Unleash the Potential of Your Available Spectrum

Spectrum is a precious and scarce resource with a high cost. Mobile network operators are required to use the existing spectrum resources from GSM and UMTS to LTE in the most efficient way, so to accommodate new radio technologies by reassigning spectrum resources. Adopting the right approach to spectrum refarming is important to enable smooth implementation of a new spectrum plan.

Reassigning Underutilized Frequency Bands and Paving the Way for Spectral Efficiency

Reassigning Underutilized Frequency Bands and Paving the Way for Spectral Efficiency

Introduction of new mobile technologies and penetrating indoors with more advance radio technologies such as LTE-A results in increased capacity, data speeds and performance. 

Until now, mobile operators have allocated a dedicated spectrum to each radio access technology, such as 2G at 900MHz, 3G at 2100MHz and 4G at 2600MHz. With the rise of global mobile data usage and increasing signaling traffic enabled by the emerging IoT (Internet of Things) applications, the need for more spectrum for LTE and beyond resulted in ultra-expensive spectrum auctions all around the globe. Due to the high cost of the spectrum resources, it is inevitable to re-use the existing spectrum more efficiently. P.I. Works works closely with operators to develop a tailored refarming strategy, as each operator has different requirements and embraces a phased approach. 
A Phased Approach to Spectrum Refarming

A Phased Approach to Spectrum Refarming

Successful delivery of any refarming project relies on strong coordination between the mobile operator and the solution provider. Before initiating the project, both parties should agree on the technical and regulatory requirements, identify the cross-border restrictions as well as the required solution.

Pre-Refarming
In this phase, the utilization of the existing carriers is analyzed to identify the underutilized carriers that can be refarmed. Physical and soft configuration parameters in the network are audited with drive-less inconsistency identification and the necessary optimization actions are taken. Optimization modules of P.I. Works EXA, including Cross Finder, Automated Inconsistency Correction (AIC), Area Code Optimization (ACO), Automated Neighbor Relation (ANR), Coverage and Capacity Optimization (CCO), are used during the process.

New Frequency Planning and Implementation
Frequency Optimization with EXA AFP (Automated Frequency Planning) and EXA AFR (Automated Frequency Retuning) is carried out during this phase.
  • AFP offers MR-based bulk frequency plan with open-loop support to deliver global optimum frequency distribution.
  • AFR performs periodic and closed-loop frequency retuning optimization activities.

Post-Refarming
Once the refarming of frequencies is completed and new frequency plan is applied, long term health check and optimization activities start for all Radio Access Technologies utilizing CCO, ANR, Cross-Finder, AIC and HLB (Hybrid Load Balancing) modules. These activities are conducted by P.I. Works expert engineers.

Seamless Network Transformation

P.I. Works solutions powered by AI based automation enables defect-free transition and helps you achieve higher spectral efficiency

Engineering Efficiency

Reduced Drive-Test Teams

Defect-free network transformation

Spectrum Refarming Made Easy with P.I. Works

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