Spread Spectrum and Frequency Management

Because there is a growing number of spread spectrum systems being developed and these systems do not fit the normal frequency allocation and assignment scheme, there is an urgent requirement to improve the process for radio frequency supportability and assignment of systems employing spread spectrum techniques. Spectrum supportability is required before major telcommunications systems can be developed, however, for spread spectrum operations it is hampered by spectrum allocation and compatibility problems. Current policy on spectrum allocation and use does not address spread spectrum technology as such. Comprehensive electromagnetic compatibility analysis and testing is required to achieve approval for operation. This paper addresses some of the problems and solutions for obtaining spectrum support and frequency assignment for spread spectrum systems. It is hoped the reader will become more aware of the radio frequency support and assignment requirements, and utilize this knowledge to avoid the cost of developing a spread spectrum system in a band where no or minimal spectrum support can be obtained.