Ireland

[IE] University Granted Radio Spectrum for Research

IRIS 2006-4:1/35

Marie McGonagle

School of Law, National University of Ireland, Galway

The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) has granted a research group at Trinity College Dublin 50 megahertz of radio spectrum to enable it to carry out real time experiments in dynamic spectrum allocation. Until now radio stations, mobile phone operators and such like have only been entitled to use the spectrum they have been granted for specific purposes. In 2004, the OX Report (see IRIS 2005-2: 16), commissioned by the Irish Government, included in its recommendations that better use should be made of the spectrum. The grant of spectrum for research has been made under ComReg’s “test and trial” research and development programme. The legal basis rests on two statutory instruments of 2005.

Dynamic spectrum allocation will allow for “spectrum-hopping” across allocations that are unused or underused. Spectrum-hopping is seen as a possible solution to the problem of increased demands on the spectrum from a variety of electronic devices and services ranging from wireless networks, cordless phones and microwave ovens to garage openers. It may also provide a solution to problems of mobile signal on 3G networks. Ireland’s geographical location lends itself to such experimentation, as there is relatively high spectrum availability and less likelihood of causing interference. The research centre at Trinity College has developed hardware and software for the experimentation. The move could attract telecommunications companies in other countries to locate in Ireland.