Smith Institute Selected for AI Spectrum Management Study
The UK Spectrum Policy Forum (UK SPF) is pleased to announce that Smith Institute was chosen as the primary consultancy partner for the AI study on spectrum management. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to leverage advanced technologies to optimize spectrum management and support the UK’s evolving digital landscape.
The Importance of AI in Spectrum Management
As outlined in our recent invitation to tender, this study aims to explore how artificial intelligence can enhance spectrum management practices, enabling more efficient allocation and use of this critical resource. In today’s fast-paced digital environment, effective spectrum management is vital to ensuring robust communication networks, fostering innovation, and meeting the growing demand for wireless connectivity.
Smith Institute stood out among numerous contenders due to its extensive expertise in AI applications, particularly within the context of spectrum management. Their innovative approach and proven track record in delivering data-driven insights make them the ideal partner for this important study.
Smith Institute’s team of experts, supported by spectrum policy specialists Spectrivity, will collaborate closely with members of the UK spectrum user community to analyse current spectrum management practices and identify opportunities for AI integration, ultimately contributing to advance the UK’s strategic goals in telecommunications and digital infrastructure.
Why AI for Spectrum Management?
The potential for AI to boost efficiency across industries is considerable. Spectrum management, however, requires detailed consideration due to its particularities, where engineering, policy, and diplomacy mesh. An effective study on the deployment of AI in spectrum needs a thoughtful approach from industry and regulators to deliver valuable insights to stakeholders.
Smith Institute’s study will chart the potential for AI to drive marked efficiencies in spectrum management in the UK environment. It will describe the potential for frequency coordination and spectrum sharing by mapping international trials. Comparing potential gains with current policies. The study will also address the impact on licensing and other dimensions of security.
This study will give regulators and policymakers important insight into potential deployment scenarios as the first steps to potential adoption. The study’s findings will be vital to formulating an achievable set of recommendations that inform a future cost benefit analysis and, ultimately, investment in deploying AI productively and successfully.
In this fast-moving environment, the use of Artificial Intelligence for various purposes is a topic of widespread discussion. With the growing demand for spectrum, the potential of AI/ML to be a game-changer in enhancing spectrum management efficiency in the UK is a crucial area. We are delighted to commission this study and look forward to the insights you will provide on this important topic.
Smith Institute has been at the forefront of both AI and spectrum auctions for some time. We are glad to be sharing our insight with the UK Spectrum Policy Forum, and look forward to collaborating with them and with our economic policy advisors Spectrivity to map how using AI can maintain the UK's global leadership in spectrum.
AI is exciting, and opens up a new toolkit for the management of spectrum, but in practice, what does this actually mean? This study will sketch out how a new AI enabled future landscape might look. Spectrivity’s intimate knowledge of the current spectrum management challenges, and Smith Institute’s expertise in AI driven data solutions allows a fresh approach to explore the opportunities provided by AI.
Next Steps
Smith Institute and Spectrivity will commence work immediately, engaging with key stakeholders and gathering valuable insights to inform the study. We are excited about this collaboration and look forward to sharing the findings and recommendations that emerge from this initiative.
We believe this study will play a crucial role in shaping the future of spectrum management in the UK, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of technological advancements worldwide. We encourage the spectrum user community to stay tuned for updates on the study’s progress. Together with Smith Institute, we are committed to exploring innovative solutions that will enhance spectrum management for the benefit of all users.
Contact us
Sophie Greaves
Sophie Greaves is Head of Programme for Communications Infrastructure and Services at techUK, and oversees the UK Spectrum Policy Forum.
Jaynesh Patel
Jaynesh Patel is Head of Telecoms and Spectrum Policy, leading the Communications Infrastructure and Services Programme at techUK and overseeing the UK Spectrum Policy Forum.
Tales Gaspar
Tales has a background in law and economics, with previous experience in the regulation of new technologies and infrastructure.
Matthew Wild
Matthew joined techUK in August 2023 as a Programme Assistant.
