SMS4DC - Spectrum Management System for Developing Countries
The Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has released a harmonized, efficient, automated technical and administrative tool for spectrum management in developing countries under the brand name SMS4DC (Spectrum Management System for Developing Countries).
SMS4DC is sold as an integrated software package on CD-ROM containing the software, a user manual and a digital terrain map of the world.
The advanced features of SMS4DC include:
1. User-friendly GUI
2. Installable in networked environments
3. Availability of different user access levels
4. Employment of digital terrain model (DTM) on server or workstations
5. Management of a shared hierarchical administrative database
6. Integration of several propagation models
7. Demonstration of calculation results on DTM
8. Generation of new BR electronic notice form
9. Interference calculation
10. Frequency assignment
11. Consideration of regional/national frequency allocation tables
12. Consideration of regional agreements in technical calculations
13. Frequency-planning capabilities
14. Interface with BR-IFIC databases
15. Generation of informative reports
16. Employment of ITU modules for coordination contour calculation around Earth stations
17. Frequency spectrum billing management
18. Link to budget calculation
19. User log for audit control
20. English, French, and Spanish software interface
21. Interface to the spectrum monitoring software of Rohde & Schwarz and of Thales and a general interface for any other monitoring software (TCI's for example)
22. Interface to Google™ Earth mapping
So far, SMS4DC version 5.1 is available and the newly updated SMS4DC version 5.2 will be posted for purchase beginning May 2022. Version 5.2 was developed from the contribution of MSIT (Republic of Korea). It contains the revised Article 5 of the Radio Regulations (as per decisions made at WRC- 19), as well as further development on data transfer from other databases to the SMS4DC, such as BR Space IFIC Version 9, and calculations according to the HCM (European cross-border frequency coordination agreement). The SMS4DC also contains monitoring network planning for optimization of spectrum monitoring networks, an interface to the spectrum monitoring software of Rohde & Schwarz and of Thales and a general interface for any other monitoring software (TCI's for example). Self-learning training material can be provided upon request.
No facilities or services regarding data migration or specific software support or training are included in this publication. It may be necessary for some users to obtain assistance in order to take full advantage of SMS4DC. ITU invites users having special needs to contact the BDT (sms4dc@itu.int) to discuss specific assistance possibilities.
The duration of the training varies between 2 and 3 weeks depending on the requirements. During the training (if required) expert(s) can assist in addition to the normal software usage information in preparation of the National Frequency Allocation Table and in transferring the existing data (licenses, users, stations, etc) to the SMS4DC format.
The Software is distributed with, and makes use of, data from the GLOBE DEM (Global Land One‑Kilometre Base Elevation Digital Elevation Model) project. The Licensee is advised that GLOBE Version 1.0, like other digital topographical data, is not sufficiently accurate in its global world coverage to be considered as completely reliable for mission-critical applications. The data must always be interpreted with extreme caution. They should not be used as the unique resource in mission-critical or life-critical applications and ITU can take no responsibility regarding their accuracy or fitness for any purpose.
There is a possibility to use in the software higher resolution DEM. In this case users have to buy the data (ITU can assist in recognizing sources) and then ITU experts will help in loading this additional terrain data into the software.
Should the Software not perform as indicated in the User Manual, ITU shall provide a helpline facility to the Licensee. The assistance provided shall be limited to availability of eventual Software updates, intervention and consultation via remote electronic means, free of charge for a period of one year from the date of signature of this License.
