Agenda

Afternoon

09:00 – 10:00

The European Electronic Communications Code - implications for spectrum policy and next steps

Moderator: Graham Louth, Partner, Aetha Consulting

09:00 – 09:20

Keynote Presentation

Andreas Geiss, Head of Spectrum Policy Unit, European Commission

09:20 – 09:40

Keynote Presentation

Miapetra Kumpula-Natri, MEP, Shadow Rapporteur for the Telecoms Package, European Parliament

09:40 – 10:00

Keynote Presentation

Jonas Wessel, Chair, RSPG

10:00 – 10:50

Panel Discussion: The European Electronic Communications Code - Key areas for spectrum policy and next steps

The European Commission’s directive for a new ‘European Electronic Communications Code’ has been going through the legislative processes in Brussels and is expected to be adopted around the time of this conference. With the aim of harmonising the regulation of electronic communications across the EU and shaping the future of connectivity across the region, the code has wide ranging implications for spectrum policy across the region. This session will look at what the new code is going to mean for the allocation and regulation of spectrum across Europe, at the major points to come out of the code and at the next steps in order to achieve its goal of delivering next-generation high capacity connectivity across Europe.

• Which aspects of the Commission’s original proposal remain in the final version, and what amendments have been seen?
• To what extent is the code likely to succeed on its objectives of encouraging innovation, investment and the overall evolution of the sector?
• How (if at all) is the code likely to affect the roles and overall influence of the European Commission, BEREC, RSPG and national regulators on spectrum policy in Europe?
• How can close cooperation be ensured between policymakers and industry representatives as the directive moves into the stage of implementation?
• How will the code help Europe achieve its goals and visions for 5G rollout, for example by encouraging a co-ordinated approach within the pioneer bands?
• What role will spectrum sharing play in meeting Europe’s future connectivity requirements, and what kind of authorisation regime can help deliver this?
• What are the next steps now following the adoption of the directive? What is the likely timeframe ahead?



Andreas Geiss, Head of Spectrum Policy Unit, European Commission
Miapetra Kumpula-Natri, MEP, Shadow Rapporteur for the Telecoms Package, European Parliament
Jonas Wessel, Chair, RSPG
Andy Hudson, Head of Policy, GSMA
Wladimir Bocquet, Director Spectrum Management & Policy, Eutelsat
Guillaume Lebrun, Director, Spectrum & Technology Policy, Qualcomm

10:50 – 11:10

Morning Coffee and Refreshments

11:10 – 14:35

Session 2: Delivering the 5G eco-system

11:10 – 11:25

Keynote Presentation - Delivering the 5G eco-system

Kenneth Wallstedt, Head of 5G Strategies at Group Function Technology & Architecture (CTO Office), Ericsson

11:25 – 12:30

Session 2i: Achieving the densification of networks - Reducing the regulatory hurdles to the roll-out of 5G in urban areas

One of the major challenges when rolling out 5G is how to achieve the densification of networks that is necessary to deliver the required high system capacity and per-user data rates in urban areas. Small cells will play a big part in delivering this and the Communications Code is likely to include an implementing measure designed to reduce the regulatory burden associated with their deployment. This session will look at what impact this can have and how it can help to smooth the roll-out of 5G networks in urban areas. It will also look more generally at the other technologies and spectrum bands that are going to play a part in delivering an urban 5G eco-system and how a flexible regulatory environment can be achieved that encourages innovation and investment.
• What are the major design challenges that are faced when building a 5G network in urban areas and how can these be overcome?
• What will be the best way to deliver the densification of networks that will be necessary to provide the required network connectivity in urban areas and inside large buildings?
• How important will Small Cells be in providing this densification and what other technologies and bandwidths will also play a part?
• What classifies as a Small Cell in the context of the Communications Code? Should the definition be to do with power limit, size or other characteristics?
• What issues are faced when considering the siting, deployment and mounting of small cells and what measures are being proposed to reduce any regulatory burden on these?
• What is the current situation regarding siting policies in different countries around Europe, and licence fees for small cells and base stations? How can a more coordinated and harmonised approach to this be delivered?
• With an estimated 80% of all mobile usage happening indoors, how can it be ensured that the required connectivity is delivered inside building as well as on the streets in urban areas?


