Appendix EA Synopsis on Radio Spectrum Management
1 Director, Telecom Regulatory, Egypt
2 Director, Telecom Regulatory, India
E.1 Introduction to Spectrum
When we use the word spectrum in telecom space it refers to the radio frequency (RF) spectrum. Radio is a general term applied to the use of radio waves. The RF spectrum refers to the continuum of frequencies that characterises radio signals. Radio waves mean electromagnetic waves of frequencies lower than 3000 GHz and propagating in space without artificial guide.
Over the past few years, there has been a lot of debate about spectrum shortages, spectrum allocations, interference, etc. Methods of allocation of spectrum in a transparent manner which maximises government revenue was also equally debated. To get more spectrum to expand the capacity of radio networks, Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) are looking at various ways and are even proposing mergers just to achieve it.
E.2 Spectrum Management
Considered as a scarce resource by many administrations worldwide, radio spectrum management and its efficient use remain a top priority for the mobile and wireless communications industries. Since the early 1990s, and with the rapid increase in mobile radiotelephones, there has been an urgent need for new frequency allocations in the, back then, unchartered parts of the radio spectrum (from 1 to 3 GHz). It was evident that the usefulness of various parts of the spectrum varies. The choice of ...