A machine learning-based spectrum availability assessment and prediction methodology developed by the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) has been approved as a new report by the International Telecommunication Union Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R). Domestic researchers took charge of the seven-year process, from the standardization proposal in 2019 to technology development, international discussions, and final approval, and it is reported that this will be used as an international reference technology for establishing frequency management strategies for the 6G era.

ETRI announced that its new report, 'Methodologies for assessing or predicting spectrum availability,' was approved at the ITU-R Spectrum Management Group 1 (SG1) meeting held in Geneva, Switzerland, from the 3rd to the 11th of last month.

The report contains a methodology for evaluating and predicting frequency availability by specific region and time zone using machine learning.

ETRI began discussions in 2019 by proposing a research project to develop a new report to the ITU-R.

In 2021, based on existing research results, a draft report was submitted and led to the adoption of the working document, and since then, the standardization work has been led by submitting revised contributions every year.

Final approval was successfully obtained after reaching an international consensus by reflecting the cases of China, Brazil, Indonesia, and India.

The report is scheduled to be officially published following the ITU-R's editorial process.

The report was written based on research published by ETRI in an SCIE-indexed international academic journal.

ETRI has developed technologies such as the frequency supply and demand balance evaluation technology for LTE networks and machine learning-based frequency usage prediction technology, and has published related papers.

With frequency demand increasing due to the expansion of next-generation wireless services such as AI services, 6G mobile communication, and low-orbit satellite communication, this methodology covers the areas of △AI-based frequency utilization efficiency, △introduction of data-based spectrum management, and △establishment of frequency supply strategies for the 6G era. It is reported that it will be used as an international reference technology.

Park Seung-geun, Head of the Radio Research Division at ETRI, stated, “The approval of this ITU-R report is an achievement in which data-based spectrum management technology has been internationally recognized,” adding, “We will continue to develop intelligent spectrum management technology utilizing machine learning and data analysis.”

This research was conducted through the Ministry of Science and ICT's 'Frequency Acquisition and Supply Base Technology Development Project'.