UTC Spectrum Services Pros & Cons of Different Frequency Bands For Field Applications

1. UTC Spectrum ServicesPros & Cons of DifferentFrequency BandsFor Field Applications Presented to: American Public Power Association Engineering & Operations Technical Conference April 11, 2006

2. Who Am I ? Klaus Bender Director of Engineering & Spectrum Management –UTC Spectrum Services • Registered Professional Engineer • BS Electrical Engineering – Penn State University • Staff Engineer at FCC – 7 years • With Sitesafe since July 2000 and UTC since 2001 • United Telecom Council (UTC) is an international trade association providing support on telecom issues to critical infrastructure companies.

3. Use of Wireless in Field Operations • Choices – why use RF? • RF Background • Regulatory View • Unlicensed spectrum, pros & cons • Licensed spectrum and what it means • Other options? • Regulatory issues (800 MHz rebanding and land mobile narrow banding) • Summary

4. Why Use RF? • Radio Frequency (RF) systems allow communications between two locations without a physical connections (cable, keyboard, pointing device) • Cost of cabling is too expensive for various reasons • Rights of way are unavailable • RF is more efficient • Systems can be used for voice communications (dispatch) or data communications (telemetry) • Some systems provide both voice and data

5. Land Mobile Radio Extinction? HF, VHF, UHF, Trunked IP Networks The Internet Voice over IP Wireless Voice and IP Data IMTS-Cellular-GSM-GPRS-WCDMA Commercial Switched Telephony 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 Extinction? Digital Switching Commercial Telegraphy Extinction! 1800s 1900s 2000s 50 60 70 80 90 10 20 30 40 50 The Long-Range Picture • Commercial telegraphy gave birth to telephony, then died • Telephony and Land Mobile Radio married, giving IMTS & Cellular • IP networks developed, their usage and bandwidth are increasing • 3G and 4G are the wedding of IP and Wireless!

6. SIGNAL CHARACTERISTICS The complete, time-varying radio signal Natural Frequency of the signal S(t)= A cos [ wc t + j] Amplitude (strength) of the signal Phase of the signal Different Amplitudes Different Frequencies Different Phases Characteristics of a Radio Signal • The purpose of telecommunications is to send information from one place to another • To convey information, some characteristic of the radio signal must be altered (i.e., “modulated”) to represent the information • The sender and receiver must have a consistent understanding of what the variations mean to each other • “one if by land, two if by sea” • Three commonly used RF signal characteristics which can be varied for information transmission: • Amplitude • Frequency • Phase Compare these Signals:

7. Key RF Concepts • Frequency: Measure in hertz (Hz) or cycles per second, the frequency is the carrier for the information to be transmitted. • Bandwidth: Also measured is hertz (Hz), the bandwidth is the component of RF systems that determines how much information can be carried. • Antenna: The antenna is the device used to transmit the RF signal. • Transmitter: This devices takes the information that is to be sent and prepares it for transmission by the antenna. • Power: Measured is watts, the power is the amount of energy used to transmit the signal

8. Key RF Concepts • Radio signals decrease as they move away from the transmitting antenna by a factor of 1/d2. So for example: • A signal at 2 km has decreased by a factor of 4 compared to the signal at 1 km; • A signal at 4 km has decreased by a factor of 16 compared to a signal at 1 km. • The loss of signal is also dependent on frequency. The higher the frequency the more the signal is attenuated in transmission. • Higher frequencies tend to blocked by objects, whereas lower frequencies have the ability to bend around objects.

9. Information Transmitter Antenna Transmission Line Antenna Receiver Transmission Line Information Radio Link StructureElements of a Radio Link • Transmitter System • Generates RF energy on a desired frequency • Modulates the RF energy to convey information • Antennas • Convert RF energy into electromagnetic fields, vice versa • Focus the energy into desired directions (“gain”) • Receiver System • Filters out and ignores signals on undesired frequencies • Amplifies the tiny signal sufficiently to allow processing • De-modulates the signal to recover the information

