Case Study: RTR

The Smith Institute supported the Austrian Regulatory Authority for Broadcasting and Telecommunications in its preparation for the award of radio spectrum in the range 2500-2690MHz

Rundfunk und Telekom Regulierungs-GmbH (RTR) is the Austrian Regulatory Authority for Broadcasting and Telecommunications. One of its overall objectives is to ensure that Austrian people and businesses are provided with cost-effective, high-quality, innovative telecommunications services.

Following the steps of Ofcom and other European Regulators, RTR has opted for the use of a combinatorial clock auction for the effective allocation of radio spectrum in the range 2500-2690MHz (the 2.6GHz band auction).

The frequencies in the 2.6 GHz band are especially well suited for high-speed data transmission in cities and allow for the use of the next-generation technology. In the allocation procedure, 14 paired frequency blocks with a bandwidth of 2 x 5 MHz each and 10 unpaired frequency blocks with a bandwidth of 1 x 5 MHz each will be assigned. The frequencies awarded in this procedure will be assigned for a limited period of time ending in 2026.

It is expected that the award will take place in September 2010, by means of an auction to be implemented by an electronic bidding system and software (the Auction Software).

RTR has designed and implemented a testing programme of the Auction Software used to determine winners and the prices they pay in the 2.6GHz band auction. RTR wished to have an independent contribution to the programme of testing these parts of the Auction Software, and hence engaged the Smith Institute to advise on the aspects that such a testing programme should cover.

The Smith Institute has carried out, on behalf of RTR, testing on the software engine that will calculate winners and prices in the forthcoming 2.6GHz award, to verify its correct operation in a set of agreed scenarios that might arise during the award process. The work involved creating a set of test cases that complement RTR’s own testing of the software, which also test the limits of the operational envelope. The Smith Institute was able to confirm to RTR that the software is operating correctly.

Dietmar Zlabinger, Senior Consultant at RTR, said "The work done and the report submitted to us is in full compliance with the agreed testing activity and the agreed time schedule. All activity has been conducted to our complete satisfaction."

You can see video clips related to our work on our YouTube channel.

Contact Caroline Edwards to discuss how your organisation can benefit from an independent systematic assessment of your algorithms and models.