Cognitive Radio defying Spectrum Management

This set of contributions is addressing the impact of cognitive radio on the regime of radio spectrum governance. To avoid harmful interference the current paradigm of spectrum governance uses the principle of separation. Thereby each application and user or user group is being assigned a specific part of the spectrum, using the dimensions of frequency, time and location. Cognitive radio, a special class of software defined radio’s, defies this principle as a cognitive radio monitors the use of the spectrum and selects an unused part for its transmission. This capability provides a new solution in addressing the issue of spectrum scarcity. Albeit, its dynamic operating principle runs counter to the prevailing spectrum management method. This set of four contributions first introduces the principles of cognitive radio from a technological perspective. In the second contribution the implications for avoiding harmful interference are being assessed. Here we conclude that Cognitive Radio may also resolve the so-called ‘local interference problem’, but it poses challenges for the regulator under the Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Directive of the European Commission. In the third contribution the implications for spectrum policy are addressed in the light of current assignments based on (exclusive) usage rights and prescribed applications. The policy changes required implies action on national, regional (in Europe: EC and CEPT) and international level (ITU). In the fourth contribution we conclude with a discussion of the field experiences obtained in Ireland with experimental licenses being awarded for the use of cognitive radio.