10. Voltage FDMA Information Transmitter User 1User 2User 3 User 4 User 5 INFORMATION Antenna Time CARRIER Frequency TDMA 1 23 4 5 6 AM Transmission Line Antenna Time FM XOR Receiver Transmission Line PM Information Radio Frequency BasicsRadio Link Structure Modulation Techniques Access Methods CDMA User 1 Code 1

11. AM LORAN Marine 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0 2.4 3.0 MHz Short Wave -- International Broadcast -- Amateur CB 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 MHz VHF LOW Band VHF TV 2-6 FM VHF VHF TV 7-13 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 120 140 160 180 200 240 300 MHz Cellular DCS, PCS UHF UHF TV 14-60 UHF WLAN GPS 0.3 0.4 0.5 0/6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0 2.4 3.0 GHz WLAN 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 GHz Overview of the Radio Spectrum Land-Mobile Aeronautical Mobile Telephony Broadcasting Terrestrial Microwave Wireless LANs Satellite

12. Regulatory View of Spectrum • Licensed Spectrum Frequencies for which someone needs to get a license from a regulatory body like the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) before operating the system • Unlicensed Spectrum Frequencies that can be used without licensing. Devices can be purchased at commercial outlets and used immediately

13. Unlicensed Spectrum • Unlicensed devices are controlled by FCC Rules, Part 15. • These rules apply to the manufacturer, not the end user. • Devices must be operated as instructed by manufacturer. • Common frequency bands are: • 43 MHz, 902-928 MHz, 2400-2483 MHz, 5785-5815 MHz, 10500-10550 MHz and 24075-24175 MHz • Systems range from garage door openers, to cordless phones, to utility meters, to high capacity microwave links.

14. Pros of Unlicensed Systems • Generally used for data telemetry • Data and video systems; low to very high capacity systems are available. • Systems can be deployed rapidly • There are no licensing or coordination fees associated with deployment

15. Cons of Unlicensed Systems • No exclusive use of frequencies; hence • No expectation of interference free operation; hence • No expectation of highly reliable communicationsunless error correction algorithms are used • Security is also a concern

16. Examples of Unlicensed Systems • WiFi/WiMAX wireless data • Wireless automated meter reading systems • High capacity (T1 and higher) systems in 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. • Unlicensed SCADA systems

17. Pros of Licensed Spectrum • Wide area or site by site licenses are available • Some frequency bands offer exclusive use of channels • Frequencies are coordinated for smarter allocation • If interference does occur, licensed users are easier to identify

18. Cons of Licensed Spectrum • Not all bands have exclusive use • Not all users follow the rules and get licenses • Licensing adds additional cost • Licensing add additional time to the project

19. Examples of Licensed Spectrum • Private microwave link network • Land mobile dispatch communications system • Point to multipoint SCADA system • Cell phone and PCS service (carriers hold the license)

20. Licensed Spectrum • Private Land Mobile Radio Services (PLMRS) • Licensed under Part 90 of FCC Rules • Frequencies range from 30 MHz to 1500 MHz • Frequencies can be used for fixed and mobile use • Voice and data operations are available • Exclusive use of some frequencies is available • Private Operation Fixed Microwave Service • Licensed under Part 101 of FCC Rules • Frequencies range from 900 MHz to 38 GHz and higher • Most frequencies are used for point to point operations • Most frequencies are assigned on an exclusive basis

21. Available Spectrum - PLMRS • The following frequency bands are available for utility communications: • Low band VHF or 30 – 50 MHz • High band VHF or 150-170 MHz • VHF 220-222 MHz (Band Manager) • UHF or 450 – 470 MHz • UHF TV Band or 470-512 MHz • 800 MHz or 851-861 MHz • 900 MHz or 935-941 MHz • 1.4 GHz or 1427-1432 MHz • Frequencies in the UHF TV, 800 MHz and 900 MHz bands are available for exclusive use, i.e. no sharing with other licensees. • Other frequencies are available for exclusive use on a case-by-case basis, with the exception of the telemetry channels.

