Principal - Spectrum Technical Policy, OFCOM, London

About the job

Ofcom is the regulator responsible for managing the UK’s radio spectrum. Changing the way spectrum is managed is core to Ofcom's vision - to give more flexibility to the market, and reduce regulation. Ofcom has launched a major programme to encourage a market-based approach to spectrum management, through liberalisation, trading, and the release of more spectrum for new uses. At the heart of these activities is a need for effective access to radio spectrum, a scarce natural resource which is managed by Ofcom’s Spectrum Policy Group. SPG’s twin tasks are to manage the use of spectrum for existing services so as to minimise interference between them, and to make available spectrum for new services in a timely and efficient manner.

We recently completed the release of spectrum at 800MHz and 2.6GHz. As well as a number of ongoing issues associated with existing mobile spectrum, there are a number of initiatives underway to make more spectrum available for new services. However, the manner in which this spectrum is made available will also impact on other services being offered in adjacent bands. Understanding the adjacency issues and the potential technologies that may be used in adjacent frequencies is vital to secure the best outcome for Ofcom and its stakeholders.

We are seeking someone who has an in-depth understanding of the technical issues associated with spectrum management and the different wireless technologies that use spectrum, and in particular with a strong focus and understanding of mobile networks. Familiarity with the international spectrum management environment would be an advantage.

The role is in the Spectrum Technology Policy team. This is a dedicated technical team within SPG that provides high quality technical analysis, guidance and policy formation to other parts of SPG and Ofcom in support of its objectives. A strong area of focus for the team is understanding coexistence between different spectrum users and quantifying the impact and issues associated with releasing spectrum for new uses. The remit of the team is wide, potentially ranging across all of SPG’s technical activities. Team members will generally have significant stakeholder engagement and exposure to international administrations and organisations where they may be required to represent Ofcom. Interference considerations between systems and system capacity management of wireless networks and devices form the core of the work in support of SPG and Ofcom policy development.

Likely candidates may have a background from for example a specialist consultancy, a mobile operator or vendor, a spectrum regulatory authority.

Key Responsibilities

•To formulate technical evidence and advice which informs our spectrum policy and management decisions.
•To supply detailed technical advice on wireless technology and intersystem interference issues that may require complex analysis and modeling of wireless networks.
?This might be for example undertaking link level analysis or more detailed simulation analysis, or through measurement and trials work. This may be through work undertaken on an individual basis, supervising work of other engineers within SPG or managing the work of external consultants.
•To be responsible for a range of technical policy projects, providing direction and supervision of those projects and to teams working on them.
•To be a key source of knowledge and expertise in mobile communications technical issues.
•To understand and balance the interests of stakeholders and other regulatory bodies in the formulating Ofcom technical policy.

Essential Skills/ Experience

•At least 15 years experience in the wireless / telecommunications field in a technical role.
•Demonstrated ability to undertake and supervise complex technical analysis on different types of wireless systems principally in the area of coexistence and interference assessment.
•An in depth understanding of mobile networks, standards and technologies.
•Ability to scope and deliver on projects which deliver technical policy formation with a sound evidence basis.
•An understanding of the technical and policy issues associated with managing the radio spectrum.
•Familiarity with the spectrum regulatory environment.
•Excellent written communication – the ability to write clear and concise high quality published documents.
•The ability to explain detailed technical concepts to non-technical people.
•Effective influencer.
•Clear analytical thinker.

Desirable Skills/ Experience

•Familiarity with technical modelling and planning tools (eg. MATLAB, SEAMCAT, MapInfo, ICS telecom, Visualyse)
•Understanding of radio-propagation.
•Excellent communicator able to represent Ofcom and the UK in key international fora
•Familiarity with the international spectrum management environment and the key organisations working in this field (e.g. CEPT and ITU)

Qualifications

•A first degree (or equivalent level of experience) in the telecommunications or a related field. Preferably an MSc or a PhD in the telecommunications field.