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Spectrum Management

Description

The Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) is responsible for managing radiofrequency spectrum under the AITI Order 2001.

The regulatory provisions for management of radiofrequency spectrum can be found in the subsidiary legislation under Telecommunications Order 2001called the Telecommunication (Radiocommunication)Regulation 2013.

The objective of Spectrum Management:

Spectrum Planning: Ensure efficient and effective use of spectrum
Frequency assignment: Facilitate current and future use of spectrum
Monitoring: Manage interference between users

Spectrum Planning

International Fora

Amongst Spectrum Planning activities include AITI’s participation in multiple foras to ensure that Brunei Darussalam’s spectrum management activities are in accordance with international best practices.

International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

Brunei Darussalam has been a Member of ITU since 198X, amongst one of its roles include to ensure the equitable, efficient and economical use of radio frequency spectrum by all radiocommunication sercices including those using satellite orbits, and to carry out studies and approve Recommendations on radiocommunication matters.

ITU organise World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) every three to four years to review and revise the Radio Regulations, the international treaty governing the use of the radio frequency spectrum and satellite orbits.

Asia- Pacific Telecommunity (APT)

Since 1986, Brunei Darussalam has been a Member of the APT. It is a focal Intergovernmental Organization for the field of Info-communications Technology in Asia Pacific region. In spectrum planning context, the importance of this platform is to harmonize views and develop common proposals from the Asia Pacific region for the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC)

Frequency Assignment Coordination, Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam

The Frequency Assignment Committee of Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam or in short, FACSMAB; was formed in 1948 with an objective to manage coordination of radio spectrum at the common border areas of Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia and Singapore

The key functions of FACSMAB are as follows:

To coordinate radio frequency assignments within the region bounded by the three countries;
To resolve cross-border radio frequency interference;
To establish appropriate working arrangements, including setting up sub-committee and inviting industry participation; and
To escalate if necessary any unresolved matters to the Heads of the Regulatory Authorities for resolution

For more information on FACSMAB please visit www.facsmab.org

Spectrum Planning Tools

Telecommunication Radiocommunication Regulations, 2013

Brunei Darussalam Radio Spectrum Plan

AITI has prepared a comprehensive frequency allocation document called Brunei Darussalam Radio Spectrum Plan. This document contains the National Frequency Allocation Table as well as other important information such as SRD, harmonised frequency bands as well as channeling plans for specific categories of radiocommunication services.

Spectrum Rights

AITI allocates the right to use Spectrum in Brunei Darussalam through issuance of Spectrum rights or assignment basis by issuance of Appratus licenses.

License-exempt frequency bands

License exempt frequency bands are those that can be used without the need for prior authorisation or license with the condition that its technical parameters comply with those specified in the Telecommunications (Exemption from Sections 33,34(1)(b) and 35) Notification, 2018. These frequency bands are commonly used for devices that use WIFI, Bluetooth etc.

Spectrum Allocation Band Plans

The radio frequency spectrum is divided into frequency bands allocated to various radio communication services in Brunei Darussalam including fixed, mobile, broadcasting, aeronautical, maritime and satellite communication services.

Frequency & Station Licence Application

To apply for Frequencies applicants need to AITI'S Frequency Assignment officers at frequency.assignment@aiti.gov.bn. Applicants will be provided with an e-form and provide the following documents:-

Equipment Technical Specifications
Network Diagram
Antenna Radiation Pattern

Once the complete required frequency form and documents are received, frequency technical analysis is performed to ensure that no interference occurs to the existing radio communication equipment in Brunei Darussalam.

To ensure management of interference on a regional level, AITI will coordinate with Malaysia and Singapore in the monthly FACSMAB meeting and the application is subject to approval from FACSMAB Members. The applicant will be informed in writing if the application is approved. To facilitate the coordination process, it is advised that the applicant to submit the full application before FACSMAB meeting. Click here for more information on FACSMAB. The table below shows monthly deadlines for submission of Frequency applications which are subject to border coordination at FACSMAB Meetings, for the year 2018. Frequency applications which are received after the deadline shown shall be carried forward to the next FACSMAB meeting.

2018
Coordination Month	Submission Deadline
January	8 January
February	5 February
March	12 March
April	2 April
May	7 May
June	4 June
July	9 July
August	31 July
September	10 September
October	1 October
November	5 November
December	3 December

Once frequency is approved applicants can proceed to apply for Station Licences online by following the link given above. AITI has introduced a new online system where customers can make their applications for their radio systems. Please visit https://online.aiti.gov.bn.

AITI will only process complete application forms together with payment of the requisite fees and submission of required documents.

Radio Frequency Spectrum Fees

1^st January 2012, AITI implemented Spectrum fees for the usage of Radio Frequency Spectrum. Spectrum fees are divided into two fees first is the initial application fee and the second is the spectrum usage fee.