Moderator: Martin Sims, Managing Director, Policy Tracker

Branimir Stantchev, Head of Sector 'Wireless Broadband' at the Spectrum Unit of DG CONNECT, European Commission
Philip Marnick, Head of Spectrum, Ofcom
Mirela Doicu, Chairperson, Policy Working Group, Small Cell Forum
Dave Wright, Director, Regulatory Affairs & Network Standards, Ruckus Networks, an ARRIS Company

12:30 – 13:30

Lunch

13:30 – 14:35

Session 2ii: The role of satellite and mobile in delivering the 5G eco-system - collaboration or competition?

Traditionally in the spectrum world, the mobile and satellite communities have been in competition when it comes to access to spectrum bands. Whilst this is still the case in some areas, examples of the satellite, mobile and fixed terrestrial communities working together to deliver 5G solutions are increasingly being seen. This session will look at this collaboration between the sectors and at what potential there is to increase this going forward. Keeping in mind the key long-term spectrum requirements of both sectors, it will look at how stakeholders can come together to foster an environment of collaboration not competition, and work together to deliver shared 5G solutions for the benefit of all.

• Where does satellite fit within the 5G ecosystem, particularly when considering the delivery of services to rural areas?
• What benefits can satellites offer with regards to backhaul and traffic offloading solutions, and also with direct services to users and providing ubiquitous coverage?
• What examples have been seen of collaboration between satellite and mobile service providers to deliver 5G services and solutions, and what potential is there for this to increase in the future?
• How best can stakeholders work together to develop novel business models and economically viable operational collaborations that integrate satellite and terrestrial stakeholders in a win-win situation?
• How can the long-term spectrum needs of both sectors be best met in a sustainable, efficient and collaborative way?


Moderator: Mark Caines, Partner, Flint Global

Kumar Singarajah, Global Spectrum & Policy Regulator, ESOA
Gerry Oberst, Senior Vice President, Global Advocacy, SES
Amar Saïdani, Expert, Department of Regulatory and Spectrum Resources, ANFR
Javier Domínguez Lacasa, Head of Spectrum Policy and Regulatory Intelligence, Telefonica

14:35 – 14:55

Case Study: The European Aviation Network - A concrete example of satellite and mobile collaboration

Julián Seseña, EAN Regulatory, Inmarsat
Jan-Hendrik Jochum, Director, Spectrum Policy & Projects, Deutsch Telekom AG

14:55 – 15:55

Session 3: Reconfiguration of spectrum services in the C-Band - a focus on national approaches in Europe

The 3.4-3.8GHz band is expected to be a key part of the future solution to deliver capacity for mobile broadband. Around Europe, regulators are looking at the best solution to reconfigure the band in order to avoid fragmentation and deliver the large contiguous blocks that are required for 5G services. This session will look at the challenges that are faced when doing this, and at what needs to be done to ultimately deliver a band-plan that both offers optimal use for 5G and ensures that the requirements of both incumbent and new users in the band can be met in the most efficient way.

• What approaches to the reconfiguration of the 3.4-3.8GHz band are being seen in member states around Europe?
• What steps can/should regulators take to support realignment of the bands for optimal 5G use and what challenges are faced when looking to provide the large contiguous blocks of spectrum in the band that are ideally required?
• What role can technologies such as carrier aggregation play in helping to provide a solution?
• How can it be ensured that the rights of satellite users and other incumbents in the band are protected?


Moderator: Lee Sanders, Partner, Aetha Consulting

14:55 – 15:05

Case Study: A national perspective

Vincenzo Lobianco, Chief Technology & Innovation Officer, AGCOM

15:05 – 15:15

Case Study: A national perspective

Gerry Fahy, Chairperson & Commissioner, ComReg

15:15 – 15:55

Panel Discussion

Vincenzo Lobianco, Chief Technology & Innovation Officer, AGCOM
Gerry Fahy, Chairperson & Commissioner, ComReg
Luigi Ardito, Director of Government Affairs for Europe, Middle East and North Africa, Qualcomm
Ülar Kaldasaun, Spectrum Engineer, Inmarsat

15:55 – 16:15

Afternoon Coffee and Refreshments

16:15 – 17:30

Session 4: Breakout sessions

Attendees will have the option of attending one of the following two parallel breakout sessions.

