Wireless Spectrum Resources Coordination

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Policy Number:
UW-529
Responsible Office:
Division of Information Technology (DoIT)

University Policy

Rationale/​Purpose:

The wireless spectrum is a limited resource that must be shared to advance the university's mission. Optimizing the reliability and predictability of wireless spectrum resources depends on effective collaboration and cooperation. This policy establishes a framework for collaborative decision-making around the deployment and operation of wireless equipment in UW-Madison spaces.

Definitions:
Interference
Intentional or unintentional disruption or degradation of radio signals caused by electromagnetic waves from other equipment.
Safety and Security Systems
Electronic systems that use the wireless spectrum to facilitate prevention of harm, including loss of life or limb, serious impairment of health, or loss of property (e.g., e911 wi-fi calling, naloxone boxes, security cameras, electronic door locks).
UW-Madison Space
Any physical space owned, controlled, or occupied by UW-Madison.
Wireless Equipment
Any apparatus intentionally or unintentionally emitting energy in the wireless spectrum (e.g., equipment used to transmit data, voice, and video for cellular, wi-fi, radar, radio, microwave, and satellite communications).
Wireless Equipment Operator
Anyone using an apparatus capable of emitting energy in the wireless spectrum.
Wireless Spectrum
The 300MHz-300GHz, microwave, portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Scope:

This policy applies to anyone, including but not limited to UW-Madison faculty, staff, students, affiliates, contractors, vendors, and visitors, who operates wireless equipment within UW-Madison spaces.

Policy:
  1. Wireless Spectrum Resources Coordination Advisory Group
    1. The Chief Information Officer & Vice Provost for Information Technology (CIO/VP-IT) is responsible for designating an ongoing, collaborative group to oversee use of the wireless spectrum as a shared resource.
    2. The group, which advises the CIO/VP-IT, is to include subject matter experts and participants from reprensentative UW-Madison academic and business units.
    3. The advisory group will be responsible for:
      1. Interpreting the requirements in this policy
      2. Evaluating the effectiveness of this policy and related documents
      3. Recommending changes to this policy and related documents as appropriate
      4. Other duties as determined by the CIO/VP-IT and as outlined in this policy
  2. Wireless Equipment Directory
    1. The CIO/VP-IT will support development and maintenance of a wireless equipment directory, the purpose of which is to provide operators better visibility into how the wireless spectrum is being used, so that conflicts can be avoided.
    2. Decisions about the design, content, application, and maintenance of the directory are subject to approval by the advisory group.
  3. Requirements for Acquiring and Deploying Wireless Equipment and Resolving Interference
    1. Operators using the wireless spectrum in UW-Madison spaces will take reasonable steps to avoid interfering with other operators' use of the wireless spectrum, as described in the Wireless Equipment Implementation Standard. Those using the licensed spectrum will take reasonable steps to avoid harmful or unintended interference with other operators' equipment.
    2. Operators may proactively communicate with non-UW-Madison entities operating near UW-Madison spaces.
    3. If, despite best efforts, interference does occur, conflicts will be resolved according to the Wireless Spectrum Conflict Resolution Procedure.
  4. Documentation Requirements

    Wireless resources standards, processes, and other documents developed under this policy must be:

    1. Consistent with the academic and business needs of the university.
    2. Reviewed through a decision-making process with the designated advisory group.
  5. Implementation Support

    The CIO/VP-IT will support this policy by providing appropriate tools, documentation, training, and support for IT service providers, end-users, and decision-makers.

Related UW–Madison Documents, Web Pages, or Other Resources:
External References:

Regent Policy Document 25-3

Policy Administration

Approval Authority:
Vice Provost for Information Technology & Chief Information Officer
Policy Manager:
Chief Information Security Officer
Contact:
IT Policy Writer and Analyst -- Heather Johnston, HEATHER.JOHNSTON@WISC.EDU
Effective Date:
06-01-2027
Date Issued:
04-13-2026
Retrieved:
04-14-2026 04:37:37