Evaluation of Possible Frequency Band Plans for Joint Use of 5G Broadcast and Digital TV Systems

5G Broadcast is a new concept for broadcast or multicast delivery of media services to users. This type of systems is currently under consideration for UHF band where it can be considered as a Digital Dividend after transition from Analog to Digital Television (DTV). The paper considers possible interference issues in the cases when 5G Broadcast and DTV networks operate in adjacent radio frequency (RF) channels and in neighbor transmitter cells. GE06 DTV spectrum mask Envelope Concept is mentioned as a reference point and some scenarios for joint use of 5G Broadcast and DTV proposed in EBU reports are considered for homogenous networks with frequency re-use 3. Analysis of results show that considerable interference may occur when 5G Broadcast and DTV operate in adjacent RF channels. Thus, thorough investigation of interference issues and quite complicated frequency planning are necessary in this case. Possible solutions for these problems are use of 8 MHz 5G Broadcast channel bandwidth approved in 3GPP Release 17 and UHF band segmentation that may provide use of similar types of services (e.g., DTV or 5G Broadcast) in the adjacent RF channels. Potential future introduction of new types of services in UHF band based on new types of signals will need further investigation of interference issues and corresponding frequency band planning.