Philippines

Philippines

Frequency Allocations for the C-Band
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History
At WRC-07 the Philippines did not sign any of the IMT opt-in footnotes in the 3 400 – 3 600 MHz band. However, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), www.r7.ntc.gov.ph, early licensed BWA in the 3 400 – 3 600 MHz band with resulting interference into C-band FSS applications, especially interference into TVRO.

Some operators (e.g. Smart Communications Inc.) use the 3.5 GHz band for point-to-point WiMAX networks. Such use can more easily be coordinated with the FSS.

In June of 2009, Globe Telecom announced the launch of a mobile WiMAX network (802.16e standard) in the 2.5GHz band in key areas of the country.

In April, 2011 Globe Telecom and Smart Communications became the first operators in the Philippines to offer 4G (using the 2.5 GHz band).

In mid-2014, Smart Communications began deploying LTE networks in the 3.5GHz band, based on its licenses which had previously been used only for point-to-point networks. This created major interference problems for cable TV operators in cities where the LTE networks operated. Interference was reported between 3.4 and 4.0 GHz.

Some cable operators were able to alleviate interference in the 3.7-4.2 GHz band by using LNBs with narrower bandpass characteristics. However, this meant they lost access to international channels being transmitted in the 3.4-3.6 GHz bands.

Present Situation
Major interference problems continue in the Philippines, in cities where the LTE network is operating.
National position on bands suitable for consideration for IMT under WRC-15 agenda item 1.1:

3 400 – 3 600 MHz

3 600 – 3 800 MHz

3 800 – 4 200 MHz

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Interference into FSS C-band Applications
There have been reports of interference into C-band FSS operations especially TVRO and VSAT.
Last updated: May 3, 2015

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