Radio Spectrum
Permalink: http://www.comreg.ie/radio_spectrum/search.541.874.10014.0.rslicensing.html
Radio Links
Radio Links above 1 GHz
The frequency bands above 1 GHz, often referred to as the microwave bands, are used predominantly for fixed point-to-point links or point-to-multipoint links (‘fixed links’). These fixed links are used mainly by telecommunications operators, mobile phone operators, broadcasters, utilities and emergency services to provide transmission networks which are flexible, cost effective and to provide redundancy and back-up for other networks. They are used extensively in fixed telecommunications networks both to carry trunk traffic and to provide broadband access networks and therefore play a vital role in the developments of a competitive telecommunications industry in Ireland.
The growing demand for access to the radio spectrum for radio link deployment is such that ComReg has introduced a new fee structure for radio links. This new fee structure is designed to encourage more efficient use of a valuable and scare resource particularly in the frequency bands in congested areas and in the bands used for high capacity.
The new fees payable for Point-to-Point links as from 1 December 2009 are set out in Tables 1 and 2 below.
| Frequency (F) | Bandwidth (BW) | BW < 3.5 MHz | 3.5 MHz < BW < 20 MHz | 20 MHz < BW < 40 MHz | BW > 40 MHz |
| F < 1 GHz | €750 | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| 1 GHz < F < 17 GHz | €1,000 | €1,100 | €1,200 | €1,500 | |
| 17 GHz < F < 37 GHz | €750 | €825 | €900 | €1,125 | |
| 37 GHz < F < 39.5 GHz | €550 | €605 | €660 | €825 | |
| F > 39.5 GHz | €100 | €110 | €120 | €150 | |
| Frequency (F) | Bandwidth (BW) | BW < 3.5 MHz | 3.5 MHz < BW < 20 MHz | 20 MHz < BW < 40 MHz | BW > 40 MHz |
| F < 1 GHz | €900 | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| 1 GHz < F < 17 GHz | €1,200 | €1,320 | €1,440 | €1,800 | |
| 17 GHz < F < 37 GHz | €900 | €990 | €1,080 | €1,350 | |
| 37 GHz < F < 39.5 GHz | €660 | €726 | €792 | €990 | |
| F > 39.5 GHz | €120 | €132 | €144 | €180 | |
Congested Area: Currently, the congested area applies to links in Grid 3122 and 3123 in the 18 GHz and 23 GHz bands as set out in ComReg 03/124 (S 5.3, Fig. 1). A link is considered to be in the Congested Area when either end of the link path is within the defined congested geographical area. (i.e. in Grid 3122 or 3123).
High Usage Path: A High Usage Path is defined as a link path where the Licensee has 5 or more licensed radio links. The High Usage charge is to encourage spectrum efficiency and to encourage a move to fibre in the longer term. As a Licensee’s use of any particular radio link path will vary throughout the year, the fee for the High Usage Path will be calculated and invoiced on a quarterly basis. The High Usage Path fee will be calculated using Table 2 above.
A single Radio Link fee will apply where a Licensee uses both Horizontal (H) and Vertical (V) Polarisation on the same path and on the same frequency (Where both Horizontal (H) and Vertical (V) Polarisation are used on the same frequency and path, a licensee can effectively double the transmission capacity, while at the same time only use a single frequency). Currently, this is charged as two Radio Link licence fees. This new structure is intended to encourage the efficient use of spectrum and provide an incentive to Licensees which have multiple links on the same path to consider using both H and V Polarisation on the same frequency. In addition, from December 1, the current €12 processing fee will no longer be payable.
Point – Multipoint Radio Links
From the 1st of January 2010 ComReg will no longer accept applications for Point-to-Multipoint Radio links below 1 GHz. Existing Point-to-Multipoint Radio Links will be charged on the basis of 4 times the Point-to Point Licence fee. This reflects the greater area that is typically subjected to interference by such links, relative to Point-to-Point Radio Links.
Authorisation Requirement
Authorisation Details
Licensing Information
Radio Link Licences
A Point to Point Radio Link is a radiocommunications link between two stations located at specified fixed points.
Radio Links are commonly used for high bandwidth connections between two points and are popular with many users including fixed and mobile phone operators, broadcasters, public utilities and the emergency services. Some operators use Radio Links as an economic alternative to leased lines and optical fibre.
Why do I need a licence?
Unless licence exempted, all wireless telegraphy equipment requires a licence.
The regulations governing the issue of Point to Point Radio Link licences are:
- The Wireless Telegraphy (Radio Link licence) Regulations, 2009 (S.I. no. 370 of 2009 )
How can I apply for a licence?
Applicants can apply either on-line or in paper format using the Application Form 09/89A.
On-Line Applications
With the introduction of the new fee structure for Radio Link licences, ComReg is also introducing an online application facility for Radio Links licences. This new facility will enable operators to submit and pay for their applications simultaneously thereby greatly improving turnaround times and facilitating convenient access to the application process.
The main elements of the online applications facility will be as follows:
The facility will be available via the elicensing website www.elicensing.comreg.ie
The applicant must be an account holder with ComReg; If not, applicants can register using the registration facility - also available on www.elicensing.comreg.ie
The application data must be compiled into a data file (.xml) by the applicant prior to making the application; This file is then uploaded during the online application process
Details on the file format and how to compile the.xml file are available on the elicensing website www.elicensing.comreg.ie in the area entitled: “apply for a Fixed Link (PP or PM) Licence”
Payment options when using the on-line facility will be either:
- credit card; or
- by having a credit available on your ComReg account to, at least the value of the application being made, at the time of application;
Application Form with Text File
Applicants may continue to submit applications as at present using a combination of Application Form and data file. However, the data file (.anx) will no longer be used. This has been replaced by an .xml file with a different structure.
