- Alex Högback
Intermediate
Event Organizer(s)
Initiative
Description
Effectively managing radio spectrum is a precondition for delivering universal and meaningful connectivity to all schools. Participants in this course will learn to integrate datasets from a range of sources (including economic, demographic, social, and environmental) into spectrum decision making, evolving from a traditional, static approach to a dynamic, evidence-based spectrum process that can deliver high-quality, reliable Internet access to schools.
Over the course of four weeks, participants will learn to optimize radio frequency resources with the goal of developing conducive regulatory regimes for school connectivity, and to architect flexible regulatory spectrum frameworks that ignite private sector investment. Through an embedded capstone project, participants will apply their learnings to lead a real-world transition towards data-driven spectrum management.
The course is designed for professionals with experience at the intersection of telecommunications, government policy, and digital development spectrum regulation, for example:
- National spectrum regulators: Experienced specialists in spectrum management from National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs).
- Policymakers: Senior officials from Ministries of ICT and Education who design national connectivity roadmaps.
- Network engineers & technical leads: Professionals working on rural deployment and infrastructure sharing.
- ICT data analysts: Experts who already handle technical data but want to master GIS tools and predictive modeling for school-specific projects.
This course is open to participants from the target population who meet the following criteria:
- Hold an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject such as engineering, telecommunications, computer science, economics, or public policy
- Have at least 3 years of professional experience in spectrum management, telecommunications regulation, or ICT policy
- Familiarity with radio regulations, frequency allocation, fundamentals of spectrum management and interference management
- Ability to learn and participate in discussions conducted in advanced-level English
- A basic understanding of statistics and data handling
Applicants will need to complete the application questionnaire and submit an up-to-date CV, a letter of recommendation from their employer and/or a motivation letter explaining how the course relates to their current role and goals.
Government officials and policymakers from developing countries, and especially women professionals, are encouraged to apply.
Selection will be carried out by the course organisers based on the above entry requirements and a holistic review of your application materials.
Please note that the cohort will be limited to 30 participants to ensure a high-quality, interactive learning experience.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able:
- In policy and regulation: to design flexible spectrum management frameworks that encourage private sector investment and lower connectivity costs for schools.
- In interference management: to use algorithms to predict network demand and prevent harmful interference in particular in shared spectrum environments.
- In optimizing frequency use: to apply modern spectrum management methods like Dynamic Spectrum Access to utilize unused frequencies for connecting remote schools.
- In evidence-based decision making: to collect and interpret ICT statistics to assess network coverage, affordability, and usage in educational settings.
- In infrastructure mapping: to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and computerized spectrum management tools to identify "white spots" (unconnected schools) and plan the most cost-effective wireless solutions.
The course follows a multi-stage delivery model including:
- Self-paced preparatory study: Learners should familiarize themselves with the subject materials prior to the online sessions.
- Instructor-led technical sessions: Live workshops featuring expert demonstrations on tools for telecom infrastructure mapping and spectrum analysis.
- Case-based learning: Analyzing Giga initiative's work in collecting data, to understand how it may assist in policy and regulatory decision making, and cost reductions for school connectivity projects.
- Peer-to-peer exchange: Facilitated discussion where professionals from different countries share regional regulatory challenges and best practices.
The Capstone Project
The Capstone Project is the centerpiece of the curriculum, serving as the bridge between the classroom and the participants’ home country contexts. It is a learning-by-doing exercise with several critical features:
- Real world data application: the capstone requires learners to use national data (e.g. school locations, existing fiber maps, and spectrum inventory results) to build a concrete connectivity model.
- Strategic road mapping: Participants must develop a flexible regulatory framework, which includes drafting a policy recommendation or a licensing scheme designed to attract private investment for school-specific infrastructure.
To earn the professional certification, the capstone project accounts for a significant portion (50%) of the final grade. It is evaluated on:
- Technical accuracy: The validity of the data collection and analysis models.
- Regulatory innovation: The flexibility and feasibility of the proposed spectrum management framework.
- Actionability: The readiness of the project to be implemented in a real-world setting immediately following the course.
Capstone project : 50%
Active participation in online discussion forums : 20%
Active participation in group in-class group works : 30%
A total score of 70% or higher is required to obtain the ITU certificate.
Prior to the course, participants are required to:
- Review the fundamentals of spectrum management - Recommendation ITU-R SM.1047 "National Spectrum Management" - https://www.itu.int/rec/R-REC-SM.1047, Chapter 1 of the ITU-R Handbook on National Spectrum Management https://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-r/opb/hdb/R-HDB-21-2015-PDF-E.pdf
- Familiarize themselves with the GIGA initiative - https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Initiatives/GIGA/Pages/default.aspx, https://giga.global, https://maps.giga.global/map
- Take a diagnostic quiz to identify participants’ knowledge level and gaps with regard to the fundamentals of spectrum management.
Week 1
Session 1 – Introduction & Fundamentals
- Learning outcomes:
- Understand core principles and objectives of spectrum management
- Recognize links to school connectivity and data-driven approaches
- Define scope of capstone project
- Activities:
- Presentation
- Guided discussion
- Group work (capstone case study)
Session 2 – Regulatory Frameworks
- Learning outcomes:
- Analyze international and national regulatory frameworks
- Understand licensing models and policy tools
- Develop basic regulatory design skills
- Activities:
- Presentation
- Group work (framework design)
- Online discussion forum
Week 2
Session 3 – Technical Synergy (Spectrum & Giga)
- Learning outcomes:
- Apply propagation modelling, GIS, and EMC concepts
- Understand spectrum sharing and technical integration
- Activities:
- Presentation
- Group work (technical solutions)
- Synchronous sub-session
- Online discussion
Session 4 – Data Exchange & Analytics
- Learning outcomes:
- Identify and manage key datasets
- Integrate Giga data into planning models
- Analyze KPIs for spectrum use
- Activities:
- Presentation
- Data-mapping discussion
- Online forum
- Self-study
- Diagnostic quiz
Week 3
Session 5 – Spectrum Engineering
- Learning outcomes:
- Apply engineering tools for planning and monitoring
- Ensure efficient and interference-free connectivity
- Activities:
- Presentation
- Group work
- Synchronous session
- Online discussion
Session 6 – Emerging Technologies
- Learning outcomes:
- Assess impact of terrestrial and non-terrestrial technologies
- Understand role of AI, cloud, and data analytics
- Activities:
- Presentations
- Group work
- Online discussion
Week 4
Session 7 – Policy Incentives
- Learning outcomes:
- Design licensing, pricing, and incentive mechanisms
- Support affordable school connectivity
- Activities:
- Presentation
- Group work
- Synchronous session
Session 8 – Capstone & Finalization
- Learning outcomes:
- Integrate technical, regulatory, and data approaches
- Finalize spectrum management framework
- Activities:
- Group work
- Capstone presentation and finalization
Registration information
Unless specified otherwise, all ITU Academy training courses are open to all interested professionals, irrespective of their race, ethnicity, age, gender, religion, economic status and other diverse backgrounds. We strongly encourage registrations from female participants, and participants from developing countries. This includes least developed countries, small island developing states and landlocked developing countries.
