In late 2007, a survey-type exercise, termed as an e-Readiness exercise, was conducted under the mandate of the Ministry of National Development (MND), Department of Information Communications Technology (DICT) to determine the preparedness of Seychelles to participate in the global information society and digital economy. One of the important findings of the exercise is that Seychelles has a solid telecommunications infrastructure and that an excellent telecommunication infrastructure platform is being established. One of the activities which is helping to push the latter is the identification of appropriate frequency bands from the radio spectrum that can be used to deploy wireless systems in order to create a countrywide reliable and efficient ICT infrastructure, and provide widespread accessibility to ICT services. The frequency bands identified must also be economically attractive to investment by telecommunication service providers, including Internet Service providers (ISP), so that there is an acceptable return on capital employed. This is line with the Government’s policy of encouraging continued infrastructure upgrades and investments in new ICT technologies in order to ensure the availability of accessible, universal, affordable, modern and high quality ICT facilities and services within Seychelles and to improve the country’s strong position regionally in the domain of ICT deployment and usage.

In Seychelles, the activity of identifying and releasing appropriate spectrum to be used by the telecommunication industry and the public, termed as radio spectrum management, is the responsibility of the Communications Division, which falls under the umbrella of DICT of the MND. Over the last three years, the Communications Division had been prompted several times by the telecommunication service providers, including ISPs, to release the 3400-3800 MHz band. After considerable research and benchmarking, including a consultation with local telecommunication service providers and ISPs, the Communications Division has agreed to release the 3400 - 3600 MHz (3.5 GHz) frequency band to be used for the deployment of terrestrial Fixed Broadband Wireless Access systems (FBWA), including Nomadic BWA (NBWA). This is similar to what is being done in several countries, such as Mauritius, South Africa and certain European Union countries.

These FBWA systems can be implemented via various standardized technologies, the most prominent amongst them being the 802.12d/802.16-2004 standard termed as WiMAX and the ETSI HYPERMAN standards. The potential services that can be rendered are broadband IP services, interactive services (web browsing, game interfaces), streaming services (VOD , MPEG), background services (FTP, e-mail, SMS, multicasting, MMS) etc. Basically data, voice and video, otherwise termed as ‘triple play’ services can be provided in an integrated manner via one medium. It could also provide last mile access/leased line replacement solutions.

WiMAX - Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access
IP - Internet Protocol
VOD - Video On Demand


As is the case with the opening up of any other frequency band, there are certain criteria that need to be fulfilled by any current or potential telecommunication service provider and ISP wishing to deploy in the 3.5 GHz band. The document, “Allocation Criteria of Frequencies within the 3400-3600 MHz Band for Broadband Wireless Access”, which will be used to do as titled, can be obtained from the Communications Division at Caravelle House, 3rd Floor and at the URL http://www.ict.gov.sc/homecnt/policies.aspx. The main points are summarized below.

The licensing framework is based on a technology neutral basis, and the licensing mechanism in this band will be based on services rendered. This implies that at least a license to provide a telecommunications service or operate a telecommunication facility such as Internet, VOIP and PSTN will be required to be allocated spectrum from the 3.5 GHz band, but no individual license will be required for the spectrum itself. Priority of frequency allocation in this band will be given to public telecommunication service providers and ISPs, both current and future. Accordingly, any entity applying for spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band must first submit a detailed project memorandum to the Seychelles Investment Bureau (SIB), which should include all relevant technical details as listed by the DICT, including their radio network roll-out plan and associated deployment timeframe. In addition, a quarterly reporting of the progress with respect to their radio network rollout plan must be submitted for the DICT’s perusal. This would ensure that the spectrum allocated to the entity is being utilized as indicated and coverage extended as indicated in their submitted project memorandum. This feedback mechanism is also to prevent spectrum ‘hoarding’ and/or barriers to re-allocation of spectrum to other interested users in case of non-utilization by an entity. As per the DICT’s current practice, any spectrum which has been allocated and not being utilized after 6 months, without proper justification will be retracted and re-allocated.

Due to the possibility of harmful radio frequency interference to Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) equipment, Earth Stations/Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT), and Broadcasting Satellite Services (BSS)/TeleVision Receive Only (TVRO) Services, around the world in and outside the 3.5 GHz band, the deployment of Earth Stations/VSATs in the 3.5 GHz band shall not be allowed and deployment of the same minimized in the 3600 - 3700 MHz band. To further mitigate the possibility of harmful interference, the DICT will assign spectrum contiguously so that no service provider has the same spectrum and has also put a 15W limit on the Point-Multi-Point Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP). Note that the TVRO services procured, such as CANAL+ and DSTV, are presently not operating in the 3.5 GHz band in Seychelles. However, for any entity wishing to import a TVRO satellite dish for other broadcast services, please be advised that due to the nature of operation of BSS, the DICT has no control of what frequency band the signals will be received in and cannot guarantee if the satellite is broadcasting in the 3.5 GHz band. The DICT does not regulate TVROs based on the satellite used, frequency of utilization and channels received, but rather on the size/diameter of the satellite dish and the purpose of use (Personal/Commercial/Commercial Tourism, etc). Therefore, approval to import and install a TVRO satellite dish will continue to be granted based on these parameters and as a result the risk of harmful interference shall be totally born by the applicant.

The DICT would like to thank the telecommunication service providers and ISPs for providing their views and comments during the consultation exercise.