This .xml file must be submitted electronically to Licensing@comreg.ie quoting your unique reference for this application and using ‘LINKXML’ in the email subject field.
XML Creation
ComReg have created a number of sample files (FixedLinks_PP_PM_samples.zip) which detail the different applications types and data structure that can be submitted. All of these files have detailed comments about each data tag and allowed content. Additionally a schema (.xsd) file is available which can be used to validate the strucure and contents of the file proposed for submission.
Microsoft have made a tool available which will assit the creation of these file. "XML Notepad" can be downloaded from Microsoft's website. Once downloaded and activated the user can open any fo the the sample files (FixedLinks_PP_PM_samples.zip). The application will allow the user to edit the file and create new applications. It will also alow the user to validate the file format before submitting it to ComReg.
Step 1. Reading Information
The applicant should read ComReg’s guidance information to familiarise themselves with the particular licensing scheme and relevant application requirements:
Step 2. Checking Databases
ComReg’s Equipment Reference Codes
Before submitting an application to ComReg the specifications of the antenna, radio transmitter and feeders must be registered on ComReg’s equipment reference code database.
Please check the following the following database to obtain ComReg’s reference code.If the equipment is not registered on the database, please complete the Equipment Reference Code registration form and send to ComReg at refcode@ComReg.ie
High/Low Database
Prior to submitting an application to ComReg, applicants should consult the High / Low Database to ensure that their application does not have a high/low designation conflict.
A high/low designation conflict arises when a site designation in the application conflicts with an existing site designation in ComReg’s High / Low Database. For example, a high designation is requested in the application for a site that has an existing low designation.
Please note that ComReg will not license a link with a high/low designation conflict.
Step 3. Submitting The Application Form
The application form 09/89 should be completed and submitted to ComReg - Application Form for a Radio Link Licence
Once I have a licence, are there licence obligations to comply with?
Yes, the Licensee must comply with the Wireless Telegraphy (Radio Link Licence) Regulations S.I. no. 370 of 2009.
All licencees are responsible for familiarising themselves with the Radio Link Licence Conditions
Can I renew my licence?
Yes, annual licences are renewable. Each licence is valid for 1 year and must be renewed in order to keep its validity. In renewing the licence, ComReg will follow the general renewal process. Please note that the licence will be cancelled if it is not renewed.
Temporary Radio Link licences are non-renewable. They may be issued for any period up to a maximum of six months.
Can I amend my licence?
Yes, to amend your licence the standard application form should be submitted to ComReg with the appropriate fee if applicable. Please write “amendment” on the form to indicate that it is an amendment.
Can I cancel my licence?
Yes, to cancel a licence a formal written request should be submitted to ComReg from a verified email, fax or post contact address. Before cancellation, ComReg may contact you for verification purposes.
Can I contact ComReg if I have a query?
Yes, please contact the licensing operations team in ComReg (tel. 01 8049600), or alternatively please send an e-mail to licensing@ComReg.ie
Management of Spectrum
Fixed Links Spectrum Management
ComReg considers that in the long term, fibre infrastructure is the most appropriate medium for emerging broadband services, in particular for those networks requiring very high capacity. However, it is recognised that radio links facilitate the early development of infrastructure and competition in the provision of electronic communications services, especially in rural areas. In this regard, ComReg’s short to medium term strategy is to encourage the use of fixed links for infrastructure and competition development, for the maximum benefit of all licensees and in particular new market entrants.
As networks develop and as congestion in the fixed links bands grow, the strategy will be to encourage migration to fibre based infrastructure.
Strategy for the next 2-5 years:
- ComReg will continue to use document 98/14 (as revised) when licensing point to point links.
- ComReg will review the spectrum usage and requirements of licensees to ensure the continued efficient use of spectrum;
- ComReg will encourage operators to use the latest technology such as co-channel dual polar (CCDP) equipment or higher modulation schemes in order to ensure efficient use of the spectrum;
- ComReg will study the potential and demand for new fixed links bands at higher frequencies e.g. 58 GHz, with a view to introducing a licencing regime for these bands;
Compliance
Radio Interference Investigation
ComReg's Spectrum Compliance Section collates and prioritises interference complaints received according to the potential seriousness of the reported interference, awarding the emergency services (Air Traffic Control, Fire and Ambulance Services and Gardai) the highest priority.
If you are experiencing interference to a wireless service, whether directly licenced by ComReg or not the following procedures apply:
- Check your own equipment and installation. It may be that our own equipment is not operating at optimum and/or cables may have become frayed/weathered.
- If you do not feel sufficiently knowledgeable to assess your own systems performance, contact your installer/supplier.
- If you or your installer have determined that the degradation of your wireless operation is attributable to external interference, please complete the Radio Interference Form and submit to the Spectrum Compliance Section at interference@comreg.ie
The Spectrum Compliance Team in ComReg investigate cases of interference external to the licensees own installation. This is a service that is provided as part of your license fee and as such there is no charge, therefore please ensure that your license is up to date before you contact ComReg.
09/89a - 
07/35 - 
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