Roland Götz, Dr. Manfred Lebherz, Dr. Georg Schöne

Members of the Board

Editorial

Dear Readers, dear Summit-Guests, We are pleased to present the 2013 LS Summit-Edition of our customer news magazine SPECTRUM. Read in this edition about the imple-mentation of our e-licensing system at the Indonesian regulator, about our tactical turnkey monitoring solu-tions or about the DVB-T2 bid prepa-ration in Malaysia. You will also find out more about the latest develop-ments of antenna measurements and imagery services via UAV. If you are attending the LS Summit on 3rd July, you will even be able to see a live demonstration of our newest measurement UAV! As a special attraction, at the Summit you will be able to take part in an auction and win a prize, whilst hear-ing about the latest strategies and technologies in spectrum manage-ment and the wireless world. We hope you enjoy reading this magazine, and, should you attend the LS Summit, we look forward to welcoming you!

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SpectrumLS telcom Customer News Magazine

The Indonesian telecommunications regulatory authority SDPPI (formerly POSTEL) has begun the implementation of the automated spectrum manage-ment and e-licensing system SPECTRA Enterprise. The automated software system solu-tion allows for greatest efficiency and transparency in the spectrum licence application process. The system sup-ports and streamlines all underlying processes and associated workflows of the complete licensing life cycle, from the application for a new licence, the fee calculation, to technical analysis, coordination and finally the issuance of the licence and payment. Via the system’s e-licensing platform, custo-mers will be able to gradually apply online for a new licence, renew, modify and cancel licences. Payment for licen-ces can also be made online, as the licence application system is connec-ted to a third-party payment gateway. The non-payment of a customer trig-gers the calculation of the correspond-ing fine. The automated end-to-end system drastically reduces the delays of processing the customers’ requests and shortens the overall licence attri-bution, modification and renewal peri-ods. Payments for licences can be received much faster, which increases

licence revenue for the government. During the inauguration of the new Spectrum Information Management System (SIMS) on 17th of April 2013, the Indonesian Minister of Communica-tions and Information Technology, His Excellency Mr. Tifatul Sembiring said: „The introduction of the SIMS has shown the commitment of the Ministry of Communications and in particular the Directorate-General of SDPPI, to become even more transparent, objec-tive and professional in providing servi-ces to the community in the field of spectrum licensing. We should be proud of this facility due to the end-to-end online process that drastically reduces the possibility of abuse and human interaction.“ The new system builds on the SPECTRA

Professional system from LS telcom, which has been used by SDPPI for over ten years. Licensing data which were in separate databases are migrated and integrated into one central licensing database for a single view of the coun-try-wide spectrum.

Latest

Edition 02 l 2013

Indonesian Minister of Communications and Information Technology inaugurates Frequency E-Licensing System from LS telcom

Thai Regulator NBTC acquires Advanced Broadcast Planning Software CHIRplus_BCFor the introduction of Digital TV and Digital Radio Broadcasting Ser-vices in Thailand, the broadcast department of the Thai Regulator NBTC has contracted LS telcom to deliver its advanced broadcast net-work planning solution CHIRplus_

BC. Besides the installation of the full-range suite of CHIRplus_BC span-ning all analogue and digital services, including DVB-T2, the project covers user training and the integration of existing digital mapping data into the software.

LS telcom opens Office in Dubai, UAELST Consult based in Dubai Internet City focusses specifically on techni-cal consulting, radio network plan-ning and engineering services, as well as transmitter installations and measurement services. Our portfolio addresses the public and private market. For more information please visit: www.LSTConsult.com

With the acquisition of CHIRplus_BC NBTC responds to market demands and needs for digital broadcast servi-ces and complements its current spectrum management system, also delivered by LS telcom.

Inauguration of the Spectrum Information Management System (SIMS):The SDPPI team and the Indonesian Minister of Communications and Information Technology, His Excellency Mr. Tifatul Sembiring (7th from right); Dr. Manfred Lebherz, CEO & Member of the Board at LS telcom (2nd from right); and Judi Achmadi, CEO PT. SIGMA (on the right)

Edition 02 l 2013 I Spectrum 02

LS telcom builds Tactical Turnkey Shelter Monitoring Solutions for Civilian, Government and Military ApplicationsThe LS telcom monitoring and system integration team produ-ces turnkey shelters for civilian, government and military monito-ring applications, including direction finding functionality, tailored to operational and envi-ronmental requirements.