Breakout 1: Developing an efficient spectrum policy for the benefit of all users in the 870-876 MHz and 915-921 MHZbands
Breakout 2: Spectrum Auctions - A focus on different approaches in Europe

16:15 – 17:30

Breakout i: Developing an efficient spectrum policy for the benefit of all users in the 870-876 MHz and 915-921 MHz bands

There is a considerable amount of discussion currently taking place in Europe around the future of the 870-876 MHz and 915-921 MHz bands. The bands are being explored as part of a possible development plan for the IoT, with the 915-921MHz band in particular being seen by many as offering the best potential for providing a globally harmonised IoT band. There is also interest in the band, however, from the railway sector, with part of the band having been earmarked in some countries to meet the needs of the railway sector and the GSM-R system (Global System for Mobile Communications – Railway). Finally, it is also used in some countries by military users. This session will look at the future use of the bands and the users in it.

With the railway sector currently working on setting up a future communications system to replace the current 2G-based GSM-R system, it will look more generally at the future of railway communication and the importance of these bands as part of this. It will also examine the potential of the bands as providing a global IoT band and, more generally, at the best way forward to ensure the most efficient way to use spectrum and one that takes into account the needs of both existing and potential new users.

• What other users are currently active in these bands and what is the added value of the availability of this band for each of these? 

• To what extent does the 915-921MHz band offer the potential for providing a globally harmonised IoT band? 

• With the lifespan of GSM-R (the current system for railway communication) coming to an end, what is the future of railway communications? What are the spectrum requirements likely to be and how will the 870-876 MHz and 915-921MHz band fit with this? 

• To what extent could the use of both short range devices and railway applications be accommodated, and how could this be achieved? 

• How important is a co-ordinated and harmonised approach in the bands in order to avoid cross- border interference? 

• What work is being done on the development of standards in these bands on both a European and global level, and what work needs to be done going forward? 

• What is the best way forward for these bands to ensure the most efficient way to use spectrum and one that takes into account the needs of both existing and potential new users? 



Moderator: Peter Dunn, Director of Client Services, Cullen International

Stéphane Ros, Industrial Telecoms Officer, SNCF
Adrian Scrase, Chief Technology Officer, ETSI
Rüdiger Martin, Policy Officer Spectrum Management, European Commission
Simon Dunkley, Solutions Architect, Itron

16:15 – 17:30

Breakout ii: Spectrum Auctions - A focus on different approaches in Europe

2018 has brought with it a huge wave of 5G auctions taking place in countries across Europe, with a number of different formats, plans and structures being seen. Some countries are looking at bringing in relatively complex approaches, designed to extend rural coverage and achieve other key objectives, whilst others are going down a much more simple path and looking to reduce complexity. In addition, some auctions are involving licences that are awarded on a regional rather than national level, which brings in a whole new level of complexity. This session will look at the different approaches that are being seen and at the best way forward to deliver an auction that realises the ambition and potential of 5G.

• What auctions have taken place already this year or are going to be taking place over the next few months and what approaches have been seen?
• What are the relative pros and cons of taking the path of a more complex or less complex auction approach?
• What role can regulatory tools such as set-asides and caps play in delivering a successful auction and achieving key objectives?
• What issues arise when spectrum licences are offered on a regional basis?
• When allocating licences on both a national and regional basis, how can an auction be designed with a format to take into account the needs of all bidders, large and small?
• What spectrum auctions are taking place over the coming months in the mmWave bands, and what factors do regulators need to take into account when auctioning spectrum is these higher frequency bands?


Moderator: Soren Sorensen, Associate Director, NERA Economic Consulting

René Dönni Kuoni, Vice-Director & Head of Telecoms Services, Ofcom Switzerland
Blaise Soury-Lavergne, Head of Mobile Spectrum Awards, ARCEP
Chris Cheeseman, Head of Spectrum Policy, BT Group
Allan Ingraham, Principal, Economists Incorporated
David Salant, Senior Managing Director, FTI Consulting

Afternoon

09:00 – 11:15

Session 5: Preparing for WRC-19 in Europe and other regions around the world

Preparation for WRC-19 is well underway in Europe and all around the world. This session will provide the opportunity to hear from key representatives from ITU and from different regional bodies on the work that is being done in this area. Focus will then switch to Europe and the preparations here, followed by an interactive room-wide discussion focussing on the best way forward to ensure a co-ordinated approach in the build-up to WRC, and one that works for the benefits of stakeholders and citizens everywhere.

