Spectrum conservation techniques for future telecommunications

The author presents a quantitative method for evaluating spectrum conservation techniques and an overview of several spectrum conserving technologies and policy/regulatory considerations related to implementing spectrum-efficient technologies in the future. It is found that there are many trade-offs in communication system design factors and technology options that have an impact on spectrum efficiency. The spectrum conserving potential of a system is a function of several design factors all of which must be taken into consideration when evaluating the system´s spectrum utilization efficiency. Such factors include antennas, signal processing, and RF filters. It is noted that, to ensure effective and efficient use of the spectrum, regulatory and policy procedures must be established. However, because of the economic burden on the marketplace that can be associated with requirements for spectrum efficient communication techniques, mandated regulatory controls should only be implemented where necessary to ensure the continued availability of the spectrum