Coexistence of Digital Terrestrial Television and 4G LTE Mobile Network Utilizing Supplemental Downlink Concept: A Real Case Study

Abstract

This paper contributes to the studies for long-term evolution (LTE) deployment into the ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) broadcasting spectrum (470–790 MHz) utilizing the supplemental downlink (SDL) concept and its coexistence with the digital terrestrial Television (DTT) service. The performed real and practical coexistence scenario studies were based on the modeling and simulation of the LTE and DTT systems in order to assess potential interference between systems and the availability of the spectrum for the LTE SDL services. Simulations were aligned with the scenarios and assumptions agreed to in the European regulation complemented with real case study parameters from Finland: the early adopter of the digital dividend II. The results lead to some conclusions about the LTE SDL-DTT coexistence and indicated availability of the complementary LTE SDL services on the lower UHF spectrum. Flexible use of the UHF band aims to increase the efficiency of spectrum use in delivering fast growing and converging mobile broadband, media, and TV content to meet the changing consumer needs. Simulated scenarios can be utilized by regulation and standardization forums for studying the future of UHF spectrum and LTE broadcasting evolution in mobile communications toward fifth-generation (5G).