The Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has released the second version of a harmonized, efficient, automated technical administrative tool for spectrum management in developing countries under the brand name SMS4DC (Spectrum Management System for Developing Countries). SMS4DC is a practical, user-friendly tool that is a great advance on the previous ITU spectrum planning product WinBASMS, offering more advanced and powerful functions. This second version of SMS4DC covers terrestrial fixed, mobile, sound and television broadcasting services in the bands above 30 MHz, including GE-06 as well as satellite Earth stations in space service.

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. SMS4DC software is available in English only, with the user manual also in English.

The advanced features of SMS4DC include:

1.       User-friendly GUI
2.       Installable in networked environments
3.       Availability of different user access-levels
4.       Employing digital terrain model (DTM) on server or workstations
5.       Managing a shared hierarchical administrative database
6.       Integration of new propagation models
7.       Demonstration of calculation results on DTM
8.       Generation of new BR electronic notice forms
9.       Interference calculation
10.     Frequency assignment
11.     Consideration of regional/national frequency allocations table
12.     Consideration of regional agreements in technical calculations
13.     Frequency planning capabilities
14.     Interfacing BR-IFIC and SRS databases
15.     Generation of informative reports
16.     Employing ITU modules for coordination contour calculation around Earth stations
17.     Frequency spectrum billing management
18.     Link budget calculation
19.     Keeping user log for audit control

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 BDT 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 the experts (who are providing helpline facility, see below) 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.

Continuous information about SMS4DC has been provided to several administrations; Direct assistance in installation of SMS4DC or solving other problems has been provided under contract.

Higher resolution maps insertions are in progress for Mauritius, Albania, Cape Verde and Caribbean countries.

User Manual in French/Spanish has been sent to countries who requested it.

On-going developments:

-          using Google Earth

-          links to monitoring system

-          the frequency allocation table approved by WRC-07

Training on SMS4DC has been provided: Gambia, Bangladesh, Yemen, Lebanon

Presentation on the SMS4DC: BR Seminar in Buenos Aires, Spectrum Management Seminar in Johannesburg

How to obtain SMS4DC