RCR Wireless
Dean Bubley, Founder & Director, Disruptive Analysis

Sharing spectrum between different users and applications is not a new idea. Many existing frequency allocations have multiple users that coexist in space or time. Unlicensed (ISM) bands have a diverse range of technologies and business models sharing spectrum, based on appropriate power limits or permitted duty cycles. Wi-Fi is a prime example and arguably the greatest sharing success for spectrum to date.

But until recently, it has been rare for cellular wireless systems to share frequencies with other users and systems. Most 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G deployments have had exclusive use of their main bands, across defined regional areas or nationwide at high power that excluded the possibility of other services in the bands. Network operators (MNOs or carriers) have typically obtained such exclusive spectrum via auction processes, with previous tenants in the band being cleared out and their operations shifted to alternative frequency ranges at significant cost.

Given the reality of the limited spectrum available and evolving technologies and needs, the reflexive assumption of exclusive high-powered spectrum is now being questioned. New approaches to spectrum allocation are allowing 4G/5G networks to coexist with existing incumbents – especially the military, which is a major user of the spectrum most desirable for commercial use. The initial CBRS band between 3.55-3.7GHz is the obvious example of this, successfully employing sensing and coordination systems between the Navy and other tiers of users. This is unlocking more efficient use of spectrum, while serving national security interests and also democratizing access to a much wider group of network owners and investors.