Case Study: Ofcom

Through its detailed understanding of the UK spectrum auction regulations and of the underpinning mathematics, the Smith Institute provided independent verification of the performance of Ofcom's auction results software to Ofcom's Spectrum Policy Group.

Ofcom is the regulator for the UK communications industries, with responsibilities across television, radio, telecommunications and wireless communications services. Ofcom's overall responsibility includes ensuring the optimal use of the electromagnetic spectrum, and this objective is underpinned by the use of innovative mechanisms for awarding new spectrum licences.

Ofcom's duty under the Communications Act 2003 to further the interests of consumers, where appropriate by promoting competition, is of particular importance to its current series of spectrum awards. In fulfilling this duty, Ofcom aims to secure optimal use of spectrum, to promote innovation in technology and services, and to secure the availability of telecommunications services to consumers.

In 2008, Ofcom broke new ground by instigating the use of combinatorial clock auctions as a mechanism for the effective allocation of radio spectrum. The first two frequency bands to be awarded using this auction design were:

There are several important advantages over alternative designs. Bidders who wish to assemble packages of spectrum licences avoid exposure to the risk of being left with only a partial package; there are natural incentives to adopt bidding strategies that reflect true valuations; and the design discourages attempts at collusive bidding strategies.

The high value nature of spectrum auctions determined the need to verify the accuracy of the software to be used by Ofcom to run the auction. Therefore the requirement for an independent company to conduct the verification of the auction results software rose prominently and as a result Ofcom engaged in 2007 the Smith Institute in the awards process.

The role of the Smith Institute

The Smith Institute has advised Ofcom on the implementation of the awards at 10-40GHz and 1452-1492MHz; the Smith Institute also continues to work with Ofcom in preparation for future awards. In each case, the auction design is underpinned by detailed mathematical algorithms to determine the winning bidders and the prices that they pay. We have assessed for correctness the software implementations of these algorithms, basing our analysis on the rules and regulations of the individual awards. We have undertaken a series of independent systematic assessments of the proposed software implementations, using suites of carefully designed test cases to reflect the possible auction scenarios. Through these investigations we have been able to reach an informed independent opinion on whether Ofcom can have confidence that the auction results software is working correctly, and have been able to make recommendations for modifications where appropriate. Throughout this work, we have worked closely with Ofcom's Spectrum Policy Group and other Ofcom suppliers.

Contact Dr Claudia Centazzo to discuss how your organisation can benefit from an independent systematic assessment of your algorithms and models.

The Smith Institute worked with the Home Office to ensure the development of good-quality science, as well as enhanced operational capability for the police.

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