Automated frequency coordination at tipping point

Automated spectrum management databases and algorithms are an important public policy tool for meeting surging demand for low-cost high speed wireless broadband connectivity, according to a new report from the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance (DSA).

The report argues that automated frequency coordination (AFC) is critical to allowing more efficient shared use of underutilized spectrum bands, while protecting incumbent services from interference.

The DSA, which includes members including Amazon, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Cisco and Hong Kong’s Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI), released the report yesterday at an event co-sponsored by the Congressional Spectrum Caucus in the US.

It argues that automated spectrum management systems have reached a tipping point for adoption worldwide, and that these systems will greatly extend the supply of wireless connectivity in markets that adopt them.

AFC also has the potential to lower transaction costs and help national regulatory authorities meet the growing and very diverse spectrum needs of both industries and individuals.

The US FCC is considering the use of AFC systems to manage spectrum capacity across several bands for licensed and unlicensed use. The EU and the UK are also conducting consultations over adopting AFC systems for shared spectrum access.

“At a time when regulators are under increased pressure to meet wireless connectivity demands, AFC is critical to enable more efficient shared use of underutilized frequency bands while protecting incumbent services from interference,” DSA board chairman Paul Garnett said.

“Automated spectrum databases are now a proven means of achieving large-scale, low-cost, and virtually real-time access to communications capacity that would otherwise go unused.”

Other members of the DSA include HPE’s Aruba Networks, Broadcom, Ruckus Wireless, the IEEE and the Taiwan Institute for Information Industry.