Côte d'Ivoire Hosts Public Consultation on National Frequency Management Strategy

Introduction

Côte d'Ivoire is conducting a public consultation on its national frequency management strategy in the telecommunications sector from October 18 to November 6, 2024. This initiative seeks to gather input from stakeholders and the general public on optimizing frequency management to anticipate technological advancements and support sector growth.

Frequency Management Objectives

The consultation emphasizes the efficient management of state-owned frequency resources to meet the demands of mobile, fixed, and satellite services. Feedback can be submitted via email or physical delivery, with specific instructions provided for both legal entities and individuals.

Frequency Band Planning

The frequency band planning includes the following allocations:

• 900, 1800, and 2100 MHz bands: Dedicated to mobile services for operators with C1A licenses.
• 2300, 2600, and 4800 MHz TDD bands: Designated for high-speed internet access, primarily for C1C licensed providers.
• 800 and 2600 MHz FDD bands: Exclusive to operators with C1A licenses.
• 700 MHz FDD and 3300-3600 MHz TDD bands: Allocated for mobile services with planning for C1A licensees.
• 5.2 GHz and 5.8 GHz TDD bands: For internet access and wireless data transmission.
• High-frequency bands: Open to all entities with a general license or authorization.
• MF/HF and VHF/UHF bands: For fixed and mobile radiocommunication services, subject to spectral efficiency controls.

The 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23) identified the 6425-7125 MHz band for future mobile networks including IMT-2030 (6G), ensuring adequate spectrum availability for the development of next-generation telecommunications technologies.

Status of Frequency Band Occupation

An annex provides a detailed overview of frequency band occupancy in Côte d'Ivoire:

• Mobile Bands:

  • 700 MHz: 0%
  • 800 MHz: 100%
  • 900 MHz: 85.71%
  • 1800 MHz: 60%
  • 2100 MHz: 75%
  • 2600 MHz FDD: 85.71%

• Wireless Access Bands:

  • 2.3 GHz: 65%
  • 2.6 GHz TDD: 100%
  • 3.3 GHz: 30%
  • 3.5 GHz: 90%
  • 5.2 GHz: 100%
  • 5.8 GHz: 90%

• Independent Radio Networks:

  • MF: 1.41%
  • HF: 12.34%
  • VHF: 8.95%
  • UHF (300-470 MHz): 18.32%

• Faisceaux Hertziens (FH):

  • 1.4 GHz - 5 GHz: 85.71%
  • 6 GHz low: 100%
  • 6 GHz high: 50%
  • 7 GHz: 100%
  • 8 GHz: 100%
  • 10 GHz: 50%
  • 11 GHz: 64.71%
  • 13 GHz: 87.5%
  • 15 GHz: 80%
  • 18 GHz: 45.71%
  • 23 GHz: 65%
  • 38 GHz: 2.5%
  • 71-76 / 81-86 GHz: 0%

Strategic Objectives

The Spectrum Resource Management Framework outlines timelines for strategic objectives:

• Short Term (by 2026):

  • Finalize frequency allocation for 5G.
  • Assign unused or mismanaged bands.
  • Define conditions for non-geostationary satellite networks.
  • Automate spectrum management.

• Medium Term (5 years):

  • Ensure availability of bands for IMT services.
  • Establish a spectrum reordering fund.

• Long Term (more than 5 years):

  • Plan for future technologies such as 6G.
  • Harmonize frequency plans at a supranational level.

This public consultation represents a critical opportunity for stakeholders to influence the future of telecommunications in Côte d'Ivoire, ensuring the effective management of frequency resources to support innovation and growth in the sector.

Regulatory Impact

• Top Priority: Yes
• Type Certificate: No
• Spectrum Bands: Yes
• Import Changes HS Codes: No
• Standard Changes: Yes
• Product Changes: No
• Label Changes: No

Link to Source

Visit Source - https://www.artci.ci/index.php/consultations-publiques.html