Reprint
On Radio-Frequency Spectrum
Management
Ryszard Strużak
1
, Terje Tjelta
2
, and Jos
´
e P. Bor rego
3
1
National Institute of Telecommunications (NIT), Wroclaw, Poland
2
Telenor, Fornebu, Norway
3
Spectrum Management Department, ANACOM, Barcarena, Portugal
Abstract—This article review lessons learned from the uses of
radio-frequency (RF) spectrum at national and international
scales. Its main purpose is to stimulate debate on how to allow
new wireless systems to operate, and to reduce the chronic ap-
parent shortage of RF spectrum. The article aims at a better
understanding of the mechanisms behind spectrum manage-
ment and their pertinence to the public interest. The main
contributions if the article are:
• Considering RF spectrum management as a construct
that structures radio services and, at the same time,
distributes wealth and power;
• Highlighting major doctrines of RF spectrum manage-
ment;
• Promoting spectrum management directly by its users;
• Promoting cooperation and transparency.
The several parts of the paper include the evolution of spec-
trum exploitation, and a foreseeable future by taking a closer
look at major dilemmas and challenges. The paper ends with
general comments and conclusions.
1. Introd uction
“There is no more spectrum available”.
This was stated by Herbert Hoover, the US Secretary of
Commerce, in 1925. Since then, the statement has been
heard each time a new wireless service has been proposed.
That shortage of spectrum has been felt as a factor delaying
the social and economic development of society. Various
proposals have been put forward to solve the proble m, but
no satisfactory solution h a s yet been found. The laws of
physics impose absolute limits. Progress in science and
engineering bring us closer to these limits, while admin-
istrative means impose add itional restrictions. The latter
result from our choices, more or less deliberate. Better
policy and organization could augment the outcome drawn
from what is physically possible. For example, for all com-
munications between fixed points, cables could be used in-
stead of unguided radio waves, which would leave radio
waves for mobile applications. Satellite networks could
similarly take over from terrestrial networks. Better prop-
agation and system models could lead to more efficient
spectrum use. Alternatively, we could replace inefficient
signal-cod ing and data-compression technologies with bet-
ter technolog ies. The Regional Radio Conference (RRC)
on terrestrial broadcasting, held in Geneva in 2004/2006, is
a good example. The participating countries decided there
to move from analog to digital television by June 2015,
which free d a sig nificant part of the electromagnetic spec-
trum for other uses. According to Martin Cooper, a pio-
neer of mobile radio, large segments of the radio-frequency
spectrum are underutilized due to outdated ideas and prac-
tices that are still followed [1]. Other professionals have
shared his opinion.
Science and engineering make the spectrum potentially us-
able, but its real use depends on local legal, regulatory, fi-
nancial, and also perhaps other factors. Diplomats, lawyers,
econom ists, and engineers gather every few years to re-
view a nd improve the intergovernm e ntal treaties that reg-
ulate th e uses of radio waves. Traditionally, when doing
that they strictly observe the consensus principle. The con-
sensus requirement assures that the majority cannot impose
regulations that would harm any vital interests of a single
country. As a consequence, with unbalanced representa-
tion the conference results might be biased. That c ould
put some spectrum user groups not re presented at th e con-
ference in an inconvenient situation, which could last for
decades. The nearest such event, the World Rad io Confer-
ence, will be held in Geneva, Switzerland, from Novem-
ber 2 to 27, 2015 [2]. As at such previous conferences,
URSI will certainly participate as an observer, i.e., with
no voting rights. However, individual U RSI scientists can
participate and vote if they are members of national dele-
gations.
The target rea ders of this review are all of those inte rested
in radio and spectrum management mechanism s who do not
actively participate in such activities. Because of this, this
paper draws heavily from the authors’ earlier publications,
lectures, and discussions at spectrum management working
groups they chaired in URSI and in other b odies, such as
the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). How-
ever, the opinions expressed here are th e autho rs’ perso nal
opinions.
2. Spectrum Exploitation
This section dea ls with key ide as and practices inherited
from the p ast. It starts with the genesis of state intervention,
national spectrum m a nagement, and intergovernmental col-
laboration. The USA is taken as a n example for national
management. The mechanism of inter national regulations
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