Spectrum Symposium Showcases Strategic Spectrum Solutions

The three-day International Spectrum Management Symposium concluded, focusing on the optimal use, effective management, and timely planning of limited and valuable spectrum resources. Organized jointly by the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), the symposium commenced on February 18, bringing together experts, regulators, and industry leaders to exchange knowledge and experiences in the telecommunications sector.

A total of 38 papers related to telecommunications and information technology were presented across 11 sessions during the event.

Emphasizing Efficient and Equitable Spectrum Use

In the closing session, BTRC Spectrum Division Commissioner Mahmud Hossain extended his gratitude to all participants, highlighting the discussions that reiterated the growing demand for bandwidth and the necessity of efficient, equitable, and innovative spectrum use. He stressed the importance of regional cooperation and collective efforts in managing spectrum resources effectively. Expressing his appreciation to APT for selecting Bangladesh as the host, he noted, "The symposium has underscored the importance of national spectrum strategies and the innovative use of valuable spectrum resources."

Key Regulatory Considerations for Future Spectrum Use

The third day began with a session titled "Key regulatory considerations for the future use of spectrum," focusing on cross-border spectrum coordination and knowledge sharing among member states. Panelists emphasized that, given the rapid evolution of wireless communication technologies, regulatory bodies must ensure the efficient use of radio frequency spectrum in the future. They highlighted the importance of adopting new and innovative concepts, including spectrum sharing, leasing, re-farming, and regional and global coordination.

Representatives from Japan's National Institute of Communication Technology, Indonesia's Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, GSMA, and Japan’s KDDI Corporation participated in this session.

Innovative Techniques in Spectrum Management

The afternoon panel discussion, "Assessing spectrum management practices—Application of innovative techniques and tools in spectrum management," explored the use of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things in national spectrum strategies. Moderated by Commissioner Mahmud Hossain, the session featured insights from Chang Yong Son, Director General of Korea's Communication Conformity Assessment Center, Dr. Arturas Medeisis, Professor at Vilnius Technical University, Lithuania, and APT Program Officer Farhadul Parvez.

The panelists highlighted the inefficiencies in existing spectrum demand assessment and allocation methods, stressing that radio frequency spectrum has long been governed by complex regulations. As wireless communication and spectrum-dependent services continue to grow, they advocated for innovative strategies to optimize spectrum management.

Addressing Growing Bandwidth Demands

On the second day, the morning session titled "Meeting the demands for bandwidth—Spectrum outlook and developing spectrum roadmap" focused on the increasing spectrum demands for various services and applications, preparations for national spectrum strategies, and the development of long-term spectrum roadmaps. The session, moderated by Scott W. Minehane, Managing Director of Australia’s Windsor Palace Consulting, featured BTRC Spectrum Division Director Dr. Sohel Rana and representatives from Iran’s Communication Regulatory Authority, Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, and Australia’s Communication and Media Authority.

Discussing the outcomes of the 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference, panelists noted the significant advancements in next-generation wireless networks, low-orbit satellite services, 5G and 6G broadband, autonomous vehicles, and advanced driving systems. They emphasized that the primary goal of national spectrum strategies should be the optimal use of limited resources, ensuring that technologies and services benefiting the entire nation are prioritized.

The afternoon session continued under the same theme, discussing licensing policies, spectrum pricing, and auctions for emerging technologies like 5G, 6G, and satellite communications. Moderated by Dr. Arturas Medeisis, panelists from Vietnam’s Radio Frequency Management Authority, India’s Telecom Regulatory Authority, Meta, Amazon, Viasat, Ericsson, Huawei, and Nokia shared insights on spectrum valuation and policy formulation. They stressed the importance of aligning regulatory policies with a country’s national digital connectivity goals, financial strategies, and social development.

Connectivity Needs and National Spectrum Strategies

The symposium's opening day featured three panel discussions under the theme "Connectivity needs and national spectrum strategy," focusing on digital connectivity, the development of national spectrum strategies, and regional initiatives in the Asia-Pacific. Moderated by APT Program Officer Farhadul Parvez, the discussions included contributions from Brigadier General Md. Aminul Haque, Director General of BTRC Spectrum Division, Dr. Kohei Satoh from Japan’s National Institute of Communication Technology, Dr. Arturas Medeisis from Vilnius Technical University, Seung-uk Kwon from Korea’s National Radio Research Agency, Professor Rohit Prasad from India’s Management Development Institute, Yishen Chan, Director of Spectrum at GSMA, and Isabelle Mauro, Director General of the Global Satellite Operators Association (GSOA).

The panelists highlighted the critical role of spectrum in promoting digital connectivity and the development of telecommunications and information technology in the Asia-Pacific region. They emphasized the importance of providing affordable, high-speed internet through wireless connectivity, reducing the digital divide, expanding remote network coverage, and diversifying digital services. The discussions also underscored the need to modernize spectrum policies to maximize the use of this limited national resource.

Diverse Global Participation

The symposium saw participation from over 200 representatives, including heads of regulatory authorities, telecom operators, government and private sector officials, and telecom experts from countries such as Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan, the Maldives, Iran, Australia, Mongolia, Indonesia, Thailand, Korea, Myanmar, Vietnam, Vanuatu, Samoa, Tonga, and Laos.

Prominent APT associate member organizations, including Japan's KDDI Corporation, Global Satellite Operators Association, Amazon, Meta, Starlink, Qualcomm India, Huawei Technologies, Telenor Asia, Australia’s Windsor Palace Consulting, Japan’s National Institute of Communication and Technology, Singapore’s CISCO and INMARSAT, and GSMA (Hong Kong), also took part in the event.