[Openbts-discuss] just FYI - GSM test license for Germany

[Ralph A. S. d. <ra...@sc...>]

Hi,

Now I finally got my personal GSM test license. The good thing, 4 ARFCNs, no
restrictions regarding MCC/MNC, access classes, IMSIs, whatever-else, and
the full 100mW ERP the USRP can deliver from a rubber duck antenna. The bad
thing, only GSM1800 (what was expected, there is simply no free space left
in the GSM900 spectrum in Germany), and limited to my location, so no chance
to fully legally give some lectures in other places than my home. The good
thing, valid for one year, can be refreshed if needed. 

The statement about operating location, the frequencies have to be locally
coordinated. With whom?? The upper end of the GSM1800 spectrum is
unassigned, only test users, and hey, when they influence each other, who
cares? There is anyway any protection from interference excluded.  My guess
is there is more than they want to let us know, maybe IMSI catchers and
other nasty toys make use of this spectrum, too?! 

Ah, and one bad thing, the letter with the certificate got lost, otherwise I
would have got it 6 weeks earlier. I thought, well, maybe it just takes that
long - and then I received a reminder to pay the 130 EUR + 92 ct reminder
fee to "Deutsche Bundeskasse". WTF!? :)

 Applying for the license was quite easy, RF parameters, location, intended
use, some more explanations in an accompanying letter, they had no further
questions and just sent me the license without further comment. Great!

Now I am just awaiting some clarification, if there is some way to use it in
other places, maybe on previous notice, or with a 1mW limit. We will see.

Ralph.