UMTS500

UMTS500 is an old name for the possible deployment of UMTS in the broadcasting bands (Band IV en band V; 470 - 862 MHz). Introduction of digital TV in those bands could make spectrum available that is nowadays used for analogue television broadcasting. This so-called digital dividend can then be used for the introduction of UMTS in the broadcasting bands.

This band is attractive for UMTS for two reasons:

1. cheaper deployment in rural areas
   UMTS500 will give the mobile network operators the opportunity to use even larger cells than UMTS900. This larger cell is especially useful in rural areas where there is less demand for services.
   • 5 times more base stations at 2 GHz compared to 500 MHz,
   • 3 times more base stations at 2 GHz compared to 900 MHz.
2. indoor coverage extension in urban areas
   the deployment of UMTS in the broadcasting bands can improve the indoor coverage quality tremendously, because these lower frequencies have less difficulty to penetrate a building.

Because the band is rather large, a cost effective solution for UMTS500 will need a harmonized portion of the broadcasting band. This harmonized subband should preferably be in the lower portion of the broadcasting band. The harmonized band is however found in the upper part (790-862 MHz).