Edward Kobina Sutherland

Spectrum Management & Licensing:

• Manage the issuance and renewal of licenses for aeronautical and maritime services, ensuring full compliance with national and international regulatory requirements.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive database of licensing information, streamlining access to critical data for efficient management of aeronautical and maritime services.
• Conduct ITU notifications for spectrum usage, adhering to international regulations and minimizing the risk of interference.
• Perform technical evaluations of frequency assignments to ensure interference-free operation, safeguarding the integrity of essential communication systems.
• Provide expert guidance to stakeholders on aeronautical and maritime licensing procedures and regulations.

Spectrum Monitoring & Enforcement:

• Coordinate and conduct spectrum monitoring and inspection exercises in the Greater Accra and Central Regions to ensure efficient and compliant spectrum use.
• Monitor and analyze spectrum usage across various frequency bands (FM, VHF, UHF, GSM, LTE, etc.) to optimize allocation and identify potential issues.
• Proactively identify and resolve interference complaints for a wide range of services, including aeronautical, FM broadcasting, ISP, VSAT, and mobile operators, minimizing disruptions and ensuring service quality.
• Enforce spectrum compliance through regular inspections and monitoring activities, maintaining the integrity of Ghana's spectrum resources.
• Supervise and conduct inspections of broadcasting installations and equipment to ensure adherence to technical standards and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain an up-to-date frequency database and spectrum charts by analyzing spectrum data and identifying any instances of illegal spectrum use.

Regulatory Contributions & International Collaboration:

• Assist in preparing Ghana's positions on agenda items related to aeronautical and maritime services for World Radiocommunication Conferences, contributing to the development of international spectrum regulations.
• Provide support and expertise on other projects and initiatives as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to the NCA's mission.

Key Project Contributions:

• LS Telecom Software: Played a key role in the team that implemented the LS telecom software for the engineering department, contributing to:

- Design Specifications

- Design Review

- Software roll-out

- Monitoring

• Spectrum Monitoring Vans: Participated in the team that assisted with the procurement of two spectrum monitoring vans, contributing to:

- Design Specifications

- Design Review

- Factory Acceptance

Stakeholder Engagement:

Maritime Sector: Engaged with key players in the maritime industry to resolve licensing and ITU notification related matters. This proactive engagement resulted in:

• A 40% increase in maritime companies renewing their licenses, improving regulatory compliance within the sector.
• A 30% increase in ITU notifications, ensuring Ghana's compliance with international spectrum regulations and minimizing potential interference.

Aeronautical Sector: Served on the committee tasked with resolving FM interference within the aviation band.

• This collaborative effort led to a 60% reduction in FM/Aviation related interference, significantly improving the safety and reliability of aerospace of within the Greater Accra Region.

Spectrum Management and Licensing:

• Streamlined spectrum licensing processes: Utilized the Automated Spectrum Management System (ASMS) to generate over 150 provisional and final authorizations for diverse services, ensuring efficient allocation of spectrum resources.
• Maintained accurate technical records: Input detailed technical specifications of broadcasting and telecom equipment into the ASMS database for effective spectrum management.
• Collaborated on licensing decisions: Actively participated in Technical Committee meetings, presenting over 55 applications and providing technical expertise to facilitate informed decision-making.

Spectrum Monitoring and Interference Analysis:

• Ensured spectrum compliance: Conducted comprehensive monitoring of various frequency bands using specialized software (Scorpio Client) to identify and resolve instances of non-compliance.
• Resolved interference issues: Investigated and resolved over 15 interference cases affecting Internet Service Providers and Satellite Earth Stations (VSATs), minimizing service disruptions and ensuring efficient spectrum utilization.
• Port inspections: Conducted over 30 port inspections at Kotoka International Airport and Tema Harbour to verify compliance for communication equipment entering the country.

Technical Expertise and Simulation:

• Optimized frequency assignments: Leveraged ATDI ICS Telecom software to perform simulation exercises within the FM band, ensuring interference-free assignments and maximizing spectrum efficiency.
• Verified compliance with license conditions: Simulated coverage radius for existing FM broadcasting stations to ensure adherence to license parameters and prevent interference.

Aeronautical Services:

• Maintained aviation safety: Inspected radio equipment of aircraft to ensure compliance with licensing conditions and maintain safe air communication operations.
• Managed aeronautical data: Maintained a comprehensive database for Aeronautical Services, ensuring accurate records and efficient management of information.

Project Support and Client Communication :

• Supported key initiatives: Assisted the project manager on the Television White Spaces (TVWS) project, contributing to the development and implementation of innovative spectrum utilization strategies.
• Provided clear communication: Drafted correspondence on various technical and regulatory matters, ensuring effective communication with stakeholders.
• Delivered excellent client service: Assisted clients in understanding the Authority's services and resolving their inquiries, fostering positive relationships and promoting effective spectrum utilization. provides.

Radio Frequency Spectrum Management:

• Managed the radio frequency spectrum ensuring efficient allocation and utilization.
• Maintained an accurate and up-to-date database of frequency assignments, facilitating spectrum sharing and minimizing interference.

Spectrum Monitoring & Analysis:

• Conducted cost-effective spectrum monitoring and data collection using the TCI Scorpio Client Spectrum Monitoring System.
• Analyzed spectrum usage to identify potential interference issues and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Utilized ATDI ICS Telecom software to perform in-depth interference analysis and resolution, optimizing spectrum efficiency.

Regulatory Compliance & Enforcement:

• Inspected communication over 20 installations to ensure compliance with national regulations and technical standards.
• Identified and addressed over 8 illegal radio frequency operations, enforcing the provisions of the National Communications Act and Electronic Communications Act.

Reporting & Communication:

• Provided comprehensive weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports summarizing engineering activities and spectrum management.

Technical Expertise & Testing:

• Conducted technical testing of 3 DTT receivers for the Ghanaian market, evaluating performance and compliance with regional standards.