UHF2 realignment study - Ofcom Licensing

2.3.1 Spectrum allocation and configuration
The UHF2 spectrum allocations are made up of different size blocks of spectrum for each
service. Each block is fragmented throughout the band as can be seen on the next page at
Figure 2, which shows the UHF2 band frequency allocations by service.
Figure 2 illustrates that the UHF2 spectrum configuration in the UK makes provision for
using dual frequencies and single frequencies. Dual frequency operation requires the use of
a duplex split (the frequency separation of a base station transmit frequency and a mobile
transmit frequency). The UHF2 band in the UK makes use of many duplex splits, however,
most of the UHF2 dual frequency channels are on 5.5 MHz and 6.5 MHz duplex splits.
The configuration of the UHF2 band in the UK is mainly the reverse of the European UHF2
allocation. This means the UK band is not in accordance with ECC recommendation T/R 25-
08 which recommends that the UHF2 band is formed of 1x10 MHz (450-460MHz) allocated
for Base Station Receive, and 1x10 MHz (460-470MHz) allocated for Base Station Transmit.
The European configuration of a single 10 MHz duplex split throughout the UHF2 band
makes efficient use of the spectrum and benefits from harmonisation throughout continental
Europe thereby limiting the probability of interference.
There are currently 48 different frequency duplex splits used within the band in the UK which
allows for a variety of different deployments, however we have found:
Excluding E&PSS:
240689 - 450-470 Study Final Print
Version (Dec08).doc
Approximately 16,500 assignments (including E&PSS) are duplex and would
have to retune to a 10 MHz duplex split if the UK were to move to the
European band plan.
10,250 assignments are duplex; of which,
2200 are the right way round (99% are 6.5 MHz, range 6.5 MHz – 17.8
MHz); and
Approximately 8100 are the wrong way round (range 5.3 – 10 MHz).
7400 assignments are simplex
4 base stations have 10 MHz duplex split but are the wrong way round.
The diagram in Figure 2 and the statistics given above are indicative of the complexity and
high utilisation of the UHF2 band. If demand for use of this band increases, making
assignments and finding new frequencies will become increasingly difficult.
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