TEL 310 - University of Kentucky



TEL 310

02/06

Spectrum Allocation

Introduction

• Communication process:

Encoding --- Transmitting --- Decoding signals (information)

--- Sine wave

--- Wavelength

--- Frequency

Encoding:

• AM/FM

• Analog/Digital

Transmitting:

• Point-to-point/Point-to-multipoint

• Wire/Wireless

• Over-the-air (OTA) Broadcasting:

--- Transmission of encoded sine waves via the ether

--- A mixture of both AM and FM

The electromagnetic spectrum: How it works

--- The entire available range of sinusoidal signal frequencies

--- 9 kHz ~~ 300 GHz

• The usable range of spectrum has been increasing.

• Various frequencies of radio waves have different characteristics

Low frequency

Medium frequency

Very high frequency (VHF)

Ultra high frequency (UHF)

Super high and extremely high frequency

• Signals can be carried at different locations in the spectrum (e.g., TV signals are transmitted in both VHF and UHF).

• However, different signals/services require different bandwidth. So efficient allocation of services along spectrum is important.

□ Spectrum Chart

The spectrum as a resource (p. 42)

--- Spectrum is a costly and productive resource that can be used in different ways and for different purposes.

• Can help create wealth

• Can be used in varying amounts for the same purpose

• Different parts of the resource can be used for the same purpose

• Opportunity cost of a particular use of spectrum

Spectrum Allocation Policies

How much of what parts of the spectrum would go to what people for what uses?

1. Market/pricing system

Assigning individual frequency rights that are transferable in whole or in part in a free market

2. Administrative allocation

International level: ITU

U.S.: FCC and NTIA

FCC: Table of Frequency Allocations

Service Rules: Uses, Equipment, location, power, antenna height, etc.

Why administrative allocation?

1. Spectrum scarcity

2. Interference

• Co-channel interference

• Adjacent channel interference

Why do TGK think the above two explanations are chimerical?

Shortcomings of the administrative model (p. 48):

--- Too much governmental control

• Not paying for governmental spectrum use

• Protective of existing allocations and users

--- Inefficient use of the spectrum due to the absence of transferable property rights in spectrum

• Current users having no incentive to economize on their uses

• Potential current users having no incentive to take into account the their spectrum's future values

--- The PICON standard too vague for real assistance

Advantages of market system:

• More efficient allocation

• Less congested spectrum

• More flexible, allowing for a speedier transition from old technology to new technology

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