Owing to the point that spectrum is restricted and devices operating on the same frequencies can interfere together with one another, governments have traditionally allocated definite bands to unlike services.
Terrestrial mobile networks must carry on absorbing speedy growth in figures traffic as operators deploy 5G and organize for prospective generations of mobile technology.
The quick growth of satellite constellations and manage-to-device technology is increasingly blurring the boundary between terrestrial and space-based communications networks.
African regulators furthermore faces mounting pressure to coordinate spectrum employ across mobile, satellite, Wi-Fi and group networks whereas preparing for 5G and later generations of connectivity.
Spectrum oversight took centre stage in Abidjan during the Africa Space Expo (Aspex), where Côte d’Ivoire’s Radio Frequency Command Agency, or AIGF, held its Radiocommunications Forum.
Participants focused in specific on the joint deployment of terrestrial and satellite networks and on frequency instruction across the West African sub-region.
Radio spectrum refers to the frequencies used for wireless communications, ranging from mobile networks to satellite links. Distinct regions have adopted divided regulatory approaches over whether the band should principally support Wi-Fi services or upcoming mobile networks.
Those choices demonstrate that spectrum management is no longer plainly regarding permanently assigning a frequency band to a one help. Regulators increasingly require to define how different technologies can coexist and change over time.
African countries encounter an principally sophisticated fixed of priorities.
They must increase mobile extent, strengthen established network feature, group for 5G and prospective mobile generations, and integrate modern satellite operators and technologies at the same time.
Cross-border teamwork is additionally becoming increasingly decisive given that radio frequencies do not cease at domestic borders.
During the Radiocommunications Forum, Côte d’Ivoire highlighted the require for stronger district command and stressed that successful frequency orientation can terminate harmful interference during the time that supporting the expansion of both terrestrial and satellite networks.
African regulators increasingly require to organise spectrum employ between networks that are becoming complementary, interconnected and, in some cases, competitors for the same frequencies, EcofinAgency reports.
Additional harmonised spectrum administration could additionally recommend faster 5G deployment, cut broadband costs and continue connectivity to areas that continue commercially difficult to assist.
That aim is key to the Policy and Requirement Initiative for Virtual Africa, or PRIDA, a programme accepted by the African Union, the European Union and the ITU
At the same time, satellite constellations are expanding, although some emerging technologies now enable widespread mobile phones to associate directly to satellites.
Manage-to-Device, or D2D, technology is one of the clearest examples of that convergence.
The Worldwide Telecommunication Union, or ITU, expects these technologies could contribute to the emergence of a extra integrated connectivity mechanism linking terrestrial and space networks by 2030.
That development raises a key regulatory inquiry: how should authorities administer frequencies when networks that previously operated separately initiate sharing spectrum resources or engaged together?
The GSMA, which represents mobile operators and the broader mobile ecosystem, has too highlighted the transfer. The sector crew says D2D services employing terrestrial mobile frequencies are opening a fresh area of requirement, whereas protecting provide mobile networks from interference remains a important concern.
Cross-border rules governing those interactions are expected to receive supplementary clarification at the coming World Radiocommunication Conference, scheduled for 2027.
Satellite connectivity, nonetheless, is not expected to swap terrestrial networks.
The GSMA sees D2D principally as a complement to available mobile extent, explicitly in rural areas or locations that are difficult to support. Satellite links broadly present bottom capacity than terrestrial mobile networks, limiting their ability to function as a entire change.
Network convergence extends beyond space-based communications.
Regulators must additionally balance growing spectrum refer to for from mobile operators, Wi-Fi networks, constant wireless systems and other wireless services.
The 6 GHz band illustrates the consider.
Source: Africa Seeks Stronger Spectrum Coordination, Joint Terrestrial, Satellite Network
