The radio spectrum is a limited resource that has to be shared between different services, technologies, users and countries. It is the task of regulatory authorities to manage the resource and to optimize its use. International frameworks provide the basis for spectrum management, however knowledge of the characteristics of the radio spectrum and technologies that use it are necessary for these frameworks to be translated into realizable policies and practices at a national and regional level. This course provides an overview of the goals of spectrum management as well as delivering an understanding of the specific characteristics of different parts of the radio spectrum and how this impacts its utility and value. The use of different spectrum bands is discussed, together with a consideration of the way in which historic and new radio technologies use spectrum and the techniques being considered to maximize efficiency and sharing. Different facets of spectrum management and regulation are explained. The course explores assignment and planning methods from the classical command and control techniques to developments in economic techniques such as pricing, trading and auctions. It takes a look at techniques such as spectrum sharing and dynamic access and licensed shared access to help understand what failings of existing techniques they are seeking to redress.

Course Objectives

After completion of the course, participants will understand how the radio spectrum is used, and approaches to its management and regulation with respect to setting certain policies. They will have extended their knowledge of spectrum management and will have been updated on the latest techniques and processes being employed.

Intended for

This course is ideal for those working in a policy development and technical/non-technical positions within a spectrum regulator or regulatory body. It is useful for those who wish to deepen their knowledge of the toolkit for spectrum regulation and management including consultants, investors, manufacturers, major spectrum users and those for whom managing the spectrum is a part of their daily job.

Contents

• Characteristics of radio spectrum and radio technologies
  
• The international framework and processes for spectrum management
  
• Translating spectrum characteristics into policy levers
  
• Evolution of spectrum assignment approaches
  
• Spectrum sharing; a paradigm to innovative spectrum management