Prerequisites for Spectrum Management within the Swedish Armed Forces

The frequency spectrum that can be used for information transmission via radio is a limited natural resource. Access to interference-free frequencies is necessary for all types of radio communication to work. To meet the Swedish Armed Forces information needs, the number of communication systems, sensors and other emitting systems of modern military platforms is increasing. Therefore, it is important that the frequency spectrum available to the Armed Forces are used as efficiently as possible. Several different organizations work to promote and coordinate the use of frequency spectrum by regulating and harmonizing frequency use internationally, through decisions of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in order to minimize interference between different systems as much as possible. At the national basis in Sweden, it is the Swedish Post and Telecom Agency (PTS) that regulates the use of the frequency spectrum in accordance with the goals and rules decided by the EU, the Parliament and the Government. The purpose of this study is to examine the international and national regulations and processes that govern the Armed Forces' frequency management. This report outlines the organizations that regulate the Armed Forces' frequency management, as well as the Armed Forces' strategy for frequency allocation. The report also describe the consequences of the current strategy for frequency allocation entails, as well as what opportunities there are for utilizing frequencies more dynamically within the Armed Forces. Access to frequency spectrum for military use is based on a dialogue between PTS and the Armed Forces. The main actors in the Swedish Armed Forces are FM Frequency Working Group (FM FAG) and FM Spectrum Management Office. FAG works primarily to ensure that the Armed Forces have access to the necessary frequency spectrum and to manage the allocated frequency spectrum. The Spectrum Management Office allocates all frequencies used by the Armed Forces as well as in all military exercises within Sweden. This study has come to the following conclusions. The Swedish Armed Forces should, with the support of other relevant authorities, develop and document a long-term strategy and action plan for the National Defense future frequency management. Frequency related work within the Armed Forces has too low priority and status. This risks affecting the necessary access to frequency spectrum, and in the long term the Armed Forces' command capability, negatively. The Swedish Armed Forces should take more initiatives to develop concrete proposals for its future frequency spectrum needs and use these in negotiations with PTS and the international decision-making bodies. Finally, the Armed Forces should introduce radio systems with functions that allow increased opportunities for dynamic frequency utilization and spectrum sharing.