The Spectrum and Technology Division in BICMA serves as the technical division mainly responsible for executing technical developmental projects related to ICT, telecommunications and radiocommunications, including the technical regulations, monitoring of quality of services and formulating telecommunications and radiocommunications standards and spectrum plans:

The division is therefore mandated to carry out the following functions; 

Development and execution of telecommunications and radiocommunications projects

  • Assist in planning and implementation of telecommunications and radicommunications related activities and projects, including the Rural Communications Projects, consisting of planning, engineering, designing, BTS installation, etc.
  • Collaboration with telecom operators and Internet Serice Providers to initiate and implement ICT projects and innovations.
  • Conduct periodic assessments of network infrastructure and identification of areas and weaknesses that may be affecting network stability in the country.
  • Ensure safe, reliable and affordable ICT and communications services to the public.
  • Provide substantive input into the development of policies, priorities and recommendations concerning ICT and telecommunications related projects.

Planning, allocation and licensing of Spectrum

  • Spectrum planning centered on short-term and medium term requirements including the development of spectrum band plans and standards.
  • Develop regulations and procedures related to spectrum allocations, assignment including administrative and market based methods such as auctions and authorization.
  • Spectrum licensing and assignments including the efficient approaches for spectrum authorizations.
  • Reviewing, determination and establishing effective spectrum pricing methodologies, fees, collection of spectrum fees and revenues.
  • Spectrum valuations and development of economic models for use in applying Administered Incentive Prices.
  • Carry out spectrum auditing.
  • Develop efficient and effective spectrum management plans in accordance with the regional and international best practices.

Research 

  • Conduct periodic review (research) on spectrum usage, spectrum planning, international practices, issues.
  • Carry out intensive technical researches on emerging telecommunications and radiocommunications and explore its implementation at the national level.
  • Apply fundamental concepts, practices, methodologies, procedures and existing policies and guidelines in specialised areas of telecommunications and ICT projects and regulations.

International Collaboration and Relations

  • Follow up and collaborate with regional and international organizations such as Asia Pacific Telecommunity (APT) and International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in harmonizing the development and efficient operation of the existing and new radio-communications systems.
  • Constantly keep updated with the regional and international publications, recommentations and resolutions of the APT meetings, ITU meetings and Study Groups.
  • Liaise with international organisations such as ITU, APT for standardisation of telecommunication standards, spectrum harmonisation and updating domestic implementations to international standards.

 Monitoring  for Compliance

  • Perform regular network performance tests, including drive tests and Quality of Service monitoring, to analyse mobile network performance, identify issues, and take necessary steps to address them, and enforce optimisation of network performance accordingly. 
  • Monitor and identify unauthorised usage of radio frequency spectrum, determine frequency interferences and solve the issues.
  • Carry out technical analyses of radio frequency usage to determine spectrum occupancy and utilization in support of planning, assignment and authorization activities.
  • Monitor the radio emissions and potential interference issues in support of administrative assignments.
  • Conduct periodic fixed and mobile spectrum monitoring of the spectrum usage in different parts of the country.
  • Investigate and resolve issues and complaints associated with frequency interference.
  • Develop an effective and efficient monitoring plan.

 

For further information, you can contact the Spectrum and Technology Division at spectrum@bicma.bt