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Simplified Licence Granting Procedure

Simplified Licence Granting Procedure for the 70/80 GHz Frequency Band - Instructions
 
In line with new trends and guidelines for the development of future radiocommunication systems, HAKOM has introduced a new regulatory framework for managing the radio frequency spectrum, which enables simpler, more cost-effective and flexible use. The simplified procedure for granting individual licences is prescribed by Article 17 of the Ordinance on the Conditions for the Assignment and Use of the Radio Frequency Spectrum. The introduction of this procedure for a specific frequency band is determined by the allocation plan. The main differences from the classic individual licence granting procedure are as follows:
  • The simplified licence granting procedure is entirely conducted electronically, reducing the overall time from submission to resolution of the request.
  • Frequency planning of links and interference analysis, which is carried out by HAKOM in the classic procedure, is performed by the user or operator in the simplified procedure. HAKOM retains the role of controlling and supervising the RF spectrum and acts as an intermediary in case of interference. This allows for a simpler and more flexible procedure of allocating the RF spectrum.
  • Project documentation is not mandatory, and the fee for the use of RF spectrum in frequency bands where the simplified procedure is prescribed is significantly lower (as per the Ordinance on Fees), which substantially reduces the overall costs for using these frequency bands.
The allocation plan, adopted in early 2012 (the Allocation Plan) foresees the simplified procedure for granting licences for microwave links in the 70/80 GHz frequency band (71000-76000 / 81000-86000). This frequency band (known as the e-band or millimetre band) is particularly attractive due to its unique propagation characteristics, which enable highly directional microwave links with a low risk of interference. Furthermore, the planned channel arrangements allow for the use of very wide channels and the transmission of very high capacities, making them particularly suitable for establishing backhaul links for 4G systems.

Flowchart for Simolified Licence Granting Procedure in the Republic of Croatia

The application process is entirely carried out electronically through an online application. All necessary tools are available on HAKOM's website: requests are submitted via e-Mikrowave, online application, and spectrum availability can be checked by reviewing the existing links in the e-band database, which is available in the e-band Viewer.

To use the e-band (70/80 GHz) system, as well as other e-License services, users must first register on HAKOM's website. If a user does not have an active account, they must first register through the interface on the left side of HAKOM's homepage. Services are available to both legal and physical persons. After logging in, but before submitting an electronic application, users must check the possibility of establishing the link by reviewing the existing links in the e-band Viewer. During the verification, users can refer to the appropriate catalogues and technical standards available online (e.g., filter diagrams from the ETSI EN 302 217 standard). Based on the verification of RF spectrum availability in a particular area, users can select the frequency channel and other technical parameters of the new link, ensuring that the new link does not interfere with the operation of existing links.

After verifying the feasibility of the desired link, the user submits the electronic application via the e-Microwave application by selecting the 70/80 GHz frequency band. Once the application is submitted, the new link is automatically entered into the existing links database with the status “Pending Approval.”

The user is responsible for frequency planning and interference analysis, as well as the accuracy of the data entered in the application. Each operator, when entering a new link, must ensure that the operation of existing links is not disrupted. The interference analysis, i.e., the checking of mutual effects between links to minimize the possibility of interference, is the operator's responsibility. Usual project-technical documentation with geodetic foundations, calculations, and data on radio equipment and antennas is not required. HAKOM checks the basic data from the application (geographical coordinates, altitude, transmitter and receiver frequency arrangements, correctness of other data, etc.) and either grants or rejects the application. HAKOM may also request clarification of the entered data or the submission of additional documents. Approved applications receive the status “Approved,” while rejected ones are deleted from the existing links database. Links with the statuses “Approved” and “Pending approval” are considered existing, as they have the same status. The licence and invoice are automatically generated once the application is approved and sent to the user’s address.

It is important to note that the existing link database is populated based on the order of receipt of applications (first come, first served), which also determines the priority of each individual link. In the case of interference reports, HAKOM will conduct field monitoring of the RF spectrum and determine the source of the interference, but priority is given to the earlier entry in the database. A link that is later entered must either change its parameters or cease operation in order to eliminate the interference. It is important to note that users of this frequency band are advised to cooperate with each other throughout all steps of the licence application process and during the operation of the links. This also applies to any potential interference, and users are encouraged to first attempt to resolve the interference by negotiating the parameters of their links before contacting HAKOM for intervention if the problem cannot be resolved.