TV White Space Technology in Ghana. Peter Djakwah, Deputy Manager Engineering National Communications Authority, Ghana July 19, 2016

Transcription

1 TV White Space Technology in Ghana Peter Djakwah, Deputy Manager Engineering National, Ghana July 19, 2016

2 Presentation Outline Current Trends in the Communications Space in Ghana The Spectrum Crunch Spectrum Allocation Strategies to Mitigate the Crunch Broadband Initiatives in Ghana TV Transmitter Distribution and UHF Bands IV & VI Spectrum Dynamics in Ghana The Unique Dynamics of TV White Spaces TVWS Trials Worldwide Trials in Ghana TVWS Regulatory Approval Process Public Consultations The End 2

3 Current Trends in the Communications Space in Ghana Communications are all going digital Video, voice and date Fixed and wireless Digital transition for broadcast TV Exponential growth of wireless data rates is forecasted to continue exponentially in the next 10 years Plethora of communication services needing access to radiofrequency spectrum keeps increasing (spectrum crunch?) 3

4 Current Trends in the Communications Space in Ghana 2 4

5 Current Trends in the Communications Space in Ghana 3 5

6 The Spectrum Crunch 6

7 Spectrum Allocation Strategies to Mitigate the Crunch All approaches need careful study: Licensed Spectrum Licensed exclusive (traditional analogue TV, mobile cellular) Licensed shared (proposed for LTE/LTE A, 2.3 & 3.5 GHz Bands) Unlicensed Spectrum Unlicensed exclusive (the extremely successful WIFI in 2.4 & 5.8GHz) Unlicensed shared (TV White Space coexisting with licensed TV) All approaches need careful study: Cellular mobile and WIFI technologies are both extremely successful, but both use two opposing models 7

8 Broadband Initiatives in Ghana Liberalisation of Telecommunications in (ADP2000) Establishment of the NCA in 1996 Privatisation of Ghana Telecom in 1996 Award of 2G licenses in 2004 Award of 3G licenses in Award of 6th Mobile license in 2008 Award of Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) 4G licenses in 2010 Award of 4G license in 2016 TVWS Regulations 8

9 TV Transmitter Distribution and UHF Bands IV & VI Spectrum Dynamics in Ghana Analog & Digital Occupancy During Simulcast in Accra Digital Occupancy after Switch-off in Accra

10 The Unique Dynamics of TV White Spaces 10

11 TVWS Trials Worldwide 11

12 Trials in Ghana NCA collaborated with Google to map available TVWS spectrum in the country in July 2013 NCA TVWS Project Team The NCA authorised Spectra Wireless to run a 6-month trial on January 08, 2014 and a Commercial Trial in December 08, 2014: DSA Global Summit held in Accra from February 24-28, 2014 Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology in May 2014 Koforidua Polytechnic in January 2015 Koforidua Senior High/Technical School in January

13 DSA and MEST Trials 13

14 DSA and MEST Trials 2 14

15 Spectra Koforidua Trials 15

16 Spectra Koforidua Trials 2 16

17 Spectra Koforidua Trials 3 17

18 Kofi Annan ICT Centre Trials Kofi Annan Advanced Centre of Excellence in ICT Ringway Estates Junior High School Osu Manhean Cluster of Schools 18

19 University of Ghana Trials 19

20 TVWS Regulatory Approval Process S/N Activity 1. Public Consultation Process 2. Workshop on TVWS Regulations 3. Review of Public Comments Approval of Final Draft Regulations 4. by Management Approval of Final Draft Regulations 5. by the Board Publication of Approved 6. Regulations Begins Ends June 27, 2016 August 5, 2016 August 9, 2016 August 8, 2016 August 11, 2016 August 15, 2016 August 19, 2016 August 22, 2016 September 9, 2016 September 12,

21 Public Consultations Begun on June 27, 2016 and is still on-going Published on NCA website and in the National Dailies bi-weekly Public_Consultation_Rev_20_06_2016.pdf Comments can be sent to: Consultations will end on August 5, 2016 There will be a workshop on the comments on August 9, 2016 Regulatory Framework will be published on September 12,

22 Thank you! 22