SpectrumTalk

IEEE Publishes Spectrum Inventory Article

My article on practical aspects of implementing change after the pending legislation on a spectrum inventory has been published in IEEE Wireless Communications. Comments are welcome here in the blog.

An excerpt:

Repeated surveys of spectrum occupancy in the U.S have shown large amounts of idle spectrum even in urban areas. This is the inevitable result of spectrum allocations based on peak demands of individual users in areas with uneven terrain and uneven population density. There is reason to believe that the same phenomenon occurs in all other countries although data is not as readily available. Progress in spectrum inventories is necessary to identify how much spectrum is used and how much might be available for new uses. However, an inventory by itself will lead to many further questions and time consuming deliberations unless it is accompanied by progress in defining harmful interference, determining receiver standards or at least expectations, and making the resolution of such issues more transparent so that new entrants can participate.