Spectrum Governance Archives

SpectrumX research partners, students present research findings at TPRC 51

Christina Clark on November 8, 2023

In September, SpectrumX researchers—along with industry and government representatives—came together at TPRC 51: The 51st Annual Telecommunications Policy Research Conference in Washington, DC.

For many of the Center’s spectrum researchers, TPRC is a regular part of their annual calendar.

“TPRC once again provided an exceptional forum to discuss spectrum management. What seemed different – and even better – is that the SpectrumX participation is becoming an annual feature and expectation,” said Ilia Murtazashvili, SpectrumX lead of Project Team Rights (PT-Rights) and professor at the University of Pittsburgh.

Paul Ransom: From electronics tinkerer to Senior Technical Expert at the NTIA

Christina Clark on March 29, 2023

Paul Ransom’s interest in electrical engineering was piqued when he began working to upgrade his Walkman in elementary school. He was unsatisfied with the performance and began tinkering with it and other electronics to see how they functioned.

“I wanted to boost the volume, because back in my days we liked to listen to our music loud,” Ransom said.

SpectrumX External Advisory Board meeting focuses on bringing federal stakeholders to the table

Christina Clark on December 16, 2022

Addressing U.S. radio spectrum challenges with innovative technology and policy options is one of the main objectives of SpectrumX, a National Science Foundation (NSF) Spectrum Innovation Center. Bringing together multi-disciplinary expertise, convening discussions, and prioritizing project directions is a key way the center is working with stakeholders to advance research, policy outreach, education, and more.

Publication: A Techno-Economic Study of Spectrum Sharing with Blockchain and Smart Contracts

Christina Clark on November 28, 2022

P. J. Bustamante, M. M. Gomez, M. B. H. Weiss, I. Murtazashvili and A. Palida, “A Techno-Economic Study of Spectrum Sharing with Blockchain and Smart Contracts,” in IEEE Communications Magazine, doi: 10.1109/MCOM.001.2200317.

Abstract: “The wireless crunch resulted in excess demand for the use of spectrum and spectrum sharing is increasingly being proposed as a solution. To date, little research has considered how blockchain technologies can enable greater spectrum sharing. To address this gap, we develop a stylized model to show how blockchains can be leveraged to facilitate the exchange of access rights on a well known band. To demonstrate proof of concept, we analyze available system design options, implement a small-scale test scenario, estimate the implementation and usage costs, and demonstrate how these technologies impact spectrum sharing prospects. Our exercise shows that blockchains can alleviate some of the perceived obstacles to greater sharing of spectrum.”

Published in IEEE Communications Magazine.

See Article

Spectrum Policy Makers, Stakeholders, and Researchers Gather at Silicon Flatirons Event

Christina Clark on November 16, 2022

Interference conflicts are ongoing challenges within the radio spectrum field. Within the U.S. spectrum ecosystem, commercial wireless networks for communication, internet access, scientific sensing for both environment and radio astronomy, broadcast, radar, position/navigation/timing, and more create a sometimes crowded atmosphere where signals compete.

SpectrumX Postdoc, Pedro Bustamante, wins student competition at TPRC 2022

Christina Clark on September 23, 2022

On Saturday, September 17, 2022, Pedro Bustamante, former SpectrumX member and postdoctoral researcher at the Center for Governance and Markets at the University of Pittsburgh, and current Assistant Teaching Professor at the Information and Networking Institute at Carnegie Mellon University was awarded the first prize of the student paper competition at the Telecommunications Policy Research Conference (TPRC) 2022.