HF Spectral Occupancy and azimuthal interference monitoring over the Eastern Mediterranean

High frequency (HF) spectral occupancy data collected by a dedicated measurement system installed in Cyprus are examined in order to demonstrate their importance to characterize the HF interference environment over the eastern Mediterranean region. An investigation into the main short-term temporal variability features of HF spectral occupancy based on low-elevation-angle omnidirectional signal reception is presented. The importance of extending this investigation to explore the azimuthal HF interference is underlined in the context of radio-interference mitigation to support radio-communication systems operating in the HF spectrum.