LegalNotes » History » Version 14
laforge, 02/21/2016 02:32 PM
1 | 13 | laforge | h1. Legal Notes |
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2 | 1 | laforge | |
3 | 12 | laforge | h2. Licensed GSM Spectrum |
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6 | 12 | laforge | GSM operates in *licensed frequency spectrum*, i.e. the license to operate equipment on the GSM bands is granted (typically sold/auctioned) to commercial entities. |
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8 | This is _very different_ from technologies like Bluetooth or [[WiFi]] operating in the 2.4GHz unlicensed ISM band. |
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10 | As a result, you cannot operate any GSM RF equipment (like the [[BS11|BS-11]] or any other BTS) unless you have obtained |
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11 | 5 | laforge | a proper license from the regulatory authority in your country. Accomplishing to operate a BTS without having such a license is subject to punishment according to the respective laws in your country. |
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13 | Apart from the legal aspects, there also are practical aspects. If you operate on a channel (ARFCN) that is already used by a GSM operator, |
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14 | 12 | laforge | you will likely create interference with the production network. *Please don't do this!* It is illegal and disruptive, and not |
15 | 1 | laforge | related to what this project is trying to achieve. |
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17 | Interfering with a public telecommunications network, intentionally or unintentionally, is a crime in most countries and punishable under applicable law! |
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19 | 10 | laforge | |
20 | 12 | laforge | h3. Regulatory authorities for GSM licensing |
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23 | 1 | laforge | * Austria http://www.rtr.at |
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25 | 8 | tnt | * Belgium http://ibpt.be/ |
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27 | For testing, the authorization category 1b and 6 are relevant. The GSM900 band is fully licensed to commercial operators, so only ARFCN in the 1800 band will be allocated. |
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29 | 4 | laforge | * Germany: http://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/ |
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31 | 1 | laforge | * Netherlands: http://www.agentschap-telecom.nl/ |
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33 | * Sweden: http://www.pts.se/en-gb/ |
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35 | * Switzerland: http://www.bakom.admin.ch/ |
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37 | * United Kingdom: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/ |
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39 | 12 | laforge | h2. GSM Related Patents |
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41 | 1 | laforge | |
42 | 14 | laforge | Osmocom software is Open Source software for research purpose, not a product that is used commercially. The development is done by volunteers who want to learn more about GSM and who want to encourage others to experiment with it. |
43 | 9 | laforge | |
44 | 14 | laforge | As such, Osmocom software does not come with patent licenses of any sort. It is well known that mobile telephony and GSM specifically is a patent minefield. Some of those patents relating to voice codecs and the Um air interface are already licensed by the BTS manufacturer. Other patents might apply directly to what [[OpenBSC:]] or other Osmocom projects are doing. |
45 | 12 | laforge | |
46 | 14 | laforge | If you are using Osmocom software in a commercial setting, it is your responsibility to properly license all applicable patents from their respective holders. The ETSI maintains a list of _essential patents_ that apply to GSM. |