use, spectrum from previously unused frequency bands is also to be made available in future. The aim of any future allocation should be to make the best possible use of the available resources from the point of view of efficient utilization of the frequency spectrum and achieving the objectives of the Broadband Plan 2020 – 2025.

In order to achieve the objectives of the Broadband Plan 2020 – 2025, AKEP commissioned a frequency study to present a well-founded proposal for the best possible use of the available frequency spectrum in an overall view. This study was carried out by aconium GmbH. To this end, aconium first analyzed the status quo of the frequency usage options and their design options for the frequency bands designated by AKEP (800 MHz, 1452-1492 MHz and 3400-3600 MHz). In addition to describing the situation in Albania and also taking into account the situation in Albania’s neighbouring countries, the usage specifications of the European and international regulatory and standardization institutions were also examined in more detail.

Goals

The project objective of aconium GmbH was to draw up an expert opinion with recommendations for action on frequency allocation with specific pricing and coverage requirements and to determine possible scenarios for the combination of individual frequency bands.

Tasks of aconium GmbH

aconium analyzed the Albanian telecommunications market with a focus on the mobile communications sector. In addition, the European framework conditions for frequency allocation and best practices from Germany were discussed. The legal, technical and economic aspects of the 800 MHz, 1452 – 1492 MHz and 3400 – 3800 MHz frequency bands were then examined and recommendations for action were made.