Dynamic spectrum access in terrestrial TV band: assessment of prospects in Kenya

Wireless connectivity has become a significant part of human life all over the world, both in developing and developed countries. In order to provide sufficient coverage without the densification of cellular networks, relatively low carrier frequencies should be used. This paper considers the reuse of the digital terrestrial television (DTT) band for cellular system operation in Kenya, while protecting incumbent TV signal reception according to the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance (DSAL) rules. A state of the art model for DTT coverage and allowed cellular system power calculation is tested using real data for Kenya. Suggestions regarding future DSAL rules amendments are provided. Moreover, the amount of spectrum resources available for cellular system operation in the DTT band in Kenya is estimated against varying system parameters.