In the quest to solve the 1000x mobile data challenge, spectrum is an important building block. Given that spectrum is a finite resource, the industry is hard at work to utilize the available spectrum in the best possible manner and to identify opportunities to access more spectrum. There are primarily three approaches to make new spectrum available:

1. Traditional licensing for exclusive use of 3G and 4G, through auctions of cleared spectrum, which remains the main option.
2. Unlicensed approach for shared use by Wi-Fi et al. Currently, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHZ bands are allocated to Wi-Fi.
3. A new and innovative regime called ASA (Authorized Shared Access) that Qualcomm and its partners are proposing. ASA is beneficial for the cases when spectrum can’t be cleared in a timely manner or at all locations.

Higher bands is one the options for new spectrum, and 3.4 – 3.8 GHz band is a prudent initial candidate. Because of its smaller smaller coverage, this band is also emerging as a global choice for small cells. Parts of this band may be licensed through traditional means, and other parts through ASA.

Although traditional licensing is the main solution, it may not be feasible in some cases. Some spectrum holders such as government users, because of the nature of their operations, may not be using the entire allocated spectrum in every part of their geographic boundaries on a 24x7 basis. For example spectrum for military radar may have been allocated on countrywide basis, but the radar operations may only be utilizing it at certain places such as coastline. In such cases, Authorized Shared Access(ASA) is an ideal approach for 3G/4G operators to access the underutilized spectrum in a mutually beneficial way. It proposes a new regulatory framework to share the spectrum in terms of time or location on an exclusive basis, without interfering with the incumbent’s operations.

Everybody wins with ASA—Incumbent spectrum holders can monetize their underutilized spectrum, 3G/4G operators can cost-effectively get new spectrum for exclusive use, ensuring reliability, and predictability for long time investments; regulators can pragmatically address the ever increasing request for new spectrum for mobile broadband in a timely manner.