FINAL REPORT - Stakeholders - Ofcom

Table 5- 11 Measures for Improved Spectrum Efficiency
channel – is this really such a
problem?
The following is proposed as a strategy for improving overall spectrum efficiency for
aeronautical communication:
• short term measures (to 2005): migrate voice services to 8.33 kHz spacing and
decommission VOR navaids.
• medium term measures (2005 to 2012): encouraging the aeronautical community
to bring demand for new voice channels under control through the introduction of
more efficient air traffic control concepts such that the demand begins to level
off;
• long term measures: establish spectrum efficient solutions for air/ground
communication coupled with clearing out of voice channels.
The next section states recommendations and explores the socio-economic issues
associated with this strategy.
5.11 Conclusions and Recommendations
5.11.1 Introduction
This Chapter of the Report has reviewed the options for the evolution of aeronautical
communication. The evolution is driven by two key factors:
• the saturation of the VHF band;
• a steadily rising demand for ATS services and a potentially very large increase in
demand for non-ATS services.
Finding a way forward is limited by the difficulty of obtaining widespread fleet equipage for
any particular solution. Furthermore, equipment costs tend to dominate any
implementation strategy and spectrum considerations are given little consideration.
Hence it is important that Ofcom work to ensure that future solutions are spectrum
efficient. Given the very long lead times for implementation, it is important now to ensure
that correct implementation paths are chosen.
5.11.2 Socio-economic issues (general)
The technology necessary to support the short and medium elements of the strategy is
already available. Similarly, the changes to air traffic management concepts necessary to
begin the process of migrating voice to data have already been demonstrated as part of
the EUROCONTROL Link 2000+ programme. The barriers to progress are essentially
socio-economic. The key factors are described below.
Cost of fleet upgrade: Any change in technology will require a change in the equipment
carried by aircraft. The business sector facing the highest costs is the Air Transport
aircraft operators. Costs escalate for many reasons including:
• the need to produce equipment that is certified for carriage on aircraft without
detriment to other safety of life aircraft systems
• the possible requirement to install new antennas
• the need to take the aircraft out of service for upgrade to take place
• small volume specialised market leading to inherently high unit costs
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