Radio Spectrum Management

Spectrum Allocation

There can be no doubt that demand for radio spectrum is increasing as the value of the mobility offered by wireless services is increasingly recognised. But demand comes from many different and often conflicting uses, some of which (such as the emergency services, or air traffic control) are safety-critical, and all of which demand consistency and reliability of access to spectrum resources. Unless there is a clear policy dictating how an administration should deal with requests for spectrum use, allocation of spectrum to various competing radio service types can lead to the fragmented and inefficient delegation of frequencies. Eventually, this may result in new, valid requests for new spectrum being turned down as no suitable frequencies are available.

Key to the effective management of the radio spectrum is a reasoned policy and plan detailing how available spectrum resource is to be allocated between different usages. A core instrument in this regard is the National Frequency Allocation Table (NFAT) which defines the framework of permitted uses of the radio spectrum, as well as the hierarchy of priorities given to different uses where more than one use is permitted in any frequency band. Creating a workable NFAT can be a challenging task, as it will not only need to accurately reflect current activities, but also look towards the future aspirations of spectrum-using communities in-country whilst simultaneously take account of international issues such as the relevant ITU recommendations or EU requirements.

InterConnect Communications' spectrum, regulatory and technical experts can review current spectrum use and identify key issues to be addressed in policy elements as well as the NFAT itself. We can assist with the development of policies and allocation procedures to encourage and support efficient spectrum use, and meet overarching policy and economic development objectives. In the longer term, we can support spectrum authorities with a range of institutional development activities and targeted on-the-job training for key staff.

Our experience is considerable and includes:

Assisting regulators in Asia, North Africa, the Middle East and Central Europe to develop new national frequency allocation plans and - where required - migrate existing users to new frequency bands;
Developing a licensing regime for the government of a major Asian country to facilitate the award of further mobile licenses, including a detailed study into spectrum availability, packaging and licensing processes;
Proposing a spectrum allocation policy and provided advice on how a Middle Eastern regulator should develop a new national frequency allocation plan.

Where regulatory and technological demands leave spectrum authorities with no choice but to migrate existing users to alternative frequency bands (or even other, non-wireless, technologies) in order to make way for new users, InterConnect can help support the transition with suitable spectrum re-farming plans. These can range from simple band re-organisation to the wholesale clearance of a band to make way for a new user, and address both technical considerations and cost implications. Using an independent body to lead the difficult negotiations can ease tensions on both sides and make an amenable solution quicker to arrive at.

Key Service Areas:

Spectrum Management Policy

28 Feb 2008InterConnect News

Spectrum Master Class

The first Spectrum Master Class of 2008 will take place on 14 - 18 July 2008.

More Information?

For more information about InterConnect's Spectrum services, please contact Phil Harris by phone on +44 (0) 1291 638400.