By introducing Spectrum fees the Authority aims to:-

Ensure efficient use of Radio Frequency Spectrum
Reduce spectrum hoarding
Ensure fair opportunities to spectrum access
Encourage introduction of new technologies

All new application are subject to an application fee, which are:

Temporary Usage (no longer than 3months)

DESCRIPTION	FEES
Temporary use	$100

Permanent Usage

BANDWIDTH (X)	FEES
ALL OTHER FREQUENCIES
X ≤ 25 kHz	$290
25 kHz ≤ X ≤ 500 kHz	$450
500 kHz ≤ X ≤ 1 MHz	$700
1 MHz ≤ X ≤ 20 MHz	$900
X ≥ 20 MHz	$1200

SATELLITE
UPLINK	$500
DOWNLINK	$500

The spectrum usage fees have been divided into four categories as shown below:-

Short Term or Temporary Frequency

BANDWIDTH (X)	FEES
X ≤ 25 kHz	$100
25 kHz ≤ X ≤ 500 kHz	$150
500 kHz ≤ X ≤ 1 MHz	$200
1 MHz ≤ X ≤ 20 MHz	$400
X ≥ 20 MHz	$700

Medium Term

Equal to or above 1 GHz Frequencies

Price per hop = Unit price (F1) (F2) (N)

Unit Price = BND 500

BAND FACTOR	F1
1 – 4 GHz	1.2
5 – 8 GHz	1.0
9 – 14 GHz	0.8
15 – 18 GHz	0.7
19 GHz and above	0.5

BANDWIDTH FACTOR	F2
X ≤ 7 MHz	2
7MHz < X ≤ 14 MHz	4
14 MHz < X ≤ 28 MHz	6
Above 28 MHz	8

N = Total Number of RF Channels

UHF and VHF

Price per channel = BND 75 per 12.5 kHz of occupied bandwidth

High Frequency (HF)

Price per channel = BND 50 (fixed fee)

Long Term

Broadcasting, cellular, land mobile or trunked radio, wireless broadband access

Spectrum fee = Unit Price (B) (K1)

Unit Price = BND 1,000

B = B_UP+ B_DOWN(assigned bandwidth in MHz or spectrum size in MHz)

A full list of fee calculators based on the categories mentioned above can be found on AITI self-service portal front page or can be accessed by clicking here. The link to fee calculator can be accessed by clicking here.

Station License Fees

Station Licence are broken into several categories which are as follows:

Aeronautical Station
Amateur Radio
Broadcasting Station
Earth Station
Maritime Radio
Radio Station

No	Cat	Type	Fee
1	AEF	Aeronautical Station - Aeronautical Fixed Station	BND $25.00
2	AEM	Aeronautical Station - Aircraft Station	BND $25.00
3	AMA	Amateur Radio - General	BND $25.00
4	AMS	Amateur Radio - Restricted	BND $25.00
5	AMC	Aero Model Control - RBAF Flying Club	BND $25.00
6	BCA	Broadcasting Station - AM	BND $100.00
7	BCF	Broadcasting Station - FM	BND $100.00
8	BCT	Broadcasting Station - TV	BND $100.00
9	FSS	Earth Station - Satellite Earth Station	BND $2,400.00
10	FST	Earth Station - TVRO & ASTRO (Free-to-Air)	BND $360.00
11	FSR	Earth Station - Cafe & Restaurant	BND $500.00
12	FSC	Earth Station - Apartment & Hotel	BND $1,200.00
13	FSV	Earth Station - VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal)	BND $2,400.00
14	MAF	Maritime Radio - Coast Station	BND $25.00
15	MAM	Maritime Radio - Ships Station	BND $25.00
16	RSF	Radio Station - Microwave Fixed Station	BND $25.00
17	RSM	Radio Station - LMES (Land Mobile Earth Station)	BND $25.00
18	RSR	Radio Station - Radio Determination	BND $25.00
19	RST	Radio Station - Land Mobile	BND $25.00
20	RSP	Radio Station - Repeater Station	BND $100.00
21	RSB	Radio Station - Based Station	BND $100.00
22	RDR	Radar Station - Radar	BND $2,400.00
23	FSW	Earth Station- Weather Satellite	BND $2,400.00

For Earth Station - VSAT (FSV) Licenses, the fees are determined by use and size of antenna as follows:

Type of Station	Annual Fees
Satellite News	BND $2,400.00
Earth Station Antenna Size:
X ≤ 0.3m	BND $150.00
0.3m < X ≤ 0.6m	BND $300.00
0.6m < X ≤ 1.2m	BND $600.00
1.2m < X ≤ 1.8m	BND $1,200.00
Above 1.8m	BND $2,400.00