Radio spectrum is the range of radio wave transmission frequencies that can be used for communications by various devices over set channels, with a channel defining a given slice of radio spectrum.

Frequencies generally are measured in megahertz, units describing how many millions of times the radio wave oscillates per second. Lower frequencies use kilohertz, while higher frequencies use gigahertz.

Commonly thought of in terms of radio or television reception, radio spectrum is utilised for anything from mobile phone networks, garage door openers, air traffic control and medical devices, to flying model aircraft, house alarms, global position system satellites and more.

With ever more wireless devices and services demanding access, spectrum has become an important national resource for countries. Ireland is in a fairly comfortable and unusual position regarding spectrum because, lacking a large military or security service reserving large swathes of it, we have so much of it that is available.

As an island with no bordering jurisdictions except Northern Ireland and with a low population density, we have few problems with frequency overlap and interference.

Contrast that with Germany, whose borders touch on 10 other nations. That makes Ireland’s spectrum attractive for test and trial networks.

As the administrator for Ireland’s spectrum, ComReg has developed a programme around marketing test and trial spectrum licences to other countries and corporations.