The planning rules for radio services often leave small gaps which cannot be used or the scattered use of spectrum by a primary user leaves larger opportunities. Such spectrum might be accessible for different or additional radio services, typically ones with very low power which will not cause undue interference to the primary users. These opportunities were referred to as ‘whitespaces’ but the focus more recently considers methods such as dynamic spectrum assignment. In addition, regulatory techniques are trying to find ways to make sharing spectrum a more common practice for use across a myriad of spectrum services. This course examines the background to whitespaces, considering how and where they arise and looks at a range of sharing opportunities. It then focuses on how spectrum might be made available to additional parties, and what kind of communications it might support. Finally, the various regulatory methods and technologies (including DSA/LSA and the role of databases) being considered will be examined.

Course Objectives

After completing the course, delegates will understand the history of whitespaces, and the more recent opportunities for sharing together with methods to regulate usage. Current developments and case studies will also be provided.

Intended for

those who need to understand the regulation and practical application of advanced sharing techniques, whether from a regulatory or commercial perspective.

Contents

• The possible applications for more advanced spectrum sharing methods
  
• Technologies being developed for the exploitation spectrum sharing
  
• Where are there opportunities for more advanced sharing?
  
• How is interference dealt with
  
• The regulatory processes and procedures being applied
  
• Geographic databases and dynamic spectrum access
  
• Licensed shared access and similar regulatory tools