FINAL REPORT - Stakeholders - Ofcom

Recommendation 3.22: Ofcom should recommend to the CAA that a feasibility study be
carried out into the potential for rationalising the DME spectrum to avoid the requirement
for more spectrum elsewhere in the future. In practice, this would entail:
• Looking at long-term allocations for DME, in light of the proposed DME/DME
infrastructure, and the proposed implementation of the GNSS L5/E5 band (1164-
1215MHz);
• The feasibility and practical implications of the de-pairing of VOR, DME and ILS
frequencies should be investigated, to allow better spectrum planning in the Lband;
• The feasibility and practical implications of de-tripling of ILS/MLS/DME should be
investigated, to free up spectrum for more efficient allocations;
• Ofcom should work in conjunction with the CAA to ensure that studies are
undertaken into the possible effects of UAT (ADS-B datalink) on DME
frequencies.
1.2.2 Maritime Radiodetermination
Recommendation 4.1: The 5 GHz band is little used by (commercial) maritime radar in
and around the UK. It is already shared with PMSE and HiperLAN. Further sharing of this
spectrum with other suitably compatible services should be investigated.
Recommendation 4.2: Consider a reduction in the allocations to maritime radar at 3, 5
and 9 GHz. Such a reduction would require a study into congestion levels in the three
bands.
Recommendation 4.3: Introduce additional sharing, in particular with PMSE in the 3 and
9 GHz maritime bands.
Recommendation 4.4: A survey into the usage of ship-berthing radar should be
conducted and a suitable allocation (if available and required) made available to enable
them to be licensed. The potential for these (or indeed any other) unlicensed devices, to
cause interference to legitimate spectrum users needs to be controlled and Ofcom should
consider undertaking a market surveillance exercise to determine the size and nature of
the problem.
1.2.3 Aeronautical Radiocommunications
1.2.3.1 Short term measures
Recommendation 5.1: An urgent first measure is to promote the migration to 8.33 kHz
spacing in the VHF band. This measure will alleviate the immediate shortage of VHF
spectrum and facilitate the establishment of digital services.
Implementation for high level sectors is limited by ground infrastructure limitations which
NATS is addressing although no solution is currently apparent for air traffic sectors which
cover a wide geographic area. For low level implementation, the barrier is GA equipage
and an investigation of possible means to stimulate GA equipage should be carried out.
Ofcom should work with the CAA to encourage the implementation of 8.33 kHz spacing
including accelerating the necessary changes to the NATS infrastructure and considering
the issue of, and a possible means of stimulating, GA equipage.
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