[kictanet] Shared Spectrum Framework for Community Networks for Kenya online discussion

Fri May 28 18:34:17 EAT 2021

Dear Kivuva,

Many thanks for starting todays thread. My responses inline..

On Fri, May 28, 2021 at 12:20 PM Mwendwa Kivuva via kictanet <
kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:

> Dear Listers,
>
> The tread on Licensing framework is on fire and doing very well. Thank you
> all for the contributions, reading, learning, relearning ... Please
> continue debating on that thread.
>
> We will start a new thread on the proposed "Shared Spectrum Framework".
> The Licensing and Shared Spectrum Framework for Community Networks for
> Kenya that was issued by the Communications Authority of Kenya, available
> for direct download here
> <https://ca.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Licensing-and-Shared-Spectrum-Framework-for-Community-Networks-May-2021.docx.pdf>
> .
>
>
> License Exempt Spectrum
>
> WiFi has emerged as a powerful technology for both access and backhaul
> around the world but regulation has not fully kept up with the backhaul
> developments.
>
> The draft framework recommends:
>
>    -
>
>    Review the Guidelines on the use of Radiofrequency Spectrum by Short
>    Range Devices to amend EIRP limits for 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz Wi-Fi for
>    Point-to-Point and Point-to-Multipoint use.
>    -
>
>    Review options for lowering the barrier to use of other license-exempt
>    bands for PtP and PtMP use, including 24 GHz and 60 GHz.
>    -
>
>    Expand the range of frequencies available for license-exempt use,
>    especially in the 5 & 6 GHz range
>    -
>
>    To strengthen collaborations with service providers to foster
>    standards and regulatory inclusion.
>
>
> Dynamic Spectrum Access
>
>    -
>
>    To expedite the commercial availability of geolocation database
>    service and implement required mechanisms to make the TVWS spectrum
>    available immediately to operators.
>    -
>
>    To establish an incubatory period for TVWS technologies.
>    -
>
>    To evaluate with regional regulators the feasibility of a common
>    approach implementation of geolocation databases
>
>
> IMT Spectrum
>
>    -
>
>    Establish a regulatory sandbox for localised spectrum access for small
>    operators in an unassigned LTE band.
>    -
>
>    Conduct a review of international approaches to the creation of more
>    localised access to spectrum to inform the establishment of a more
>    permanent mechanism for local spectrum access that is well adapted to the
>    Kenyan context.
>
>
> Spectrum Fees
>
>    -
>
>    Review spectrum fee framework recognising the need for significantly
>    reduced fees for underserved/rural areas.
>    -
>
>    Consider a spectrum fee reduction scheme for non-profit community
>    networks.
>
>
> Questions:
>
>    -
>
>    What are your comments on the proposed recommendations?
>
> *The proposal on the review of the guidelines on the use of Radio
Frequency Spectrum is welcome. Demand for the ISM brand has been high over
the last couple of months ever since Kenyans started working from home.
This has resulted in a lot of noise within urban and peri-urban areas that
leads to degraded services. Expanding the range of frequencies will help in
mitigating this challenge especially if we can take advantage of unused or
underutilized frequency. Greater collaboration between stakeholders is
needed, there are many ISPs supporting their resellers who include
Community Networks offering last mile connectivity. *

>
>    -
>
>    What in your opinion are the most important considerations the
>    proposed shared spectrum framework should address?
>
> -

*Review options for lowering the barrier to use of other license-exempt
bands for PtP and PtMP use, including 24 GHz and 60 GHz.*
-

*Expand the range of frequencies available for license-exempt use,
especially in the 5 & 6 GHz range*
-

*To strengthen collaborations with service providers to foster standards
and regulatory inclusion.*

>
>    -
>
>    Are there gaps you have identified in the existing licensing framework
>    in respect to spectrum assignment and utilization?
>
> *Does CA in any way build the capacity of local players on best practices
in spectrum utilization. Can this be extended to Community Networks *

>
>    -
>
>    How would you recommend CA to address the identified gaps?
>
> Develop a plan of action for strengthening engagement with Community
Network operators which will also encourage them to be compliant. The plan
of action can include Capacity building

>
>    -
>
>    ______________________
>    Mwendwa Kivuva, Nairobi, Kenya
>    https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwendwa-kivuva
>
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-- 
Barrack O. Otieno
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+254733206359
Skype: barrack.otieno
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