Trailblazing in terrestrial radiocommunications

Head of global non-profit Dynamic Spectrum Alliance Martha Suarez told ITU News how her organization works to ensure more efficient and effective spectrum use, and why diversity is so important in the world of radiocommunications.

Why does spectrum matter and how is the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance (DSA) helping to ensure efficient spectrum utilization?

Spectrum is a limited resource, but essential for wireless connectivity. The limited availability of suitable spectrum often presents an insurmountable barrier to entry for small telecom service providers and new entrants interested in offering affordable connectivity. DSA’s access tools and techniques enable more efficient use of limited spectrum resources by creating opportunities for different organizations to deploy more affordable and sustainable broadband networks, especially in communities that are without access or underserved.

The universal need for affordable online connectivity has never been more evident than during the past year.

DSA aims to meet soaring broadband demand by enabling unlicensed access to the 6 gigahertz (GHz) band for wireless access systems and radio local area networks (WAS/RLANs). By adopting regulations for unlicensed access to this band, administrations such as Brazil, the Republic of Korea and Saudi Arabia are allowing efficient spectrum use, protecting current users of allocated services in the band and allowing support for applications like Wi-Fi.

Key focuses for DSA also include tiered spectrum-sharing models, like the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) framework that was adopted in the US, or similar and simpler approaches in other countries. DSA also continues supporting dynamic access to spectrum in ultra-high frequency (UHF) bands and innovation in the mmWaves (high frequency, millimetre wavelengths) needed for high-speed Internet and 5G mobile services.

How has your work changed with your move from leading a national spectrum regulatory agency to heading a global industry organization?

Even if the perspective and field of action have changed, my internal motivation to promote digital inclusion has remained the same. As a society, we need to work harder on this goal, and we need public-private collaboration to achieve sustainable results.

Before, as Director General of ANE in Colombia, I faced challenges in developing spectrum policies that extended beyond conventional approaches. For example, proposing long-term spectrum plans that focused not only on immediate economic gains, like spectrum auction proceeds, but also considered broader and longer-lasting social and economic impacts.

Spectrum policies must be formulated to attract long-term investment and facilitate the creation of local wireless ecosystems and infrastructure deployment.

Now, as President of DSA, I am constantly impressed by the technological expertise of our members. I can see how industry has developed dynamic spectrum access tools and techniques that can make innovative spectrum-sharing frameworks a reality. I think that industry could work closely with spectrum authorities to demonstrate state-of-the-art technologies and models that eventually, if adopted, could deliver inclusive economic growth and public benefit.

What motivated you to enter the field of radiocommunications in the first place?

When I was studying to become an engineer, I was always attracted to telecoms and wireless networks. I still find the radiocommunication sector extremely interesting. It is constantly changing and, without a doubt, is transforming our society.

But just as importantly, when studying for my master’s degree, I had female role models who inspired me. In fact, while conducting research in a male-dominated field, I was lucky to have two women as advisors for my PhD; one was an expert in signal treatment, and the other an expert in radio frequencies. They were both great mentors and an inspiration to me.

Being part of the radiocommunication environment, I understand the crucial necessity for us as women, first, to make sure that other women can also continue their careers and assume leadership roles, and second, to work on solutions for women’s digital inclusion.

How easy was it, particularly as a woman, to get ahead in this area of work?

I studied for an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering, a Master’s degree in High Frequency Communications Systems, and a PhD in Electronics, Optronics and Systems. I had the opportunity to study what I wanted, and I personally didn’t experience any restrictions in that sense. However, my perception is that women continue to face a harder path to leadership roles, and in those cases, mentors – men or women – who can provide support and confidence are very valuable. I had the chance to work with many men and women who recognized my work and believed in me.

How might you inspire other young girls and women to follow in your footsteps?

Every action counts! Important tools are coherence, or preparing ourselves and demonstrating that it is possible; visibility, or promoting more women as role models and making them visible; and sorority, understood as women supporting other women.

Along those lines, networks of women are very useful, because it is not only about a few women inspiring others, but about creating communities and long-term relationships. I will always recommend being part of networking groups for women in tech.

At the personal level, I am very excited to be part of a great project organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in the Americas Region and EQUALS, through the ITU Academy.

The online course “Women’s leadership in the telecommunications and ICT sector” (conducted in Spanish) has two components: a technical one that I deliver, and a leadership part provided by (Colombian women’s empowerment speaker) Paola Rueda Lopez.

The main objective of the course is to reduce the gender gap in the sector, providing the main concepts in a clear and simple way, with an overview of industry trends and emerging technologies.

I am really thrilled to see the results of this initiative, the high level of satisfaction from participants, and to be part of this effort aimed at creating new networks of female experts.

 

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