22. Applications of Licensed Spectrum • Mobile Data applications • Voice Communications/Trunked Communications • Utility Automation • Telemetry

23. PLMRS Application - Mobile Data • There are currently "close to 50 million mobile workers" in North America. • Mobile workforce includes field service technicians, employees of utilities and government, transportation workers, field sales representatives, order fulfillment/parcel delivery workers, and even taxi drivers, among others. • Mobile data devices include laptops, hand held terminals, touch screen devices and PDAs, all using radio frequencies to establish communications. • Wireless system can be combined with GPS technology to provide location reporting functionality. • PLMRS channels may be used for RF connectivity, but wireless carriers have been making significant inroads, providing data services over digital cellular and PCS systems.

24. Mobile Data • Most land mobile manufacturers produce mobile data equipment for the land mobile bands. • Data rates vary and depend on bandwidth of the channel: • Up to 45 kbps on a 25 kHz channel • Up to 22 kbps on a 12.5 kHz channel • Systems require IT support for integration into the enterprise network. • Some systems use IP architecture.

25. Voice Communications • Voice communications are the primary use of licensed PLMRS frequencies. • Voice communications are used for: • Dispatch of field personnel from a central office • Communications among field personnel – mobile to mobile communications, also known as “talk around” • Coordination between agencies, such as police, fire, EMS and critical infrastructure providers like utilities • System complexity ranges from a few mobile units with no base station to wide area digital voice and data systems. • Voice systems use a single frequency (simplex), a pair of frequencies (duplex), or multiple pairs in a trunked mode.

26. Trunking Definition Graphic provided by Motorola

27. Trunking Definition Graphic provided by Motorola

28. Why Use Trunking? • Trunking is more spectrally efficient than conventional land mobile systems. • Trunking allows licensees to define a “protected service area” in some bands. • A protected service area precludes others from using the same channels in the same area. • In some cases, existing channels can be used, with little new equipment.

29. Utility Automation • Automation allows utilities to collect data from a large number of fixed sites without requiring personnel to visit those sites. • Applications include: • Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) allows utilities to monitor and control electric substations and distribution systems, gas pipelines, water pumps, etc. • Automatic meter reading in areas where meter density is high enough to warrant a fixed RF system over meter reading personnel. • Security monitoring, include remote access of facilities, control of video cameras, etc.

30. Available Spectrum - Telemetry • Multiple Address System (MAS) channels are available for exclusive use for one way and two way operation, in the 932/941 MHz, 928/952 MHz and 956 MHz bands. • These channels are issued Microwave, rather than PLMRS. • MAS channels are congested in the major markets of the US.

31. Available Spectrum - Telemetry • New Telemetry Channels (216-220 MHz) • Allocated for telemetry (non-voice) use. • Channels are coordinated under Part 90. • Channels from 6.25 kHz to 50 kHz available. • Secondary to federal and other users. • Band plan still under discussion with FCC. • Shared use – with some existing users on 25 kHz channel centers.

32. Available Spectrum - Telemetry • New Telemetry Channels (1427-1432 MHz) • Allocated for telemetry (non-voice) in the same rule making as the 216-220 MHz item. • Channels are coordinated under Part 90. • Channels from 12.5 kHz to 50 kHz available. • The band is adjacent to Wireless Medical Telemetry Services band. • Band plan approved by LMCC and FCC. • Shared use – but relatively virgin spectrum

33. Entire United States (except…) 1432 1427 1429.5 2.5 2.5 WMTS Utility Telemetry (WMTS*) Primary Utility Telemetry Secondary *WMTS can be co-primary only if licensed under Part 90 …7 Geographic Carve-out Areas** 1427 1431.5 1432 1429 2.0 2.5 0.5 Utility Telemetry WMTS Utility Telemetry Primary WMTS Utility Telemetry Secondary WMTS **Pittsburgh, PA; Washington, DC; Richmond/Norfolk, VA; Austin/Georgetown, TX; Battle Creek, MI; Detroit, MI; Spokane, WA Available Spectrum - Telemetry

34. Spectrum Planning Issues – Data Systems • Mobile data operations on shared PLMRS channels are secondary to voice operations. • Licensees are required to monitor the channel before transmitting. • Data and voice operations can both use the same channel. However, some utilities implement separate frequencies for data use. • Data systems currently do not enjoy protected service areas. Coordinators committee is working on this issue. • Data only systems are in danger of interference from trunked systems. • Creative system designs may allow data on trunking control channel, or stand-alone channel on trunked license.

