Spectrum regulation for future internet networks in developing economies

Abstract

Radio frequency spectrum resources play a crucial role as enabler in future wireless ICT infrastructure and development of affordable broadband services. Activities by research organisations such as the CSIR and regulators such as the FCC of the USA, Of com of UK and ICASA of South Africa are promoting innovation-based spectrum sharing technologies to improve the effective utilisation of national spectrum resources. Experimental test-beds have been deployed to address affordable broadband demand in underserved communities. Although the technology is most beneficial for emerging economies, telecommunication regulators in Africa are still lagging behind the rest of the world in enacting the necessary enabling dynamic spectrum regulations for the industry to flourish and provide the necessary socio-economic benefit. This paper presents research to support formulation of the dynamic spectrum regulatory framework including co-existence techniques, interference avoidance and network device technology aspects in support of telecom regulators in emerging economies. Furthermore, the paper discusses the importance of spectrum sharing as a component of the emerging 5'h Generation networking standard in addressing the exponentially increasing bandwidth capacity demand to enable the planned wireless ICT services.