Mobile Spectrum Management for the 21st Century
Radio spectrum is the essential resource for all GSM and 3GSM (mobile) networks. Without it the wide range of mobile services available today simply would not exist. The wireless communications industry has grown significantly over recent years, in terms of the technologies available, the services on offer and, of course, the number of users. However, spectrum is a finite resource and as such must be managed effectively across all technologies and every region of the world, an objective the GSM Association has defined as vital to the long-term growth of the industry.
Spectrum in the spotlight
The speed of technology and service development means that spectrum policy is being brought under the spotlight with increasing regularity and across every region. This highlights the requirement for a carefully planned allocation and usage of frequency bands. As the global trade association representing over 670 mobile operators in more than 210 countries and territories, the GSMA is working closely with the industry, standards bodies and administrations to define appropriate spectrum management solutions in what is an increasingly complicated environment.
Benefits of harmonisation
Global harmonisation of spectrum bands and standards across the GSM family of technologies has been a fundamental factor behind the success of the mobile telecommunications industry. More than 1.25 billion consumers benefit from the lower cost access to a greater choice of mobile services and terminals created by significant economies of scale associated with GSM technologies. In addition, equipment interoperability and international roaming make it possible
for consumers to use their mobile phone in virtually every country. All of these benefits are now so ingrained that they are taken for granted but all rely on the existence of open standards and unified spectrum bands.
Building the benefits
In order that these consumer benefits can continue to be maximised, it is important that operators and manufacturers can develop and innovate in a defined and stable environment, confident in the security of spectrum allocations. The development of GSM and 3GSM networks, handsets and services requires significant investment by the industry and, therefore, regulators need to consider all the implications of spectrum-related decisions to design consistent long term spectrum policies.
GSM Association Position
The GSM Association supports technological developments and choice for consumers. It is therefore important that regulatory frameworks are carefully designed to maximise the benefits derived from spectrum. Regulators and governments should ensure that a level playing field exists across technologies, and that sufficient safeguards are imposed to prevent discriminatory policies against GSM and 3GSM.
The GSM Association is engaged with industry and regulators in this area through an ongoing work programme that aims to define spectrum management policies that ensure a successful delivery of services, throughout the family of GSM technologies now and into the future.
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