This includes the integration of soft-ware and hardware as well as any other equipment necessary for full operational use. In a recent project the team built shel-ters to host an operation centre as well as electronic support measures (ESM). The lightweight aluminium shel-ters used are compliant with NATO ACE II standards. For this project, in particular, the LS experts integrated monitoring and spectrum analysis software as well as software for net-work planning, map generation and conversion. Mobile networks such as TETRA and fixed networks can be desi-gned and stations stored in the data-base. Omni and directional monitoring antennas for a frequency range of 9KHz to 3GHz were mounted in addi-tion to direction finding antennas for HF, VHF & UHF. Other incorporated

“must-haves” are the compass and global positioning system (GPS).

The LS engineers added a technical module in front of the shelter contai-ning the power generator and redun-dant air conditioning. The shelters are equipped with either two or three operator positions respectively, with swivel chairs for more comfort and a three-point belt system for security, as the shelters can be loaded on a four-wheel drive truck. An optional electro-mechanical lifting system is available for autonomous loading and unloading on vehicles without any other lifting capabilities. Communications between the opera-tion centres and the headquarters are made using a WiMax microwave link for a maximum distance between the units of about 30km. This distance may be improved by using additional repeater stations built into small, agile vehicles. The future operators of the centres, all specialists in monitoring, direction

finding and analysis of radio signals, received comprehensive training by LS telcom. The training included modules on software, spectrum management, signals intelligence (SIGINT) and communications intelli-gence (COMINT) as well as practical training on rigging and handling the system.

The study, conducted by experts from LS telcom’s spectrum consulting team, was commissioned by Solaris Mobile, a mobile satellite services (MSS) operator with a 2 GHz spec-trum licence across Europe. Solaris wished to examine whether the use of their spectrum for a complementary terrestrial ground component, to sup-plement existing satellite coverage, could be a cost-effective solution for the PPDR community.The study reviews the data through-put requirements of the PPDR com-munity and then considers the ability of 700 MHz and 2 GHz LTE networks to deliver the requisite performance in urban and rural areas. The study concludes that the use of 2 GHz spec-

Performance Comparison of 2 GHz Satellite-Terrestrial Network and 700 MHz LTE Network for PPDR Services

trum, especially in dense urban areas, is able to deliver and exceed the sta-ted PPDR data throughput require-ments. Although initial roll-out costs of the 2 GHz network are slightly higher than for a comparable 700 MHz, the cost-per-bit-delivered is sig-nificantly lower for the 2 GHz network. Adding the expected cost of spec-trum, the difference becomes even more significant.Richard Womersley, Director of Spec-trum Consulting at LS telcom said, “It seems unlikely that 700 MHz spec-trum will become available in Europe much before 2020 if at all. And the opportunity costs associated with gifting it to the PPDR community are very large. On the other hand, 2 GHz

spectrum is available today and our work has shown that its use can pro-vide a cost-effective, high-perfor-mance network for PPDR users in urban areas. Add to this the availabil-ity of satellite services in other areas and you have a winning combination.”The study considered the design, dimensioning, coverage and econo-mics of both solutions and used London as a worst-case area for assessing the likely performance and costs. LS telcom’s planning engineers also considered practical factors, such as antenna performance and building penetration for the two fre-quencies bands.

LS telcom published a report comparing the use of 2 GHz and 700 MHz for public protection and disaster relief (PPDR) net-works.

Operator positions inside the Operation Centre

Operation Centre during final fitting and configuration at LS telcom

Long-Term Measurements and Drive-Tests in Critical Communication NetworksLS telcom offers network opera-tors and regulators to check on temporary network outages and interferers.

