Spectrum Management General Information
What is Spectrum?
A device that communicates as a radio requires spectrum. For example, televisions, remote key fobs for cars, wireless baby monitors, wireless microphones, and satellites cannot operate without frequency spectrum. Cell phones also use spectrum to connect to a cellular network as a radio and to communicate.
While spectrum makes our lives easier, it is available in limited quantities in nature. Specific spectrum bands are used for different systems and purposes. For example, satellite operators, mobile operators, and TV broadcasters use different parts of the spectrum. Therefore, spectrum management is necessary to ensure services are provided without interruption.
Also known as radio waves, the radio spectrum is located just below infrared and visible light (<3 THz).
Basically, a radio communication system includes a transmitter that converts data into a radio signal at a specific frequency and a receiver that receives the radio signal and retrieves the data again. However, sometimes this communication between the transmitter and receiver can be distorted or completely blocked by unwanted signals from other transmitters. This phenomenon is called harmful interference. Therefore, the radio spectrum cannot be used uncontrollably. The principles of use of radio waves to prevent harmful interference between different systems and users are determined by the Electronic Communications Law No. 5809 and related secondary regulations.
Spectrum Usage Examples
Some of the most common usage areas of the spectrum are:
- Making a cell phone call or sending a text message using a mobile network,
- Browsing the internet at home or on the move using a mobile network or wireless local area network connection,
- Watching television or listening to the radio via an antenna or satellite dish,
- Using short-range connections such as Bluetooth to connect to personal devices,
- Accessing satellite or mobile location services with a smartphone or in-vehicle navigation system.
In addition to end-user use of the spectrum, many businesses and organizations can use the spectrum to effectively manage their operations. Some of the main commercial uses of the spectrum are as follows:
- Ships use a range of maritime radio equipment for communication, navigation, tracking other ships, and ensuring the safety of people on board,
- A typical commercial aircraft may have more than twenty aviation radio systems for communication, navigation, and surveillance functions,
- Shared Radio users range from taxi companies and factories to hospitals, nursing homes, and industrial sites,
- Radio astronomy and other space science activities contribute to our knowledge of the universe. For example, Earth observation satellites collect data on Earth and the atmosphere for weather forecasting, environmental monitoring, climate change research, and many other applications,
- Broadcasters and event organizers use program making and special event equipment (such as wireless microphones, wireless cameras, and in-ear monitors) for news gathering, sports events, live concerts, films, theater, and educational events,
- Mobile operators, broadcasters, and others use fixed links to transmit large amounts of data by radio between two or more points, such as connecting a mobile base station to the core network.
Additionally, the spectrum is also used by public institutions for various services.
BTK's Role Regarding the Spectrum
BTK is responsible for authorizing and managing the use of radio spectrum in the Republic of Turkey and also represents our country internationally in this regard.
Radio spectrum is a scarce resource and new frequencies cannot be 'produced'. Due to developing technology, the demand for spectrum use is constantly growing as new services begin to be offered by radio. Therefore, techniques are being developed to enable more users to share the same frequency without causing harmful interference. BTK aims to achieve more efficient use of the spectrum by employing these techniques. Some parts of the spectrum can be used with permission from BTK under international and national regulations, while others can be used without permission provided that the conditions specified in the legislation are met. Using it without complying with the relevant legislation constitutes a violation and is subject to legal sanctions. Creating harmful interference by unauthorized persons, thereby disrupting or obstructing the communications of other users, is also subject to sanctions. Therefore, to avoid sanctions, it should be thoroughly investigated whether devices using frequencies require permission before purchase and use, and permission must be obtained in advance for those that do.
