Spectrum Management

Course Rationale

Twenty years ago, the word spectrum meant 'the rainbow thing' to most people - if it meant anything at all. The day after the 2000 election, a story on the radio spectrum shortage shared the front page of the Washington Post with the news of the contested vote counts in Florida! Since 1980, there has been explosive growth in mobile communications systems (cellular, PCS), unlicensed wireless devices (WiFi, WiMax), satellite TV, and government communications and radar systems. Prior to 1980, there was enough radio spectrum to support all civil and military requirements, but when the cellphone evolved from "nice to have" to "I gotta have", problems began to arise. During this same period, the battlefield information requirements for modern warfighters began to grow dramatically. By the end of the '80s, government and industry, and nations, were on a collision course over the access to frequencies. Historic spectrum management policies and practices were being challenged. Likewise, the explosive growth of unlicensed wireless devices, which in theory can underlay other authorized spectrum users, promises to change the fundamental way in which spectrum is managed domestically and internationally.

Course Description

Since 1934, the radio spectrum has been managed through the use of Allocation Tables, which divide the spectrum up among various radio services. This was done primarily to reduce interference. But this approach has shortcomings that technology can help in overcoming. Domestically, the Allocation Table also divides bands between exclusive Government, exclusive non-Government, or shared use. This arrangement brings its own challenges and regulatory reform discussions rarely occur without some mention of the distinct nature of the spectrum management structure.

The Introduction to Spectrum Management course will provide attendees with a basic understanding of the nature of the radio spectrum, and how it has been managed in the past. The basic regulatory entities, domestic and international, will be covered and the relationships between each discussed. The introductory class will also cover the importance and complexity of real-world spectrum management so that students understand the implications of spectrum availability and management to any wireless device or system. The tutorial contains many real-world examples.

The Advanced Topics in Spectrum Management course will cover more detailed engineering elements of spectrum management and regulatory and/or policy aspects of spectrum regulation and management. New approaches to spectrum management that take advantage of technology to improve spectrum sharing will also be discussed as will policy development for introduction of new unlicensed wireless technologies in the current regulatory structure.

Intended Audience

The Introduction to Spectrum Management course is aimed at engineers and managers who have no background in spectrum management but whose responsibilities dictate that they become familiar with this important area. The Advanced Topics in Spectrum Management course is intended for managers or engineers who have a basic understanding of spectrum management and regulation and whose duties require anticipation of spectrum trends or longer range awareness of spectrum-related impacts on specific radiocommunication system development. Prior spectrum management background, either through attendance of the Introduction to Spectrum Management Course or through other experience, is highly recommended.

Course Instructors

This course will be taught by Dr. Chris Hegarty, the Director for Spectrum Management within The MITRE Corporation's Center for Advanced Aviation System Development. He was recently appointed as the MITRE/CAASD F080 Technology Integrator (TI), a division-level focal point responsible for understanding MITRE's Technology Program, as well as the business strategy and projects of his organization.

Cost

One Day Course: $600

FAA employees will be invoiced upon completion of the course. The above-listed cost may be used as an estimate.

Please send comments to Program Coordinator
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