Radio Frequency Spectrum Is A Scarce, Natural Resource

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New Delhi: : Set up in 1952 by the government, the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing of the Ministry of Communication and IT is responsible for allocating and managing the frequency spectrum in the country. Being the radio regulatory authority of the country, it licences and caters to the requirements of wireless users in the country. The wireless advisor to the government of India PK Garg speaks to eFE about all that goes into managing spectrum among other things.

What is radio frequency spectrum?
The radio frequency (RF) spectrum is one of the media for transmission of signals over long distances. Compared to human voice (sound), which fades out after a few meters, the same sound signal, when carried over a radio frequency, can travel much longer distances. Some of the radio frequencies (like short wave) can travel over continents. It is a scarce, natural resource.

How is spectrum used by the telecom industry?
Just like data is transmitted over wires, be it copper wires or fibre cables, it can also be transmitted over radio waves. This means radio waves basically act as carriers of data. The method in which data is superimposed on radio waves is termed modulation using various types of modulation techniques. Wires are used when two fixed points need to be connected whereas radio frequencies are used for mobile communications, broadcasting, etc.

What is the range of radio frequency spectrum?
The RF spectrum starts from 9 kilo hertz and the upper limit extends up to 3,000 GHz, beyond which the optical frequency starts. While, the spectrum may appear to be in abundance, practically it is extremely limited because of various reasons. There are certain technology equipment built to operate only over a certain range of spectrum and there are competing requirements for various applications. As of now, spectrum of up to 70 GHz can be used practically and technologies for utilising higher frequency bands are being developed.

In what spheres of life do we find spectrum being used?
There is hardly any sphere of life which does not use radio communication in one form or the other. Starting from public telecommunication services to maritime, aeronautical broadcasting, communications for defence, paramilitary, law and order agencies (police), transport, oil and electricity sectors, public utility services, health and environment —- they all require spectrum.