Defining 'co-primary spectrum sharing' - A new business opportunity for MNOs?

Abstract

This paper seeks to identify and discuss mobile network operators' (MNOs) business opportunities in spectrum sharing where the several MNOs would share the same spectrum band. This sharing model, here called co-primary spectrum sharing (CoPSS), aims to increase the efficiency of spectrum use by introducing licensed sharing between MNOs in new bands where two or more MNOs would get the license to operate on a shared basis, instead of separate exclusive licenses for different MNOs or unlicensed sharing. The paper starts with a discussion concerning the domains needed for defining CoPSS: a) type of spectrum authorized for sharing, b) temporal, spatial, and spectral dimensions of shared resources, c) degree of information shared, and presents a definition of CoPSS. Regarding CoPSS business opportunities for MNOs we present CoPSS enabling and limiting factors and CoPSS related challenges within a framework of value co-creation, co-capture, and co-opetition. The paper concludes with a variety of alternative ways of doing business with CoPSS. © 2014 ICST.