LS telcom experts can carry out long-term measurements at places where network coverage is critical or where users complain about outages or insufficient network connection qua-lity. They can also perform test drives to check whether the actual signal corresponds to the planned signal, to identify areas where coverage is insuf-ficient or, on the contrary, too high, so that the network can be adjusted

and optimised accordingly. The picture on the right shows an example of a measurement carried out over several weeks in a critical communication TETRA net-work. The frequency bands are shown on the vertical axis, whereas the time is shown on the horizontal axis. Two

interference incidents are marked, one of them interfered the complete measured spectrum for about 15 minutes.

Edition 02 l 2013 I Spectrum 03

Know your Antennas Inside Out...from a Distance: Cost-effective Radio FrequencyMeasurements and Mast Inventory Audits with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

The serviceLS telcom offers this as a turnkey ser-vice solution. It is made possible by means of unmanned remote controlled aerial vehicles, which include either a measurement and sensor system or a camera onboard. The unmanned measurement aerial vehicle circles the antenna to measure the radiated energy in the azimuth and elevation planes at specific distances from the radiating antennas. While the meas-urement flights are recorded on board in high definition wide angle video for-mat, a separate UAV specifically equipped with appropriate HD photo-graphic equipment is also available on site for such recordings.How it worksThe complete solution consists of the latest unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology which is adapted to carry the measurement sensor, high resolu-tion position and orientation sensors, an autopilot, a high powered proces-sor and storage unit and a telemetry system. The measurement and naviga-tional data is stored on board and also streamed to the ground control station in real time. The UAV flies semi-remote controlled and in accordance with a pre-programmed flight path. Several safety features are built into the sys-tem amongst which is a ‘return to take-off point’ in the unlikely event of remote control failure.The distance at which the UAV circles the antenna varies from 50m to 600m depending on the site, the type of measurement, the type of antenna installation and bands to be measured. Flight path distances are typically 3km long.This UAV-measurement-service is obviously much more cost-effective than carrying out measurements in an actual manned helicopter. It is also safer to fly, especially in confined spaces, as it has an accurate flight

video camera. Another challenge was the installation of a reliable telemetry and measuring data transmission system to operate in harsh RF environments and over distances. The problem is solved by deploying self-configuring mesh net-work modules in the flight area. This solution has proven to be highly de-ployable to match the shape of any required flight area. The deliverablesThe deliverables of the in-flight meas-urement service include horizontal (HRP) and vertical radiation patterns (VRP) and effective radiated power (ERP) per service. The performance of the transmission system can thus be accurately quantified. The results may be used, in turn, to determine coverage deviations from the design intention.The measurements for all programmes for a single transmission technology can be carried out in one flight. To confirm the absolute reliability of the results, all flights are duplicated and the results overlaid for the benefit of the customer.The deployment of the photographic UAV brings great additional value by providing details for mast inventory, such as antenna type, height, status of paint work and rust on the mast. It enables desktop assessment of the installation and infrastructure, before and/or after the work of installation and maintenance teams. This is espe-cially convenient and advantageous where climbing up the mast is cost-intensive and normally requires down-time of the transmitter for inspection.The advantages in briefThe advantages for network operators of this revolutionary service are two-fold: not only can they optimise net-work coverage and guarantee expected service level to their custom-ers in a cost-effective way; they will also be able to reduce their infrastruc-ture maintenance cost. This equipment inventory service also allows operators to easily and quickly quantify any possibly available space for rental to third parties.Interest in this service offering was received worldwide. The most recent measurements/recordings were done in Kenya for the huge Pan-African DVB-T2 network operator Multi-Choice.

*device that permits a body to incline freely in any direction or suspends it so that it will remain level when its support is tipped

