Lecture Note: Definition of Terms,
Frequency Allocation, Allotment, and
Assignment
Course Title: Radio Frequency Management or Satellite Communication
Topic: Definition of Terms, Frequency Allocation, Allotment, and Assignment
Duration: 2 Hours
Target Audience: Undergraduate Students in Engineering, ICT, Military Communications, or
Satellite Studies
1. Learning Objectives
• Define and distinguish key spectrum management terminologies.
• Explain the hierarchical process of frequency allocation, allotment, and assignment.
• Understand the roles of national and international bodies (e.g., ITU, NCC).
• Analyze the importance of efficient spectrum management.
• Discuss real-life examples and implications of poor frequency planning.
2. Introduction
The radio spectrum is a finite natural resource, similar to land or water. It is invisible yet
vital for wireless communication systems (e.g., radio, TV, radar, GPS, satellites, mobile
phones). Efficient spectrum management is crucial to ensure orderly, interference-free
communication and national security. Class Activity: Ask students to list five wireless
devices they use daily and identify what frequency band they might use (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-
Fi, FM Radio, Mobile Phone, TV).
3. Definition of Terms
Radio Frequency Spectrum:
The portion of the electromagnetic spectrum from 3 kHz to 300 GHz.
Frequency Band:
A specific range of frequencies allocated for a particular service.
Bandwidth:
Difference between upper and lower frequencies of a channel. Determines how much data
can be transmitted.
Spectrum Allocation:
Designating bands to specific services like mobile, TV, radar, satellite.
Spectrum Allotment:
Assigning parts of the allocated spectrum to geographical areas or countries.
Frequency Assignment:
Granting specific frequencies to individual users or stations.
Interference:
Occurs when two signals on the same/adjacent frequencies disrupt each other.
Harmful Interference:
Interference that significantly degrades or obstructs communication.
International Telecommunication Union (ITU):
UN agency that allocates global spectrum and defines standards.
National Regulatory Authorities:
e.g., NCC (Nigeria), FCC (USA) – responsible for frequency assignment and policy
enforcement.
4. Frequency Spectrum Management Process
4.1 Frequency Allocation (International Level)
Definition: Distribution of spectrum blocks to services (e.g., mobile, satellite). Done at ITU
level based on international consensus during World Radiocommunication Conferences
(WRC). Primary & Secondary Allocation: Primary has priority, Secondary must not interfere.
Example Allocation Table:
Band (MHz): 890–960 | Allocation: MOBILE (primary)
Band (MHz): 100–108 | Allocation: Broadcasting (FM Radio)
Band (MHz): 1626.5–1660.5 | Allocation: Mobile-Satellite
4.2 Frequency Allotment (Regional/National Level)
Based on ITU allocation, national governments allot frequencies to specific areas or service
categories. Regional planning occurs here (e.g., West Africa TV broadcast plan).
4.3 Frequency Assignment (Local/User Level)
Assignment is done to operators/users who apply for licenses. Conditions include max
power, antenna specs, location constraints. Example: MTN receiving 2600 MHz band license
from NCC for 4G expansion.
5. Comparative Table
Feature Allocation Allotment Assignment
What is it? Spectrum to service Spectrum to Spectrum to
region/country user/station
Who does it? ITU (global) Regional/National National regulator
body (e.g., NCC)
Example 3.4–3.6 GHz for 3.4–3.5 GHz to MTN assigned 3.45–
mobile Nigeria 3.5 GHz
Scope International National/Regional Local/Operational
6. Case Studies and Examples
Case Study 1: 5G Rollout in Nigeria
• Allocation: ITU allocates 3.5 GHz globally for IMT-2020 (5G).
• Allotment: NCC allots portions to Nigeria’s mobile sector.
• Assignment: MTN and Mafab Communications win licenses.
Case Study 2: TV Interference in Border Towns
• Poor cross-border coordination leads to interference.
• Need for bilateral allotment agreements between neighboring countries.
7. Challenges in Frequency Management
• Spectrum Scarcity
• Cross-border Interference
• Illegal/Unlicensed Users
• High Cost of Spectrum Licenses
• Rapid Tech Advancements (e.g., 6G, AI-driven systems)
8. Importance of Proper Spectrum Management
• Enables innovation (IoT, 5G, GPS, satellite comms).
• Ensures national defense & emergency communication.
• Promotes economic growth via telecom and broadcasting.
• Prevents harmful interference and technical conflicts.
9. Class Engagement & Discussion Questions
• What would happen if two TV stations were assigned the same frequency in one city?
• Who should pay more for spectrum: military, telecom, or broadcasters? Why?
• Should spectrum be treated as public property or commercial asset?
10. Conclusion
Frequency spectrum is a precious and limited resource. Proper allocation, allotment, and
assignment ensures efficient, fair, and interference-free communication. The roles of ITU
and national regulators are central to this system.
11. References
• ITU Radio Regulations (RR)
• Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Guidelines
• Agbo, A. A., 'Telecommunication Principles and Management', 2021
• Taub & Schilling, 'Principles of Communication Systems'
