Robert J. Matheson

Abstract: This paper provides definitions of spectrum efficiency for general communication systems, then simplifies the definitions so that the spectrum efficiency of several contemporary mobile radio systems can be easily compared. A variety of systems currently in use and proposed for near-term deployment are compared to analog FM dispatch radio. The calculations show a ratio of 1 million between the most efficient and least efficient of the systems considered. Based on these calculations, a comparison can be made between various technologies and their ability to deliver communication systems with a very high spectrum efficiency.

Keywords: spectrum efficiency; mobile radio; PCS; cellular radio; frequency reuse; spectrum policy; trunked radio systems; vocoders

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