Designing Telecom Devices for Global Use: Technical Considerations Beyond Marketing

Global devices are not just a marketing concept; that is how they can be marketed and used in the chosen country. Designing a telecom device for global use is something that needs to be done, as each device needs to comply with different regulations in each country.

“Global-ready” devices often fail at the technical stage. This is due to differences in frequency, network bands, and applicable local regulations. Therefore, telecom devices for global use cannot be designed in just one type.

To market telecom devices internationally, companies need to understand global branding and global engineering. Global branding will create brand consistency, loyal customers, and brand equity in diverse markets.

Meanwhile, global engineering will ensure that telecom devices have functionality, quality, and compliance in various countries and local conditions. This article will provide more information on technology literacy about what really happens behind the design of global telecommunications devices.

What “Global Use” Really Means in Telecom Devices

In telecom technology, “global use” means that equipment, standards, and services are designed to operate in various countries that are marketing targets. 

This is achieved through coordination and standardization efforts by international bodies such as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI).

Additionally, it is also necessary to comply with local standards applicable in the destination country. This is because global devices cannot simply be sold across countries, but require technical adjustments.

To be used globally, telecom devices must consider three main factors, namely network requirements, spectrum, and infrastructure.

• Network requirements: Specific demands and requirements of users or applications on the network.
• Spectrum: The range of radio wave frequencies available for wireless communication.
• Infrastructure: The physical and logistical components that make up the telecommunications network.

These three factors will differ in each country. Influencing factors include geographical conditions, economic development levels, and government policies.

RF Design Challenges in Different Regions

Radio Frequency (RF) modules are an important component inside telecom devices. Therefore, RF design in different regions poses a challenge.

Each region has different frequency band variations. This is related to national regulations, infrastructure, and regional harmonization. Here are some examples of frequency band variations in different regions.

Mobile networks (4G/5G)

• US: Uses the 700 MHz, 1700/2100 MHz (AWS), and 1900 MHz bands.
• Europe: Uses the 800 MHz, 1800, and 2600 MHz bands.
• Indonesia: Uses the 850 MHz, 900 MHz, and 2300 MHz bands for 4G. With the addition of the 2.6 GHz band and spectrum for 5G.

Variations in cellular networks mean that a phone in one region may not be compatible with another region, especially if it does not support local frequency bands.

FM radio

The radio broadcasting range is generally 88-108 MHz in most parts of the world. The only exceptions are Japan and Brazil. Japan uses the 76-95 frequency band, while Brazil uses the 76-108 MHz frequency band.

This difference is because each country has the autonomy to set specifications for broadcasting and communication services.

Digital television

• Indonesia: Uses the UHF band 478 MHz – 694 MHz (for terrestrial), with a channel width of 8 MHz per channel, in accordance with the DVB-T2 (DVB-T2) standard.
• Europe & Parts of Asia (Freeview, DVB-T): Uses the VHF and UHF bands, often with a channel width of 7 MHz (VHF) and 8 MHz (UHF).
• United States & Latin America (ATSC): Uses the VHF and UHF bands, with a channel width of 6 MHz.
• Taiwan, Colombia, Panama (Special System): Uses a 6 MHz channel width (similar to the United States) for terrestrial broadcasting. 

WiFi and Bluetooth

The bands for WiFi and Bluetooth tend to be more standardized globally. WiFi 2.4 and Bluetooth have the same frequency range, namely 2,400 – 2,483.5 MHz. Meanwhile, WiFi 5 has a frequency range of 5,150 – 5,350 MHz.

This technology is therefore easier to use anywhere. However, there are slight differences in some channels or permitted transmission power ranges.

Telecom devices are specifically designed to operate within certain frequency ranges. These differences in frequency bands result in differences in:

• Antenna tuning: Different frequencies require different antennas. This will require adjustments to the physical size, input impedance, standing wave ratio (SWR), bandwidth, and radiation pattern.
• Power amplifier efficiency: This will impact the design of higher frequency circuits and change component characteristics. 
• RF front-end complexity: Higher frequencies usually reduce the physical size of components, but increase the challenges of managing path loss and heat. Meanwhile, a wide frequency range necessitates increased complexity to support multi-band operation.

Therefore, a single RF module design is rarely truly universal. This is due to the involvement of complex considerations regarding specific physical and application factors. There is no single optimal design approach for all scenarios.

The Hidden Cost of Ignoring Technical Global Readiness 

Technical global readiness for telecom devices will have a major impact on the emergence of hidden costs. Non-compliance with a country’s technical regulations can lead to hidden costs.

This will result in cost losses:

• Product detention at customs
• Devices cannot be marketed
• Delayed marketing schedules
• Device recalls
• Failure in testing 
• Much more expensive repair costs 

The technical readiness of telecom devices is closely and directly related to their lifespan or life cycle. Products with high technical readiness, meaning they meet applicable standards and regulations.

As a result, such products tend to have a longer lifespan in the market due to guaranteed safety and quality, compatibility with existing infrastructure, and increased consumer confidence. 

Designing for Global Use as a Long-Term Strategy 

Designing a telecom device for global use is a long-term strategy. This will involve navigating a complex landscape of regulatory requirements and technical standards. If these are met, it will certainly facilitate marketing in various countries.

It can also be used to prepare for future standard planning by establishing strategic partnerships in the international arena. Global-ready is not a feature, but a design philosophy. Therefore, collaboration between engineering, product planning, and supply chain is essential. 

That is why it is important to design telecom devices for global use. With careful preparation, devices can operate and meet standards in various countries that are marketing targets. 

Network, spectrum, and infrastructure requirements are factors that must be considered in the design stage. RF modules are an important part of telecom devices. Therefore, RF design across different regions poses challenges. 

Each region has different frequency band variations. This refers to national regulations, infrastructure, and regional harmonization. If all of these factors are properly considered, the device can have a longer life in the market. 

By understanding the design of telecom devices for global use, you can avoid hidden costs. In addition, you can also plan long-term strategies for future technological developments by establishing good relationships with international partners.