The ECC had its 56^th plenary meeting (online) from 28 June – 2 July. It gathered 126 registered participants representing 30 CEPT administrations, counsellors, observers and the ECO. The ECC meeting approved several ECC deliverables related to WAS/RLAN in the 5 GHz, MFCN/5G, and Satellite areas. The ECC agreed to publish CEPT Report 79 on harmonised use of the 5 GHz frequency bands for WAS/RLAN and CEPT Report 80 in response to the 2^nd 5G EC mandate on the least restrictive harmonised technical conditions suitable for 900/1800 MHz frequency bands. Other deliverables such as the draft CEPT Report 81 in response to the EC Mandate on MCA studies on the potential use of 5G technology and the use of the network control unit (NCU), were agreed for public consultation. The ECC has also agreed to update the CEPT roadmap for 5G and beyond.

Further details can be found in the minutes of 56^th plenary meeting.

Here is a summary of the outcome from the meeting.

Final approval of deliverables for publication:

Taking into account the responses submitted during the relevant public consultations, the ECC meeting adopted for publication the following ECC deliverables:

• Amended ECC Decision (04)08 on the harmonised use of the 5 GHz frequency bands for the implementation of Wireless Access Systems including Radio Local Area Networks (WAS/RLANs);
• CEPT Report 79 on the harmonised use of the 5 GHz frequency bands for the implementation of Wireless Access Systems including Radio Local Area Networks (WAS/RLAN);
• CEPT Report 80 (Report B) from CEPT to the European Commission in response to the Mandate to develop channelling arrangements and common and minimal (least restrictive) technical conditions for the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequency bands, suitable for 5G terrestrial wireless systems;
• Amended ECC/DEC/(13)01 on the harmonised use, free circulation and exemption from individual licensing of Earth Stations On Mobile Platforms (ESOMPs) within the frequency bands 17.3-20.2 GHz and 27.5-30.0 GHz;
• Amended ERC Decision (99)06 on the harmonised introduction of satellite personal communication systems operating in the bands below 1 GHz (S-PCS<1GHz);
• Updated ECC Decision (17)04 on the harmonised use and exemption from individual licensing of fixed earth stations operating with NGSO FSS satellite systems in the frequency bands 10.7-12.75 GHz and 14.0-14.5 GHz.

Approval of draft deliverables for Public Consultation:

The ECC adopted for public consultation the following ECC deliverables:

• Draft revision of ECC Decision (17)04 on “The harmonised use and exemption from individual licensing of fixed earth stations operating with NGSO FSS satellite systems in the frequency bands 10.7-12.75 GHz and 14.0-14.5 GHz”. ECC agreed that the closing date for the public consultation is 18 August 2021;
• Draft ECC Report 331on “Efficient usage of the spectrum at the border of CEPT countries between MFCN TDD networks in the frequency band 3400-3800 MHz”. ECC agreed that the closing date for the public consultation is 25 August 2021;
• Draft CEPT Report 81 in response to the EC Mandate to “Undertake technical studies on the potential use of 5G technology and on making the usage of the network control unit (NCU) optional on-board MCA enabled aircraft”. ECC agreed that the closing date for the public consultation is 31 August 2021;
• Draft ECC Recommendation (21)02 on “Guidance on the application of the least restrictive technical conditions (LRTC) in ECC Decision (11)06 to ensure protection of the military radiolocation systems operating below 3400 MHz from indoor non-AAS small cells operating in the band 3400-3800 MHz”. ECC agreed that the closing date for the public consultation is 31 August 2021;

Other issues:

• The response to the EC mandate to review the limit of out-of-band emissions below 5935 MHz applicable to VLP RLAN devices will be developed by WGFM;
• The ECC endorsed the revision of ECC/DEC/(12)01 on exemption from individual licensing and free circulation and use of satellite mobile terminals operating under the control of networks in the range 1 to 3 GHz. However, the meeting agreed not to send the document into public consultation noting the need to synchronise with the public consultation on the new ECC Decision on MFCN terminals (from ECC PT1), which is expected at the next ECC meeting in November;
• The update of the CEPT roadmap for 5G and beyond was agreed by the ECC plenary. The roadmap was revised to consider the new Work Items and ECC deliverables adopted at the meeting;
• The ECC agreed to new WIs such as the Mobile communication on vessels and Harmonised technical conditions for Aerial UE usage;
• The ECC was updated on the studies on radio altimeters 4200-4400 MHz coexistence with MFCN in 3400-3800 MHz. It was noted that technical information from the aviation industry is urgently needed in order to progress this work;
• The ECC tasked WGFM to further investigate possible criteria/conditions related to UWB encompassing passive bands subject to RR No. 5.340. Furthermore, a LS to ETSI was agreed, inter alia, with a request for additional information for ETSI to respond, before any action related to the proposals contained in the ETSI SRdoc on Security Scanners can be taken within the ECC;
• The ECC discussed the response to the ADCO RED LS on DFS and non-compliant 5 GHz WLAN. A LS to ADCO RED was agreed which points out that, without prejudice of further assistance to ADCO RED on specific issues on 5GHz WLAN spectrum, the ECC does not have expertise in undertaking general risk assessments on matters relating to market surveillance;
• The ECC discussed the format of future meetings of the ECC and its subordinate groups. Various interventions highlighted the challenges ahead in particular with the practicalities and principles of hybrid meetings. It remains uncertain when to start such hybrid meetings, noting that the “trial” hybrid meeting of PT1 in France in September.

Next meeting

The next 57^th plenary meeting of ECC is scheduled for 02 – 05 November 2021.