For spectrum managers, spectrum authorization involves the licensing of radiocommunication equipment and the making of frequency assignments. The administration of licensing contributes to the proper functioning of spectrum management operations. Licensing places controls on the operation of radio stations and the use of assigned frequencies.
Spectrum authorization activities include analyzing requirements for proposed frequencies in accordance with national plans and policies for frequency allocation. They include actions to protect radiocommunication systems from harmful and obstructing interference. Spectrum authorization strategies are used to ensure proper use, facilitate reuse, and achieve spectrum efficiency.
For users and potential users of spectrum, it is important for them to know their rights and obligations with sufficient precision to allow them to make plans and avoid interfering with one another’s activities. Except in the case of unlicensed spectrum, this is done at the stage of assignment of frequencies which thus becomes a key aspect of spectrum regulation especially if licences are long duration.
Precisely what the spectrum manager has to do in order to achieve an effective assignment depends on the method chosen, and also upon linkages with other authorisations such as the issuing of broadcasting licences. New technological developments may change the methods used to issue authorisations and may require ‘refarming’ of spectrum. The process will require engineering and administrative support and, in some cases, financial support. These issues are discussed in the following sections.