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Outline of the programme

Phase I of the AMS project (http://www.ofcom.org.uk/research/technology/research/state_use/ams/) has resulted in three prototypes and a high level business model. The concept of an AMS network is that spectrum can be monitored in real-time across the UK so that (i) unlawful spectrum use can be policed; and (ii) spectrum can be re-allocated where it is not being sufficiently used – either through an auctioning or a trading regime.

Unfortunately, the cost of rolling out a network of AMS stations is high – the Phase I report (‘Identification and Analysis of System Benefits’, January 2006) suggested that it would be £113 million. This level of cost then provokes questions on the basis on which such a scheme could be funded. The Phase I report presented a cursory investigation of support options but not enough to inform a decision on the most appropriate approach to funding; it also lacked the robustness required for Treasury funding. This Phase II study is intended properly to investigate commercial deployment issues, answer key questions on market demand for the service and establish potential users’ willingness to pay. Many organisations and individuals stand to benefit from an AMS network. The information gathered by such a network should be valuable to, among others: regulators; law enforcement agencies; emergency services; equipment vendors and developers, and in turn through lower prices and improved quality to end users. Benefits can be categorised as arising either from:

• identifying under-utilised spectrum; or
• identifying the location of specific equipment.

Competition for spectrum is intense. Therefore, identifying areas where there is spare spectrum capacity would allow greater spectrum efficiency, whether brought about by a market, or regulatory process. The main innovations that could arise include:

• improved spectrum trading, greater information on the availability of spectrum would increase the opportunities for spectrum trading as well as reduce search costs and reduce bargaining inefficiencies;
• facilitate cognitive radio, it is plausible that a real time AMS network could greatly assist devices which use cognitive radio techniques to better use of available spectrum; and
• development of new technologies, making more spectrum available would provide incentives for the development of technologies or services which are at current infeasible because of the lack of spectrum, or the poor quality of spectrum available.

Timescales

The AMS Phase II: Business Case project has concluded and you can download the report below.

The AMS Phase II: Trials project has concluded and you can download the report below.

• AMS Phase II: Trials Report - 1 [pdf]
• AMS Phase II: Trials Report - 2 [pdf]
• AMS Phase II: Trials Report - 3 [pdf]
• AMS Phase II: Trials Report - 4 [pdf]
• AMS Phase II: Trials Report - 5 [pdf]
• AMS Phase II: Trials Report - 6 [pdf]
• AMS Business Plan - Final Report [pdf]

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