Introduction

Interference analysis is the study of how one or more radio systems can degrade the operation of other users of the radio system. It includes techniques to predict the level of interference and whether that could be tolerated or would represent a serious degradation, otherwise known as harmful interference. One of the key questions about interference analysis is what counts as an acceptable level and what would be “harmful interference.” A founding principle of the International Telecommunication Union’s Radio Regulations is the need for spectrum efficiency, i.e. to use the limited natural resource of the radio spectrum as efficiently as possible. Often the limiting factor on its utilisation is interference and so the need to understand, predict and manage interference is central to spectrum management. Hence, the need for coexistence and compatibility studies.

This report entails the coexistence and compatibility studies for license-exempt devices in the 6 GHz Band for Kenya. The 6 GHz band is presently in use by terrestrial and earth-to-space satellite services. While we note the recommendation by the 6 GHz African Telecommunications Union’s (ATU’s) Task Group on allowing license-exempt access for Wi-Fi in the lower part of the band (5925 – 6425 MHz) first, this report shares findings in the full 6 GHz band (5925 – 7125 MHz). This is because the terrestrial incumbent services (Fixed Services) predominantly operate in the upper part (6425-7125 MHz). Hitherto, we hope that the work presented here provides a benchmark for rapid regulatory decision-making for Kenya as well as regulatory considerations by other countries on the African continent regarding the way forward in enabling spectrum sharing in the 6 GHz band.

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http://www.ilabafrica.ac.ke/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Co-Existence-Studies-for-Wi-Fi-6E-Report.pdf