Spectrum regulation is a complex business. Commonly termed spectrum management, its function today varies widely across the globe. Some countries still practice command and control of resources, while others are already liberal and leave the market to make its own decisions. Mostly, spectrum regulation is mixed.
The approach applied to spectrum management practices is equally missed, with some spectrum designated as licence-exempt, the so-called spectrum commons, and others designated light touch, where the regulator monitors use. We’re all familiar with spectrum auctions where which use either a highest bidder or in beauty contents approach. Lastly, spectrum management using a command and control places price as an incentive to promote effective use.
Regulating
Spectrum regulation is Spectrum Center’s core business; the company offers both software to facilitate regulation and consulting services to help regulators and operators make informed decisions. Spectrum Center’s regulatory tools are threefold: a set of desktop tools operating under client-server architecture; a range of tools for embedding into other systems; and a range of web-based utilities that provide specific spectrum management services.
Spectrum Center provides a comprehensive consulting service. Its engineers have written user requirement definitions for battlespace and civil spectrum regulation systems. They have implemented these systems across regulators, deploying and integrating software with existing systems for billing, contact management and accounts. They have implemented FAT (frequency allocation table), EFIS (European frequency information system) and other portals to permit service access from regulators’ web sites. And Spectrum Center engineers have trained regulators’ staff in spectrum management business processes and the engineering aspects of the work.
Spectrum Center is the spectrum management company.