Dynamic Spectrum Alliance Hosts the DSA Global Summit in Accra

Ghana’s Communications Ministry to Open Annual Summit

Accra, Ghana 12 May 2014: The Dynamic Spectrum Alliance has today announced that the National Communications Authority of Ghana (NCA) will co-host the second annual Dynamic Spectrum Alliance Global Summit, to be held in Accra, Ghana on May 13-14. With an emphasis on the exploration of dynamic spectrum access technologies, business models and regulations, which are particularly pertinent to the host continent of Africa, the Global Summit has attracted extensive support from across the region, including Ghana’s Ministry of Communications, as well as speakers and participants from literally around the world.

There is huge excitement to welcome Hon. Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Communications of Ghana, who will open the conference along with Albert Enninful, Deputy Director General of the NCA. Ghana’s support for the Global Summit demonstrates recognition of the need to innovatively increase spectrum supply and availability within the region, with the aim of creating new opportunities in the areas of education, healthcare, e-government, small business empowerment, and social inclusion.

Paarock VanPercy, Director General of National Communications Authority of Ghana, said: “We are delighted that the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance Global Summit will be held in our capital, as we believe our region can contribute to and benefit from discussions about innovative ways of managing limited radio spectrum resources, including dynamic spectrum access.”

Dynamic spectrum access describes a family of emerging wireless technologies that can use radios frequencies more efficiently, thereby increasing the availability and reducing the cost of wireless bandwidth. Following successful trials utilizing one form of dynamic spectrum access – transmitting on unused TV channels (TV White Spaces) – in selected locations in Accra, Ghana, deployments will soon take place at targeted tertiary Ghanaian institutions, including the Koforidua Polytechnic and All Nations University College. By utilizing TV White Space-enabled radios from radio manufacturer 6Harmonics that connect campus buildings spaced far apart as well as off-campus hostels, the entire university campus including students and faculty members will be able to enjoy an always-on high-speed Internet service.

Interest in these emerging technologies is not just limited to Ghana and Africa. Indeed, regulations are under consideration and commercial pilot projects are being deployed in numerous countries around the world. One example is the Philippines, where networks are being used for rural broadband access and disaster recovery. Executive Director of the Philippine Department of Science and Technology ICT Office, Louis Casambre, added: “As we rapidly move forward in the ever developing communications era, it is vital to raise awareness of the critical need to best utilize the radio spectrum. The discussions at the DSA Global Summit will contribute towards creating regulatory guidelines and standards for radio spectrum and will act as a catalyst in building relationships and nurturing initiatives, whilst driving global efforts to better the use of limited frequencies.”

Just this week in Taiwan too, there have been major developments to promote spectrum sharing through policy, technology and applications, including the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding by the newly-established Taiwan Dynamic Spectrum Access Pilot Trial Work Group. Prof. H Nwana, DSA Executive Director, participated at this MoU signing in Taipei and he also had fruitful discussions with other relevant Taiwanese dynamic access stakeholders including the regulator, industry, government and academia. Founded by DSA member Microsoft, who has helped pioneer White Space pilots in Singapore and the Philippines, the new Work Group will conduct pilot projects in Taiwan for both rural broadband access and Internet of Things (IoT) applications, such as Smart Grid, using TV White Space radios.

“Progress is being made within Africa and around the world, however we need to achieve much in order to meet the surge on data demand and the availability of spectrum,” commented H Nwana, Executive Director of the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance. “The Global Summit aims to demonstrate the potential future offered by dynamic spectrum access technologies and effectively encourage discussions that will usher the next leap forward in connectivity for emerging economy regions like Africa and in other developing and developed regions around the world.”

Sessions at the Global Summit will cover the latest technical advances, regulatory initiatives and strategies for ushering in the next leap forward in wireless connectivity from connecting the next four billion people to enabling the Internet of Things. To view the agenda and the full list of speakers, please go to http://www.dynamicspectrumalliance.org/summit.html.

For all media enquiries, please contact Dana Hare (dana.hare@proactive-pr.com) or Claire McAdam (claire.mcadam@proactive-pr.com) on +44 1636 812152.

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About the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance
The Dynamic Spectrum Alliance is a global organization advocating for laws and regulations that will lead to more efficient and effective spectrum utilization. The DSA’s membership spans multinationals, small- and medium-sized enterprises, and academic, research, and other organizations from around the world, all working to create innovative solutions that will increase the amount of available spectrum to the benefit of consumers and businesses alike. Visit http://www.dynamicspectrumalliance.org/, follow @DynamicSpectrum, www.facebook.com/DynamicSpectrumAlliance, and www.linkedin.com/groups/Dynamic-Spectrum-Access-DSA-5122947.

Source: RealWire