35. Spectrum Planning Issues – Narrow Banding Order • FCC recently finalized its “narrow banding” of the land mobile bands. Within 6 months of the publishing of the new rules, no NEW applications for 25 kHz applications will be accepted. • If you have a trunked system, you should be looking at narrowing your bandwidth now. This will reduce the likelihood of adjacent channel interference and will also provide an opportunity to get a protected service area if you are the only user in your area on your channels. • Even if you do not operate a trunked system, you will still reduce the possibility of interference from adjacent channels. • Evaluate your options NOW, before everyone else does the same thing!

36. Spectrum Planning Issues - Telemetry • Like mobile data, telemetry systems on shared PLMRS channels are secondary to voice system and may not interfere with voice operations. • If exclusivity is needed for critical communications, the only channels available are the MAS channels. • The 217 MHz and 1.4 GHz band will add some relief for telemetry applications, but the bands are still “shared” according to the FCC. • Frequency coordinators have agreed to seek to maintain exclusive use of the 1.4 GHz band whenever possible. • Only one manufacturer makes equipment at 1.4 GHz and this is for commercial meter reading. • So the 1.4 GHz band is wide open!

37. Spectrum Planning Summary • View spectrum requirements holistically, evaluating the need for mobile data, voice and telemetry communications at the same time. • Consider the impact of narrow banding now, while channels may still be available. • Consider the efficiencies of trunking now, while channels may still be available. • Consider a shared system with other critical infrastructure and public safety operators in the area. Economies of scale will allow for all parties to get a better system.

38. Other Spectrum Opportunities • Commercial Carriers • Cell & PCS carriers can offer voice and data services for non-critical communications • Heavily populated areas will be better served than remote areas • Use of a carrier eliminates the worry of FCC licensing • Carriers may share the cost of services in exchange for tower or utility pole space

39. Other Spectrum Opportunities • Band Managers • Band managers buy spectrum and then lease it to other parties. • Access Spectrum is the only band manager to still offer spectrum. • Others are not aggressively marketing their spectrum • So, the concept has not taken off

40. Other Spectrum Opportunities • Auctions • The FCC still has spectrum auctions • Frequencies are issued on a wide area basis • Frequencies can be used for a wide variety of uses • Auction consultants will help small companies go thru the auction process

41. Regulatory Issues • 800 MHz Rebanding • Narrowing of PLMRS channels

42. 800 MHz Rebanding • The edges of the 800 MHz band are being reconfigured to mitigate interference between commercial providers in the band and critical communication systems. • FCC has set an aggressive three year schedule to complete the rebanding. • Nextel is paying for retuning or new equipment if necessary. • The process is being managed by a third party Transition Administrator

43. Who is impacted? • Licensees in the bands 851-854 MHz and 866-869 MHz will be changing frequency. • Rebanding will occur in four “waves” over the next three years. • Resources for more information: • http://www.800ta.org/index.html • http://wireless.fcc.gov/publicsafety/800MHz/bandreconfiguration/index2.html • http://800mhzrebanding.com/

44. Rebanding Schedule

45. Waves

46. Before Rebanding

47. After Rebanding

48. But Everyone is Impacted . . . • The FCC has established interference protection standards: • -104 dBm for mobile coverage • -101 dBm for handheld coverage • Areas not showing an average of these signal levels do not get protected from interference. • Interference reports may be made online at:http://www.publicsafety800mhzinterference.com

49. The “Other” Issue • From 800 MHz rebanding to . . . . • Land mobile narrow banding . . . .

50. Narrowbanding – What Does It Mean? • “Refarming” proceeding begun in 1992! • Improve spectrum efficiency below 512 MHz. • Reduce channel spacing to create more channels: • 15 kHz to 7.5 kHz at VHF. • 25 kHz to 12.5 kHz at UHF. • Initially allowed users to aggregate up to 4 channels. • Narrower operation (e.g., 5 kHz) permitted with coordination • Initially, burden of narrowband conversion went to equipment manufacturers.