09:00 – 09:55

Session 5i: Regional Preparations for WRC-19 outside of Europe

09:00 – 09:10

Introduction from Moderator

Moderator: Francois Rancy, Director, BR, ITU

09:10 – 09:25

Thinking Point

Richard Womersley, Director of Spectrum Consulting, LS telcom

09:25 – 09:40

Preparation for WRC-19 in Asia Pacific - current status and thinking

John Lewis, Editorial Vice-Chairman APG, APT

09:40 – 09:55

Preparation for WRC-19 in the CIS region - current status and thinking

Albert Nalbandian, Chairman, Working Group for WRC-19, RCC

09:55 – 11:15

Session 5ii: Ensuring the best result at WRC- 19 for all users in Europe

Following the last session, which heard from stakeholders all around the world on their preparation for WRC, this session now brings the focus back to Europe. Through interactive discussion, the session will look at the hopes and wishes that different stakeholder groups have for WRC-19. It will examine what needs to be done to ensure common positions in Europe that are for the benefit of stakeholders and citizens everywhere and at how it can be ensured that the European delegation has a strong and influential voice during the discussions at the conference. 

• What are the key areas for discussion in the European region for the different stakeholders, and what challenges and opportunities are expected to emerge? 
• Where are there early signs of agreement; where is there disagreement (both between countries within Europe and also inter-regionally between CEPT and other regional bodies around the world)? 
• How can the European delegation ensure that it maintains the strong and influential voice that it has during previous WRC meetings? 


Moderator: Francois Rancy, Director, BR, ITU

09:55 – 10:05

Preparation for WRC-19 in Europe - current status and thinking

Alexander Kühn, Chair for WRC-19 Preparation, CEPT

10:05 – 11:15

Panel Discussion

Alexander Kühn, Chair for WRC-19 Preparation, CEPT
Björn Thegeby, Senior Expert, DG CONNECT B4, European Commission
Glyn Carter, Senior Spectrum Advisor, GSMA
Javier Veglison, Spectrum Management, Hispasat
Elena Puigrefagut, Senior Project Manager, Technology & Innovation, EBU
Sergio Bovelli, Manager, Market Access and Regulation, Airbus

11:15 – 11:35

Morning Coffee and Refreshments

11:35 – 12:05

Thinking Point: The future of telecom policy in Europe - ensuring a forward-looking approach

11:35 – 11:50

Keynote Presentation

Pilar del Castillo, MEP, Rapporteur for the Telecoms Package, European Parliament

11:50 – 12:05

Presentation

Lasse Wieweg, Chairman, Spectrum Group, GSA

12:05 – 13:00

Session 6: Powering the 4th industrial revolution: Solutions to meet the high-speed, super-reliable connectivity requirements of the future

The growth of automation connected robots and sensors in the manufacturing and industrial sectors has led to many believing that we are at the early stages of the 4th industrial revolution or ‘industry 4.0’. In order for the full benefits of this to be realised in terms of increased productivity and efficiency, there is a need for ultra reliable ‘industrial’ grade connectivity. Considering the many varied use cases in areas such as manufacturing, agriculture, and more, this session will look at the different connectivity solutions that are options to provide this, and at how the spectrum requirements of these can be met.

• How can the industry grade connectivity and ‘ultra reliability’ required by the manufacturing and industrial sectors of tomorrow best be delivered? What communications solutions are available?
• Can traditional mobile operators provide all these connectivity requirements or is there an argument to allow industry stakeholders to build/own/operate their own locally self-controlled wireless networks?
• What are the pros and cons of networks based on licence exempt spectrum, a private LTE/5G network and a publicly available mobile network?
• What spectrum bands can be used to meet these requirements and what mix of licenced, unlicensed and shared spectrum will be required?
• What factors need to be taken into account when valuing spectrum in this area? How should the principles of valuing spectrum to be used for private LTE networks differ from those used when valuing spectrum in traditional mobile awards?

