Dynamic spectrum access and the current spectrum management paradigm: On the challenges of dynamic licensing

Abstract

Recently, Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) and Cognitive Radio (CR) have received increasing interest from the research community, raising high expectations related to spectrum sharing between mobile operators or exploiting white spaces (e.g. fixed wireless access in rural areas through the usage of locally unused TV spectrum). In this paper, we discuss the key challenges arising from the integration of DSA into the current spectrum management paradigm, usually relying on a "command and control" assignment approach by national regulators. In particular, we focus on the consequences for the spectrum licensing procedures, typically laid down in the national telecommunications law. This enables a more general view on DSA and the challenge of integrating different types of applications into a heterogeneous dynamic spectrum management framework, and hence its application to larger spectrum portions. In order to apply dynamic spectrum usage also for a broader range of applications (e.g. Mobile Communications, PPDR, PMSE, or Broadcasting), it will be necessary to redefine basic concepts of licensing, for instance in order to create a permanent possibility for new entrants to acquire licenses for different kinds of usage, or to allow for new applications which might erode existing equilibria.