Dynamic Spectrum Alliance lauds Singapore White Space regulation
June 18, 2014
Spectrum allocation advocacy group the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance has welcomed the announcement from Singapore’s Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) regarding its regulatory framework for unlicensed access to unused radio spectrum in the broadcast TV frequency bands – the so-called TV White Spaces. This comes as the Alliance celebrates its first Anniversary and reflects upon its launch in Singapore in June 2013 and at a time when Singapore leads the way in TV White Spaces.
The regulations will make available for use approximately 180MHz of spectrum when it takes effect from November 2014, and follow a public consultation in 2013. It rejected complaints that the use of the 700MHz UHF band would detract from international 4G availability, although this particular band will be returned for licensed cellular use after Singapore’s analogue TV switch off in 2020. It will also allow devices to operate on a licence-exempt basis. Full regulatory details, can be downloaded from the IDA website.
Prof. H Nwana, Dynamic Spectrum Alliance Executive Director, said: “We commend the regulator in taking an open, consultative, and innovative approach in developing this framework. Singapore is one of the first few countries in the world to implement such a framework for White Space and is driving dynamic access forward as it strives to become one of the Smartest cities in the world.”
“Long-term planning and strategic partnerships, and government investments have really placed Singapore where it is today. Looking to the future, Singapore’s TV White Space regulatory framework will efficiently allocate and use available bandwidth to support the growing demand for data communication, while ensuring the country remains a global leader in technology adoption. Singapore’s leadership is encouraging on a regional and global scale, highlighting to other countries the need to address similar spectrum sharing regulatory frameworks and the benefits that can be achieved,” he stated.
Regulators around the globe are exploring different ways to efficiently use spectrum. This includes the US Federal Communications Commission, the UK’s Ofcom, Industry Canada, and the European Commission’s Radio Spectrum Policy Group, who have recognised the economic and social value that can be derived from increased dynamic access.
The Dynamic Spectrum Alliance is working to promote regulatory policies which will pave the way for innovative new wireless technologies, addressing growing wireless data challenges. The cross-industry Alliance works to engage with regulators and government officials to promote the adoption of legal and regulatory frameworks that facilitate dynamic access to radio spectrum.
Since its formation, the Alliance has worked to expand opportunities for dynamic spectrum access technologies and techniques, regulators will better ensure that consumers and their devices have wireless bandwidth when and where they need it. Pilot projects are already under way across the world, including Singapore, Taiwan, Philippines, Africa, South Africa, North America and Europe.