Simplicity is key to successful spectrum sharing, Rysavy says

Rysavy Research released a paper, called “Complexities of Spectrum Sharing: How to Move Forward,” in April. Rysavy shared several of the paper’s recommendations—for both the AWS-3 and 3.5 GHz bands—during the webinar, which focused on the complexities of spectrum sharing and how best to proceed.

A few of Rysavy’s recommendations for the 3.5 GHz band include using geographic protection zones to protect incumbent users rather than new entrants, employing service rules to segment spectrum to minimize the possibility of general-access users from interfering with priority users, and assigning spectrum allocations to priority service providers on a longer-term basis.

“Sharing represents a significant opportunity for industry and government to use spectrum more efficiently,” Rysavy said. “(But) sharing doesn’t always make sense. If you have a lightly used system, then sharing definitely should be considered. Sharing the same spectrum for two heavily used systems doesn’t necessarily make sense.” Nonetheless, there will be plenty of scenarios in which sharing is going to make sense, Rysavy said.

“I do think the U.S. has an opportunity here to lead the world in efficient use of spectrum, but we will only succeed by understanding the complexities involved and by taking the appropriate, measured steps,” he added.