Spectrum allocation 'key to convergence`

Inadequate or inappropriate spectrum allocation could prove a stumbling block in SA`s convergence agenda, says Marius Mostert, Telkom`s technology, strategy and integration executive.

Mostert was addressing delegates at the convergence conference organised by Trade Conferences International in Fourways this morning.

The two-day conference, which ends today, aimed to give participants insight into local and international trends that impact the Convergence Bill, key telecommunications areas targeted by the proposed Bill, as well as some of the issues that affect the future of the Bill.

Mostert said internationally and locally, wireless technology is seen as a quick and cost-effective way to render telecommunications service, especially in countries where geographical distances dramatically increase the time and cost of making last mile connection possible.

However, the use of large-scale wireless access has to be matched by effective spectrum allocation, control and planning, as spectrum is a scarce, limited resource and supply exceeds demand, he noted.

"Spectrum assignment in an appropriate frequency band independent from technology and service is essential to accommodate the needs of converged networks."

Mostert argued that if appropriate spectrum is not available in time, new converged technologies and services will push the regulatory envelope or development will be hampered.

In answer to a question from one of the delegates, who called the current spectrum situation in SA "messy", Mostert said the regulator needs to look at opportunities that are being missed due to the way spectrum has been allocated and address them.

However, he added that SA`s challenges are not unique.

Mostert suggested that old approaches to spectrum allocation and management should give way to methods that best meet the convergence challenge.

Quoting proposals from the Radio Spectrum Policy Working Group that met recently, Mostert said there is a growing recognition that spectrum allocation should be liberalised.

With this model, users could buy, sell and even change the use of spectrum, based on market forces. According to this model, there would be a shift from the situation in the year 2000 where 95.7% of spectrum was allocated and managed through tight regulatory measures (command control), to 2010 where only 21.6% is in command control.

However, he cautioned: "Market forces must be mapped against a model where you have developed and emerging economies."