RESOLVING THE SM AUTOMATION PROBLEMS NBU EXPERIENCE, OPTIONS TO SOLVE REGIONAL SM PROBLEMS Prof. A. Slavinski New Bulgarian University, Sofia, Bulgaria I. The University The history of the New Bulgarian University is short but very dynamic and quite typical for the changeable and creative environment of Central and Eastern Europe. In the beginning of 1990 a group of Bulgarian intellectual, consolidated under the idea for creating a non-governmental institution with an alternative philosophy, founded the Society for a New Bulgarian University. Next year, on 18 September 1991, New Bulgarian University /NBU/ was chartered by the VII Great National Assembly. The mission of NBU is to be an innovative, student-orientated and interdisciplinary academic institution. To attract open-minded men and women and to cultivate their ability to think critically, to reason and analyze, combining a broad range of deep interests. Our target is to prepare the students for the challenges of independent life in a democratic and civil society developing their leadership end entrepreneurship qualities. We want to harmonize the new technologies and economic globalization with the needs and aspiration of regional human communities and qualities and interests of each individual. NBU now has approximately 8 000 students studying in three main areas: humanitarian sciences, communications and arts. We have enjoyed significant growth within the last several years: 250 full-time professors are working in our 20 departments and centers and 6 education centers. II. The Department Telecommunications In February 1994, the Department Telecommunications is established, headed by Prof. Dr. Jordanka Slavova. There are a lot of eminent specialists associated with the Department from different universities, public and private institutions and firms engage directly with the development of the telecommunications sector in Bulgaria. The Department offers educational programs for the following levels: - specialist, bachelor, master and doctor and also qualification programs with different duration. The level of bachelor offers the following specialization: Telecommunications systems and technologies; ITU SM Workshop NBU 27 29 July 2004 1
Management of postal services; Biomechanics. The level of master offers the following specialization: Telecommunications systems and technologies; Management of telecommunications services; Radio and TV systems and services. The following courses are included in our bachelor and master programs: ТСМВ 404 Electromagnetic waves and their propagation ТСМВ 502 Radio communications - part I ТСМВ 602 Radio communications - part II ТСМВ 605 Electromagnetic compatibility ТСМВ 607 Satellite and cable TV TCMB 702 DTV and DTV standards ТСМB 801 Mobile radiocommunication systems TCMB 806 Radio networks and systems TCMМ 003 Systems and devices for mobile communications TCMМ 010 Radiofrequency spectrum and wave propagation TCMM 616 Satellite communications III. R&D and Consulting Activities Spectrum Management Program Department Telecommunications being a part of the ITU Center of excellence develops a modular program Spectrum Management. The program includes the following items: Distance learning course Basics of Spectrum Management ; Case Study Tools for Spectrum Management ; Work Shop Implementation of the Spectrum Management. The distance learning course objectives are: To define the role of the radio frequency spectrum regulation in the in the establishment of competitive radio communications policy, objectives and strategies; ITU SM Workshop NBU 27 29 July 2004 2
To clarify the applications spectrum management in government, regulatory and business organizations and the importance of its efficiency; To present the basic aspects of the traditional process of spectrum management; To explain the fundamental structure of the new models of radio communications networks and the efficiency of spectrum usage; To clarify the implementation of the international recommendations and resolutions on spectrum management; To identify spectrum management threats and known spectrum management techniques. The main objective of the case study is to aim users for selecting proper spectrum management software. The case study will be implemented as basic tool on the workshop and as part of a distance-learning course. The case study contents the following items: Modular structure of the spectrum management software and examples of data exchange and standard connections between modules; Radio regulations (RR) database; Software demo modules for RR automation; Digital terrain map (DTM) for Eastern Europe Software demo modules for using DTM. National Strategy for Harmonization of the National Plan for Allocation of the Radio Frequency Spectrum with the NATO Member- States The harmonization of the National plan of Bulgaria for allocation of the radio frequency spectrum with the NATO frequency scales is a pre-condition for mutual operations of different radio communications systems in any events. The Harmonization of the frequency scales consists of compliance and change in two directions: Dependent to the circumstance, whether in a definite NATO radio frequency band is set out that frequencies from Defense and Security shall be included within the National Frequency Plan, and if not it is to be added; Dependent to the circumstance, whether within the National Frequency Plan is planned usage from Defense and Security, NATO ITU SM Workshop NBU 27 29 July 2004 3
