Today we published a white paper in association with the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance (DSA) that finds that new forms of spectrum sharing could enable many more people to benefit from broadband connectivity and digital services. Based on PIP’s in-depth engagements with industry and public sector stakeholders on three continents, our research uncovered a widespread interest to explore how spectrum sharing can help bring many more rural communities online.
Featuring in-depth research on Colombia, Malaysia and South Africa, the report considers the opportunities for spectrum sharing in International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) frequency bands, which are served by a large and competitive LTE devices market. It explains that the renewed interest in spectrum sharing is being kindled by increasingly sophisticated techniques that use databases of assignments and environmental sensing technologies to dynamically allocate spectrum between different tiers of users, while protecting incumbents.
In face-to-face discussions with PIP researchers, public sector officials and industry players in Colombia, Malaysia and South Africa recognized that more efficient use of spectrum could help close the digital divide between urban and rural areas. In many cases, these stakeholders indicated they would be open to exploring trials of new spectrum sharing technologies in IMT bands. PIP is now working with local players in the three countries to design technology trials that will generate insights into the potential of new models for spectrum sharing and any related technological and regulatory issues that might arise.
The report was officially launched on 11th October during a workshop in South Africa attended by over 70 stakeholders.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you would like to discuss this further