Culture of Spectrum Sharing: Emancipation of the hertz

Abstract

Increase on demands for lower latency, pervasive connectivity, higher throughput, and more capacity has an exponential trend. To meet the demands is to put to use all spectrum resources we have and all of the technology capable of 'multiplying' it. This asks for a dynamic, responsive regulation that will set free the inappropriately allocated and underutilised spectrum bands, and not by designing a new band plan but with a continuous dynamic engagement aimed at optimising spectrum use by sharing it. Finally, it asks for a readiness to share from the stakeholders' community and their awareness of spectrum recyclability, inherent to the nature of the resource. These claims arise from the analyses and discussions in this thesis, focused around investigating the missing enablers of sharing and making the case for building the culture of spectrum sharing. We answer the main question of how to build the culture of spectrum sharing as an enabler of sustainable dynamic spectrum sharing systems by gradually answering its subquestions in each chapter. The complex ecosystem formed around the spectrum resource is captured in a comprehensive multi-domain conceptual framework based on sharing economies, and analysed using interdisciplinary research methodology. Engineering research methods are coupled with social science research methods, theories of regulation, and philosophical methods of interpretation and exposition. For example, geospatial analysis is used simultaneously with historiographic method and Lawrence Lessig's pathetic dot theory while portraying the context in the enstranged form of Socratic dialogues. A case study performed on the currently most advanced spectrum sharing framework, Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) provides the data for analysis and the venue for the conclusions which can be generalised, as the findings are universal. The content analysis of the CBRS rulemaking proceeding revealed the differences between sharing and traditional bands. Geospatial and licensing analysis uncovered the challenges of geographic licensing for spectrum sharing in the CBRS band. The analysis of the balance of the forces that regulate sharing behaviour in the band diagnosed the imbalance and offered a way forward: the mechanism to build the culture of spectrum sharing. Based on the culture building mechanisms and findings from the multi-domain analysis, an underlying philosophy of the future spectrum sharing economy is proposed. A futuristic scenario with spectrum management based on sharing features machine-enabled regulation, great reliance on data, wide appreciation of spectrum nature and the ubiquitous mechanisms of meaningful incentivisation and sharing culture.