Dear Listers,
The tread on Licensing framework is on fire and doing very well. Thank you all for the contributions, reading, learning, relearning ... Please continue debating on that thread.
We will start a new thread on the proposed "Shared Spectrum Framework". The Licensing and Shared Spectrum Framework for Community Networks for Kenya that was issued by the Communications Authority of Kenya, available for direct download here <https://ca.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Licensing-and-Shared-Spectrum-Framework-for-Community-Networks-May-2021.docx.pdf> .
License Exempt Spectrum
WiFi has emerged as a powerful technology for both access and backhaul around the world but regulation has not fully kept up with the backhaul developments.
The draft framework recommends:
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Review the Guidelines on the use of Radiofrequency Spectrum by Short Range Devices to amend EIRP limits for 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz Wi-Fi for Point-to-Point and Point-to-Multipoint use. -
Review options for lowering the barrier to use of other license-exempt bands for PtP and PtMP use, including 24 GHz and 60 GHz. -
Expand the range of frequencies available for license-exempt use, especially in the 5 & 6 GHz range -
To strengthen collaborations with service providers to foster standards and regulatory inclusion.
Dynamic Spectrum Access
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To expedite the commercial availability of geolocation database service and implement required mechanisms to make the TVWS spectrum available immediately to operators. -
To establish an incubatory period for TVWS technologies. -
To evaluate with regional regulators the feasibility of a common approach implementation of geolocation databases
IMT Spectrum
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Establish a regulatory sandbox for localised spectrum access for small operators in an unassigned LTE band. -
Conduct a review of international approaches to the creation of more localised access to spectrum to inform the establishment of a more permanent mechanism for local spectrum access that is well adapted to the Kenyan context.
Spectrum Fees
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Review spectrum fee framework recognising the need for significantly reduced fees for underserved/rural areas. -
Consider a spectrum fee reduction scheme for non-profit community networks.
Questions:
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What are your comments on the proposed recommendations?
*The proposal on the review of the guidelines on the use of Radio Frequency Spectrum is welcome. Demand for the ISM brand has been high over
Dear Kivuva, Many thanks for starting todays thread. My responses inline.. On Fri, May 28, 2021 at 12:20 PM Mwendwa Kivuva via kictanet < kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: the last couple of months ever since Kenyans started working from home. This has resulted in a lot of noise within urban and peri-urban areas that leads to degraded services. Expanding the range of frequencies will help in mitigating this challenge especially if we can take advantage of unused or underutilized frequency. Greater collaboration between stakeholders is needed, there are many ISPs supporting their resellers who include Community Networks offering last mile connectivity. *
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What in your opinion are the most important considerations the proposed shared spectrum framework should address?
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*Review options for lowering the barrier to use of other license-exempt bands for PtP and PtMP use, including 24 GHz and 60 GHz.* - *Expand the range of frequencies available for license-exempt use, especially in the 5 & 6 GHz range* - *To strengthen collaborations with service providers to foster standards and regulatory inclusion.*
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Are there gaps you have identified in the existing licensing framework in respect to spectrum assignment and utilization?
*Does CA in any way build the capacity of local players on best practices
in spectrum utilization. Can this be extended to Community Networks *
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How would you recommend CA to address the identified gaps?
Develop a plan of action for strengthening engagement with Community
Network operators which will also encourage them to be compliant. The plan of action can include Capacity building
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______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva, Nairobi, Kenya https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwendwa-kivuva
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