Software-defined radio is a technology that aims to let radios quickly and easily switch between virtually any frequency to send and receive signals. The ability to quickly switch between and among frequencies should facilitate the sharing of frequencies among different groups, proponents argue.

Arguing that SDR and cognitive radio technology can help implement a nationwide interoperable broadband network in the 700 MHz spectrum, a report by the forum's Public Safety Special Interest Group states that the approach can conform to FCC regulations, which may require that portions of the spectrum be shared between commercial interests and public safety groups.

Addressing the challenges posed by the partnering of commercial and public safety interests in the 700 MHz band, the report released Monday maintains that the two interests can cooperate in meeting the divergent needs of coverage, shared operational control, robustness adaptability, and spectrum use "in the absence of network build-out."

The report states: "The Forum believes that SDR, cognitive radio, and dynamic spectrum access technology are a vital component of a system design providing the robustness, flexibility, and efficiencies necessary to meet the FCC's expectations and the communications needs of a wide range of users."

The report discusses ways of implementing SDR and associated technologies in ways that will improve 700 MHz system infrastructure and subscriber units.

"The public/private partnership for the nationwide broadband network is a significant departure from the way public safety communications networks have been deployed in the past and presents new challenges to ensure that the vision is fully realized," said Fred Frantz, chair of the forum's Public Safety Special Interest Group, in a statement. "This report shows how evolving SDR technologies ... are key to meeting these challenges."