Moderator: Gerard Pogorel, Professor of Economics and Management-Emeritus, Telecom ParisTech

12:05 – 12:15

Presentation: Increasing spectrum efficiency with private LTE

Tim Miller, Partner, Plum Consulting

12:15 – 12:25

Presentation

Thomas Ewers, Head of Section International Spectrum Affairs, BNetzA

12:25 – 12:35

Presentation: 5G, spectrum, and the verticals

Reza Karimi, Director, Huawei

12:35 – 13:00

Room-wide Discussion

13:00 – 14:00

Lunch

14:00 – 14:15

Thinking Point: Optimal channel transitioning for the UHF band

Jakob Blaavand, Director of Mathematics, Smith Institute

14:15 – 15:20

Session 7: Delivering a European roadmap for the reassignment of the 700MHz band

A deadline has been set in Europe for the reassignment of the 700 MHz frequency band (694-790 MHz) to wireless broadband services by 30 June 2020. As part of the procedure in the lead up to this, by the end of June 2018 all EU countries must adopt a roadmap outlining how they will implement this. With this deadline falling less than 2 weeks away from the date of this conference, this session will look at the state of play in countries across Europe, and the next steps as the various stakeholders in the band continue to prepare and work towards the clearance date.

• Where are countries across Europe with regards to the preparation and release of their national 700MHz roadmaps?
• Are all members states on track to meet the 2020 clearing deadlines, or are there cases in which the reallocation may be delayed until 2022?
• What work is bring done by industry stakeholders (Broadcasters, Mobile, PMSE) to prepare for the reallocation and ensure that the process is as seamless as possible for all?
• What is the likely shape of the 700MHz band beyond 2020, and how can it be ensured that a band plan is delivered that maximises the efficiency and value of this key spectrum?
• Where does the long-term future of broadcasting lie within the wider UHF band, and given the reassignment of the 700MHz band, how important is the sub-700Mhz band for the sector (to which they have been granted guaranteed access in Europe until at least 2030)?
• What options are available for the PMSE sector in both the short term and the long term given the reassignment of the 700MHz band?

14:15 – 14:25

Introduction from Moderator

Moderator: Mark Colville, Principal, Analysys Mason

14:25 – 15:20

Panel Discussion

Gilles Brégant, CEO, ANFR
Lars Backlund, Secretary General, Broadcast Network Europe
María Dolores Pérez Guirao, Spectrum & Innovation Manager, APWPT

15:20 – 15:35

Afternoon Coffee and Refreshments

15:35 – 17:00

Session 8: Spectrum sharing - an update on new technologies, techniques and progress

Spectrum sharing remains a key objective for regulators and stakeholders around the world to increase spectrum efficiency across a wide range of different bands. This session will look at some of the latest proposals, techniques and technologies that are being put forward to facilitate spectrum sharing in different bands. With a focus on Europe, but also looking at some of the work that is happening across the Atlantic in the US, it will provide an update on the progress that is being seen and on the roadmap ahead.

Moderator: Eric Fournier, Chairman, ECC, CEPT

15:35 – 15:50

Spectrum Sharing - Should mobile always be the driver?

Chris Woolford, Director of International Policy, Ofcom

15:50 – 16:05

The Potential for Unlicensed Spectrum in the 6 GHz Band

Michael Daum, Director, Technology Policy, CELA Privacy and Regulatory Affairs‎ , Microsoft

16:05 – 16:20

The US Approach to sharing the CBRS spectrum in the 3.5GHZ band

Mark Gibson, Chief Regulatory Officer, Wireless Innovation Forum

16:20 – 16:35

Sharing in the mmWave frequencies: Using market designs to replan higher frequency bands

Ulrich Rehfuess, Head of Spectrum Policy, Nokia

16:35 – 17:00

General Discussion

Chris Woolford, Director of International Policy, Ofcom
Michael Daum, Director, Technology Policy, CELA Privacy and Regulatory Affairs‎ , Microsoft
Mark Gibson, Chief Regulatory Officer, Wireless Innovation Forum
Ulrich Rehfuess, Head of Spectrum Policy, Nokia