The impact of dynamic spectrum access network on third world countries: spectrum allocation issues, network and economic growth (the African tale)

Africa, undoubtedly the fastest growing mobile technology market is faced with challenges in the allocation of spectrum. Coping with the astronomical growth in the number of the spectrum users and effect of the mode of implementation of spectrum allocation to users has been a burden in terms of cost for the service provider in the cellular industry. Since the spectrum can be re-used by the service provider without degradation with use, the problems faced in the fixed channel method of spectrum allocation can be overcome by several management techniques which allocates spectrum to users based on the demand for it, thereby eliminating the problem of spectrum waste. Also other techniques such as changing system architecture and access method can also be used. This paper evaluates the effects of dynamic spectrum allocation (DSA) in the third world countries, using Africa as a case study. It tries to compare the impact the DSA will have on the spectrum users with the fixed spectrum allocation (FSA) method currently being implemented. Furthermore, the paper delves into the cellular network growth in the African sub region and the socioeconomic impact of the mobile technology on continent. The author will analyze the performance of the FSA and DSA, compare the two and suggest the best method based on their performance. The author will in addition analyze the growth of cellular networks over the years using graphs and charts. Finally, the author will also show the economic impact of the mobile technology on different African countries to help in making decision on investment in the cellular industry in Africa