Radio frequency (RF) spectrum is an important and scarce resource for the national Information and Communications and Technology (ICT) infrastructure. Efficient utilization of RF spectrum is crucial for providing affordable wireless broadband connectivity for unserved and underserved communities as well as for the public safety services.

The exponential growth of mobile and fixed-nomadic applications for Human-to human (H2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) communications has prompted further investments in network capacity resulting in the ever-increasing demand for RF spectra. This has also shown a need for reforms on existing spectrum management approaches, in particular, by formulating new dynamic and flexible frameworks and also promoting new spectrum sharing technique.

Different countries have different frameworks for the use of TVWS based on the regulations, policies and guidelines that are in place. However, a common need to all the national regulatory authorities (NRAs) is a system that enables them to seamlessly and effectively manage the TVWS ecosystem with minimal effort.

The CSIR’s Respectra addresses this need with its feature rich functionalities. The following are some of the key features of the Respectra:

1. Regulatory Management Information System (RMIS):
   • Regulate the use of TVWS technology to minimize the cause of harmful interference to the existing users of the spectrum;
   • Publish and maintain a list of qualified GLSD providers that are approved to provide services for the use of TVWS technology;
   • Publish additional information and regulatory rules relevant to the use of TVWS technology;
2. Dataset Management (DM)
   • Manage datasets, i.e. information about technical parameters of primary transmitters such as geographical locations, transmitting powers and antenna heights
   • Manage a register containing the Authority’s issued type approval identifiers accompanied with corresponding compliance information for specific models of White Space Devices (WSDs);
3. GLSD Management Suite (GMS)
   • Ensure compliance of the GLSD(s) with the regulations on the use of TVWS;
   • Qualify and approve new entities who wish to provide GLSD services;
   • Monitor and verify the accuracy of results provided by GLSD providers;
   • Monitor, manage and report activities of the GLSD service providers;
4. Spectrum Tool Box (STB)
   • To calculate baseline availability of TVWS at a particular location and time;
   • Map overlays for the overview of TVWS availability through a web portal to the logged in users