The Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has released the fourth version of a harmonized, efficient, automated technical and administrative tool for spectrum management in developing countries under the brand name SMS4DC (Spectrum Management System for Developing Countries). The version 4.0 contains an upgrade to: provide links between SMS4DC and the ESMERALDA monitoring software of Thales and additional enhancements to the Version 3 of the software. Version 4 is also available in French.

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.

The advanced features of SMS4DC include:

1.         User-friendly GUI

2.         Installable in networked environments

3.         Availability of different user access levels

4.         Employment of digital terrain model (DTM) on server or workstations

5.         Management of a shared hierarchical administrative database

6.         Integration of several 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 allocation tables

12.       Consideration of regional agreements in technical calculations

13.       Frequency-planning capabilities

14.       Interface with BR-IFIC databases

15.       Generation of informative reports

16.       Employment of ITU modules for coordination contour calculation around Earth stations

17.       Frequency spectrum billing management

18.       Link to budget calculation

19.       User log for audit control

20.       English and French software interface

21.       Links to Argus (R&S) and Esmeralda (Thales) monitoring software

22.       Interface to Google™ Earth mapping

Prior to purchase, customers are requested to complete and send a questionnaire to SMS4DC@itu.int

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 the BDT (sms4dc@itu.int) 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 inter�preted 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 ITU experts 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.

Higher resolution maps insertions has been done for Mauritius, Albania, Fiji.

Executive summary of the User Manual in English/French/Spanish will be sent to countries on request.

Presentation on the SMS4DC: Workshop on Efficiency of Frequency Spectrum Use in Arab Region (Amman, Jordan, 5-7 December 2011)

How to obtain SMS4DC