Ofcom to map the UK radio spectrum

The project will enable Ofcom to begin to build a detailed picture of radio spectrum use in key frequency bands (100MHz to 5GHz) across the UK. CRFS will use its RFeye real time spectrum monitoring system to gather data. The raw data will be collected by a fleet of car mounted RFeye nodes over a number of months to further populate the CRFS UK wide spectrum utilisation database. Phase one is scheduled for completion by the end of 2008. Gary Clemo, R&D manager at Ofcom, said: “Ofcom’s objective is to promote the most efficient use of the UK’s valuable spectrum resource, benefiting consumers by providing access to new services, greater choice and competition. However, it is difficult to be sure that we are optimising the use of the spectrum without information on its usage and quality in different parts of the country and across different frequency bands. Information from the CRFS system should help us with our plans to introduce market mechanisms in spectrum management and in releasing the commercial value of spectrum in the future.” According to David Cleevely, CRFS chairman (pictured right with ceo Alistair Massarella), today’s spectrum management systems rely mainly on rules of thumb and theoretical modelling, which is a bit like driving a car with no speedometer, milometer or fuel gauge. “Our RFeye system will enable Ofcom and other spectrum managers, such as the MOD and mobile phone operators, to fully exploit this valuable economic resource.”