Abstract: The present invention provides a communication device, such as a modem, that is capable of detecting whether it is capable of operating in a mode that is compatible with one or more of the Spectrum Management Classes. The modem automatically selects a mode of operation that is compliant with one or more of the Spectrum Management Classes. The communication device also determines whether it is capable of operating in multiple modes that are compliant with multiple Spectrum Management Classes, and is capable of selecting the modes of operation that optimizes the performance of the communication device. Furthermore, the communication device is capable of determining when it is not capable of operating in a mode that is compliant with at least one of the Spectrum Management Classes and which prevents operation of itself upon determining that it is not capable of operating in a mode that is compliant with at least one of the Spectrum Management Classes.