ICYMI: Tech Industry Expert Weighs In On Success Of Spectrum Sharing
In case you missed it – Dean Bubley, a tech industry analyst, recently published a column in RCR Wireless discussing the relevance of spectrum sharing across multiple networks and frequencies, as well as the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders in the creation of spectrum policies.
Dean Bubley has been writing about spectrum issues for two decades. In his latest piece, he acknowledges the opportunities available for more development in spectrum technologies, saying that “the revolution in shared spectrum access and adoption is just getting started.”
Read more from Dean Bubley below.
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US Spectrum Sharing Will Extend Existing Success (Analyst Angle)
RCR Wireless
Dean Bubley, Founder & Director, Disruptive Analysis
July 30, 2024
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.