Spectrum
Range of electromagnetic radio frequencies for data transmission.
How the laws define this
Radio frequency management and the prevention of signal interference form the underlying focus across these regulatory frameworks. Both ކޮމިއުނިކޭޝަންސް އޮތޯރިޓީ އޮފް މޯލްޑިވްސްގެ ޤާނޫނު (Law No. 42/2015) and Law N°24/2016 of 18/06/2016 Governing Information and Communication Technologies agree that the concept refers to the range of electromagnetic frequencies used for transmitting data or wireless communication signals. However, the instruments diverge on whether the term describes a physical resource or an administrative process. Under Law N°24/2016 of 18/06/2016 Governing Information and Communication Technologies and ކޮމިއުނިކޭޝަންސް އޮތޯރިޓީ އޮފް މޯލްޑިވްސްގެ ޤާނޫނު (Law No. 42/2015), spectrum is defined as the physical range of frequencies itself, managed by bodies like RURA or treated as a finite national resource. In contrast, the Communications Authority of Maldives Act (Law No. 42/2015) and related ICT/Telecommunications regulations defines spectrum as the operational process of managing those bands, encompassing the planning, assignment, licensing, authorization, allocation, and enforcement measures carried out by CAM to ensure efficient use.
Synthesised from the 3 statutory definitions below. Each one is quoted in full, with its source.
How jurisdictions differ
What is distinctive in each definition, binding law in force first. Showing 2 of the 3 instruments that define this term; all are listed under Definitions below.
| Jurisdiction | Instrument | Status | What is distinctive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maldives | Communications Authority of Maldives Act (Law No. 42/2015) | In Force | Adds that spectrum is managed as a finite national resource, unlike the others which do not specify this characterization. |
| Rwanda | Law N°24/2016 of 18/06/2016 Governing Information and Communication Technologies | In Force | Specifies management and allocation by RURA to prevent interference, narrowing the focus to this authority and purpose unlike the others. |
What it triggers
Definitions (3)
The range of electromagnetic radio frequencies used for transmitting data and communication signals, managed as a finite national resource.
The range of electromagnetic frequencies used for wireless communication, managed and allocated by RURA to prevent interference.
The assignment, planning and authorisation of radio frequency bands by CAM for use by licence‑holders and services, including spectrum allocation, licensing, and enforcement measures to manage interference and efficient use of frequencies.
Questions and answers
What makes spectrum a finite national resource in Maldives?
Under the Communications Authority of Maldives Act, spectrum is defined as the range of electromagnetic radio frequencies used for transmitting data and communication signals, managed as a finite national resource. This establishes it under the authority's regulatory oversight.
Who allocates spectrum in Rwanda to avoid interference?
The Law N°24/2016 defines spectrum as the range of electromagnetic frequencies used for wireless communication. It is managed and allocated by RURA specifically to prevent interference.
How does spectrum management differ between Maldives definitions?
One Maldives definition treats spectrum as a finite national resource for data and signals. The other focuses on assignment, planning, authorisation, allocation, licensing, and enforcement by CAM.