path on all axes. Any deviations from the flight path are immediately detect-ed and compensated for in the end result.In addition to broadcast facility meas-urements, this makes it the ideal solu-tion for GSM sites also. Such measurements cannot be carried out by a conventional helicopter at all. This would be simply too dangerous, as you have to measure close the mast.Final tests completed While this is a brilliant and simple idea which seems easy to realise for the layman, there is a huge number of parameters to consider to produce accurate results. These include para-meters for calibration, stabilisation, navigation, positioning, data streaming and the quality and repeatability of the actual measurements. All of this needs to function flawlessly in extreme RF radiating areas and under challenging environmental conditions such as on high mountain tops.This is why, after the proof of concept last year following a five-year research and development period, the system has undergone another series of extensive tests and now guarantees reliable results as well as high stability and safety. The flight stability was deliberately tested while measuring in the face of an approaching thunderstorm with wind gusts of up to 15m per second at ground level. The results under these conditions were surprisingly good, al-though the flight was part of an endur-ance test and would not normally be carried out under such conditions. A genius idea for more stability: the measuring antenna is gimbal-mount-ed*, which helps to equilibrate any roll or pitch variation, thereby minimising the required measurement correc-tions. A separate custom designed gimbal is also used on the photograph-ic copter to stabilise and point the

For the first time ever, broadcast and telecommunications operators and regulators will be in the position to determine in an easy, quick and cost-effective way, the true onsite radiation characteristics of their RF transmission installations, and will be able to have high resolution video and photographic recordings of the ground facilities and the mast. These records are extremely useful to determine the technical quality of installations on the mast and to establish an inventory of equipment and mounting space on the mast.

The UAV with the measurement payload

Typical raw measurements results of an 8 tier 4 bay UHF antenna duplicated and overlaid

Lightning strike erosion on the lightning arrestor

Condition of VHF antenna panels and coversPictures taken with the UAV imagery solution

Edition 02 l 2013 I Spectrum 04

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© 2013 for all photos and texts: LS telcom Group if not stated otherwiseEditor: Christiane Labitzke Layout: Sabrina Scheck

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LS telcom performed a detailed na-tionwide DVB-T2 network and coverage planning in Malaysia to sup-port Puncak Semangat Sdn Bhd (PSSB) in the second stage of bidding for the tender to build up the nation-wide digital terrestrial television broadcasting (DTTB) infrastructure. The bid winner will be the Common Integrated Infrastructure Provider (CIIP) for all digital public and commer-cial broadcasters.The detailed nationwide DVB-T2 net-work analysis results in a final cov-erage which is even better than the existing analogue coverage. 98% of the Malaysian population benefits from the improvements offered by the new DTT services as planned by LS telcom.In the first step different potential DVB-T2 systems were analysed to determine the most suitable T2-sys-tem with respect to the number of programs (SD and HD), coverage, SFN size, and to minimize self interference.The study included nationwide fixed coverage planning and the planning of portable reception for six conurba-tions. The outcome of the initial plan-ning which was made for the first stage of the bidding was the basis for the following detailed analyses. Site surveys were carried out for all existing broadcast sites in Peninsular (West Malaysia) and Sabah & Sarawak

The picture shows the team, which was working for PSSB on the tender documents at a workshop,

held in Port Dickson in April.

Tender Support in Malaysia: LS telcom provides Detailed DVB-T2 Network and Coverage Planning

IBC Amsterdam, Netherlands 13th - 17th September 2013

Critical Communi-cations Expo, Hamburg, Germany 23rd - 24th October 2013

ITU Telecom World, Bangkok, Thailand 18th- 21st November 2013 PMRExpo Cologne,Germany 26th - 28th November 2013

Save the date for the LS Summit 2014 Lichtenau, Germany 2nd July 2014

Land usage data excerpt of Kuala Lumpur in 20m resolution(East Malaysia). LS telcom also assisted the site survey teams in the elaboration of the site survey reports. Kathrein was en-trusted by LS tel-com to elaborate detailed antenna realisation designs for each site of the intended network roll out. Based on the real site data and the antenna designs, the detailed DVB-T2 nationwide network planning was performed using topo-graphical and land usage information data with a resolution of 20m. Different simulation approaches such as additional sites, antenna down tilts or the increase of radiated power (ERP) were used to improve the indoor coverage in dense urban areas. To assure a quick DVB-T2 network roll out with minimum RF interference to

the existing analogue TV, comprehen-sive spectrum analyses were conduct-ed taking into account all currently operating TV stations in Malaysia. LS telcom was contracted for this project by Wamata Solutions Sdn. Bhd., its local partner in Malaysia for the last 15 years. PSSB and two other companies submitted their bid to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission on 3rd June, 2013.