FINAL REPORT - Stakeholders - Ofcom

1 Executive Summary
1.1 Overview
In these early years of the new millennium and as mobility becomes a progressively more
valued commodity, it is clear that the radio spectrum is becoming increasingly important
to society: an importance, which embraces both economic and social aspects. It is
equally well recognised that the radio spectrum is a limited and finite resource and that
the benefits which it affords society can only be realised, to their full potential, if the use of
radio spectrum is carefully managed.
The management techniques required, to ensure the effective use of the radio spectrum,
are a function of the propagation characteristics of the part of the spectrum (band) under
consideration, the demand for spectrum in that band and the use or uses to which it is
being put. Thus, different management techniques need to be deployed in different
bands to ensure that each can be used to its full potential.
The demand for radio spectrum is ever increasing as more applications which require the
use of spectrum are developed. This demand has been, to a large extent, successfully
balanced by increasingly sophisticated spectrum management techniques, as well as
improvements in the spectral efficiency of the technologies deployed. However, as radio
spectrum is a finite resource, we are approaching the point where traditional spectrum
management techniques, even taking into account developments in technology, are no
longer able to guarantee access to the spectrum to those services which are requesting it
and this in turn is leading, in some bands, to congestion and spectrum shortages.
In the UK, it is the role of the Office of Communications (Ofcom) to manage the radio
spectrum and with the above in mind, Ofcom has commissioned a study to assess the
technical, regulatory and socio-economic constraints and feasibility of implementing more
spectrally efficient radio communications techniques within the bands used by the
aeronautical and maritime communities. These communities have, up until recently, been
considered sacrosanct with respect to their spectrum use due, largely, to the international
nature of the communities and thus the difficulties associated with taking significant
measures at a national level, and the serious issues concerning the potential impact on
safety of life. Professor Martin Cave in his 2002 ‘Review of Radio Spectrum Management’
in the United Kingdom reconsidered these aspects and indicated that a review of the
situation for these users should be undertaken.
Following an open competitive tender process, a contract (reference number AY4620)
was awarded to a team consisting of InterConnect Communications Ltd, Connogue Ltd
and Helios Technologies, to carry out the above study. This document is the final report
prepared under the study and has been compiled as an input to Ofcom’s spectrum review
process. Issues relating to Maritime and Aeronautical operations and safety are beyond
the scope of this report as is their impact on spectrum requirements, for which normal
consultation would take place.
Professor Martin Cave in his review of radio spectrum management in the United
Kingdom recommended that the Government should, wherever technically and
operationally feasible, facilitate greater flexibility in the use of a given frequency band.
This recommendation is generally pertinent since if by a combination of regulatory and
technical processes it is possible to improve spectrum efficiency in any frequency band,
congestion may be alleviated, more users accommodated or spectrum could be
transferred to other users or alternative applications. However, there is not much flexibility
for an administration to deviate from the rules agreed internationally. This has to be taken
into account when considering possibilities to increase the efficiency of frequency usage.
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