Rivada Networks gets broad patent for dynamic-spectrum-arbitrage technology
Perhaps the biggest potential impact that DSA could have is in the regulatory arena, where spectrum auctions are commonplace worldwide. Ganley acknowledges that adaptation may not be immediate or universal, noting that there are “huge vested interests” to maintain the status quo. But dynamic spectrum arbitrage offers opportunities that regulators should consider in the future to spark competition and innovation, he said.
“Did the FCC have policy to conduct auctions? Yes, it did,” Ganley said. “Was it right to auction spectrum? Yes, it probably was. Should they continue to auction off what are de facto monopolies over chunks of the spectrum resource, now that you can do dynamic spectrum arbitrage with it and let the market go out and compete and name the price? No, they shouldn’t.
“They shouldn’t auction anymore like that. Whether it’s the FCC or some other regulator somewhere else in the world—have a look at the discussion that’s starting in India—we have to take a step back and reform our regulators to say, ‘Hang on, the world’s changed and the technology’s changed; let’s not pick winners anymore. Let’s let them compete and let the consumer be the winner and let the taxpayer be the winner.’ DSA is the way to let that kind of competition be unleashed.”