shall not use this band. If this is the case, then negotiations with the interested authorities have to be undertaken for freeing the relevant frequency bands. Harmonization of radio frequency plans is a dynamic process, co-related with the costs for implementing new systems. This process shall reflect the interests of the relevant authorities and the state. It is to consider that in a market driven economy the radio frequency spectrum is a scared resource, which is bringing value to the state and has to be managed efficiently. За честотните ленти, предназначени за гражданско и военно използване. The National Plan for allocation of the radio frequency spectrum of Bulgaria is to change in two ways. The first one is connect to the implementation of the recommendations of the ITU, ERC and CEPT and the relevant table for frequency allocation. The second one is harmonization of the frequency allocation in compliance with the engagements with NATO Member-States in respect of joint use of radio frequency spectrum for civil needs as well as for defense and security. The frequency bands covered by the NATO Agreement are analyzed for joint use of the frequency resource (NATO Joint Civil/Military Frequency Agreement) and their allocation in accordance with Report 25 на ERC и CEPT, the allocation for NATO Member-States and the relevant allocation in Bulgaria in compliance with the National Plan of April 2002. The harmonization with CEPT and NATO shall go simultaneously. The Forum uniting CEPT and NATO experts in radio frequency management - JPT1 (Joint Project Team 1) has provide its work that has been reflected in the last version of the European Frequency Table of Lisbon 2002. So called harmonized bands, ensuring common military frequency resource and of great importance for joint drills and Peace Keeping Operations (PKO Peace Keeping Operations), as for everyday training, exercises and preparation and readiness for military actions, and for the maintenance and adoption of Electronic Counter Measures (ECM Electronic Counter Measures). There will be harmonization in practice, prior regarding the type of communications systems, devices and equipment and checking the compatibility of now acting communications means in the Bulgarian Army with the relevant NATO equipment. A software product and a database for the frequency bands are already developed. It is helpful where undertaking current operational analysis of the frequency tables and for development of the proposals for harmonizing parts of the spectrum. During the harmonization process new table with same structure may be added or some may be replaced. ITU SM Workshop NBU 27 29 July 2004 4
Review and analysis of newly submitted documents, connected with the preparation of Regional Radio Communication Conference RRC- 04/05 ITU-BR SG-6 Report is in regard to the first session of the Conference (RRC- 04/05). RRC-04/05 mandate covers TV frequencies in III, IV и V frequency band, as envisaged in Resolution 1185 of the ITU Managing Board. Following above RRC-04/05 has to develop new regional agreement for this frequency band. Principal parts of the agreements of ST61 and GE89 have to be considered. The new agreement has to consist procedures, technical criteria and definite number of frequency plans. Principal parts are the frequency plans for digital radio broadcasting in III, IV и V bands. In addition, the connection between the new radio frequency plan and the analogue plans of ST61 and GE89 shall be defined, but also the relevant regulatory procedures. General description of the Report of RRC-04/05 is provided, as well the target and the necessity of this Conference is assessed. The Stockholm and the Geneva Agreements of 1961 and 1989 are briefly introduced, pointing out the items to be considered in the future agreement (frequency plan), subject of the Conference. The manner for organizing the RRC-04/05 is provided, listing the responsible staff of the working groups, developing the Report for RRC-04/05, which goal is to prepare the forthcoming revision of the Stockholm Frequency Plan of 1961. Draft Strategy for Broadband Infrastructure in Bulgaria The Strategy will be part of Bulgarian action plan e-europe 2005: An information society for all. The plan is based on two groups of actions. On the one hand to stimulate services, applications and content covering both online public services and e-business and on other hand to push the development of broadband infrastructure and security matters. The new regulatory framework in EU from July 2003 takes full account of the convergent nature of broadband. The explicit objectives for the Regulators are to encourage efficient investment in infrastructure by new entrants and incumbent operators. The broadband strategy will have a complex task, as it is to affect by many different aspects as town and country planning, research policy, taxation and regulation. It is necessary to analyze the existing obstacles and policy options to broadband deployment with a view to widespread access to new services through open platforms in digital television and 3G. The proposed actions are in the following areas: Spectrum policy a discussion will be initiate on new approaches for spectrum valuation and trading of rights-of-use of frequencies; ITU SM Workshop NBU 27 29 July 2004 5
Broadband access in less favored regions where is necessary will be supported the deployment in less favored areas including the use of structural funds and/or financial incentives. Reduce barriers to broadband deployment the strategy should ease the access to right-of-way, poles and conduits to facilitate the investment, for instance through the removal of legislative barriers. Multi-platform content It is necessary the content on different technological platforms to be offered, such as interactive digital TV, 3G etc. To identify regulatory obstacles for use of digital television for interactive services; Digital switchover the member-states of EU should publish their intentions regarding switchover. These could include a road map, and an assessment of market conditions, and possibly a date for the closure of analog terrestrial television broadcasting which would enable the recovery and reframing of frequencies. The broadband strategy will help the Bulgarian participation in a new development of Trans-European Networks (TEN). e-ten is the European Community Program designed to help the deployment of telecommunications networks based services (e-services) with a trans- European dimension. ITU SM Workshop NBU 27 29 July 2004 6