The availability of radio spectrum is an essential requirement for RFID applications. Regulations concerning spectrum access have therefore a determining influence on the large-scale deployment of RFID devices. Currently the 3 MHz of spectrum earmarked in the UHF band seems adequate for the particular application of this technology in logistics and retail distribution. Industry has now to identify the longer term needs for spectrum since the institutional process of allocating new bands is traditionally one with a long cycle. The needs of various users (not only RFID users) of spectrum have to be assessed and merits compared before new spectrum could be made available.

Frequency plans

There are currently only about two-thirds of the EU Member States which have adapted their frequency plans to accommodate the UHF bands identified for RFIDs as recommended by the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) update of Recommendation 70-03 on Short Range Devices (in October 2004). Although Member States which have not yet done so have promised to adapt their national frequency plans in the near future, the European Commission has deemed appropriate to accompany the process and to provide Europe-wide legal certainty to investors by the adoption of a specific regulatory measure (technical implementation decision).

Some participants in the workshops complained that a lot of effort was made on product development for specific European frequency bands, whereas it would be wise to harmonise at global scale. If spectrum allocation were harmonised, the cost of development and the time to deployment would be reduced. Yet it is recognised that globally disparate frequency allocations are a fact which cannot be modified, and that full global harmonisation can probably not be achieved, at least in the foreseeable future.

RFID deployment is still in its infancy. The short term response to immediate needs should be complemented by a longer term review of needs, costs and benefits through the existing mechanisms and management structures.

Spectrum in the future

The fragmented spectrum legacy in Europe is a reality that prohibits radical changes to reallocate spectrum. As other types of Short Range Devices are also dependent on the UHF band, it is difficult to allocate dedicated bandwidth in this band to a single technology like RFID. Therefore, a broader view balancing technical efficiency, allocational efficiency, and incentives to further research is needed. Since in the future more applications may be deployed that require dedicated spectrum with minimal limitations, there is a need for a long-range plan. Such a plan should contain the expected needs in combination with expected technological developments for the next 10 to 15 years. A system reference document (by ETSI) could be part of this process.

Such a study should be an Integrated Assessment weighing different market requirements in the future and determining frequency opportunities. Differing needs arise from various RFID applications (such as the amount of spectrum, spectrum parameters, and global interoperability). There is a need for a roadmap of spectrum needs and spectrum availability – with milestones and priorities – so that a trade-off can be made between sophisticated (sharing) and easy (dedicated) spectrum usage conditions as well as between other applicants for spectrum.

Although the current standards were recently introduced, the technology has further developed. We also see that although current focus is on UHF RFID technology, other RFID technologies are still being researched and should be considered as viable complements and/or alternatives. The optimal deployment of specific RFID tags depends, once again, on the application. New opportunities may be found in different frequency ranges or could be the result of technological solutions. Therefore, research and development activities are called for.

Research and development

Technological solutions to overcome spectrum related challenges may include: 1) the use of narrow beam antennas and electromagnetic absorbent material; 2) the use of two interrogators at the same portal that operate on different frequencies; or 3) the use of tags that respond at a higher data rate. However, solutions with narrow beams and shielded portals increase system complexity and reduce flexibility. In surroundings where 100 readers are requested to operate simultaneously, Dense Reader Mode (DRM) may be an option.

In summary

Frequency use is an issue that can be addressed with new technology solutions and/or with new spectrum allocation. As spectrum re-allocation is a difficult subject in national and international discussions, the pressure on technology solutions is high and in many cases sufficient today, but in particular with an eye on the future deployment of many more applications that make use of RFID it is important to consider future needs and potential solutions early on.