Publication: A Techno-Economic Study of Spectrum Sharing with Blockchain and Smart Contracts

Christina Clark on November 28, 2022

P. J. Bustamante, M. M. Gomez, M. B. H. Weiss, I. Murtazashvili and A. Palida, “A Techno-Economic Study of Spectrum Sharing with Blockchain and Smart Contracts,” in IEEE Communications Magazine, doi: 10.1109/MCOM.001.2200317.

Abstract: “The wireless crunch resulted in excess demand for the use of spectrum and spectrum sharing is increasingly being proposed as a solution. To date, little research has considered how blockchain technologies can enable greater spectrum sharing. To address this gap, we develop a stylized model to show how blockchains can be leveraged to facilitate the exchange of access rights on a well known band. To demonstrate proof of concept, we analyze available system design options, implement a small-scale test scenario, estimate the implementation and usage costs, and demonstrate how these technologies impact spectrum sharing prospects. Our exercise shows that blockchains can alleviate some of the perceived obstacles to greater sharing of spectrum.”

Published in IEEE Communications Magazine.

See Article

Publication: Spectrum Sovereignty on Tribal Lands: Assessing the DIGITAL Reservations Act

Christina Clark on October 18, 2022

Published on SSRN, August 3, 2022
Authored by: Darrah Blackwater (Independent), Ilia Murtazashvili (University of Pittsburgh – Graduate School of Public and International Affairs), and Martin B.H. Weiss (University of PIttsburgh – School of Computing and Information)

Abstract: The Federal Communications Commission currently has unlimited authority over governance of electromagnetic spectrum on sovereign tribal lands in the United States. This monocentric system, with spectrum governed exclusively by the FCC, essentially eliminates opportunities for tribal governments to develop innovative ways to manage spectrum to close the digital divide on Tribal lands, to choose how much of spectrum is available for commercial, public, or community use, and eliminates ability of tribes to fully control revenue from spectrum on tribal lands. The Deploying the Internet by Guaranteeing Indian Tribes Autonomy over Licensing (DIGITAL) Reservations Act envisions a new path for spectrum governance which affirms self-management and self-governance of spectrum on tribal lands. In this paper, we consider the extent to which the DIGITAL Reservations Act contrasts with current spectrum governance in the United States. We argue that the DIGITAL Reservations Act envisions a polycentric system of spectrum governance and that it is a workable system of spectrum governance that acknowledges tribal sovereignty over one of its most valuable assets.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4178671

Publication: Spectrum Rights in Outer Space: Interference Management for Mega-constellations

Christina Clark on October 18, 2022

Published at SSRN, August 2, 2022
Authored by: Randall Berry (Northwestern University), Pedro Bustamante (University of Pittsburgh – School of Information Sciences, Students; Carnegie Mellon University), Dongning Guo (Northwestern University), Thomas W. Hazlett (Clemson University), Michael Honig (Northwestern University), Whitney Lohmeyer (Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering), Ilia Murtazashvili (University of Pittsburgh – Graduate School of Public and International Affairs), Scott Palo (University of Colorado), Martin B. H. Weiss (University of Pittsburgh – School of Computing and Information)

Abstract (brief): The rapid increase in low earth orbiting, non-Geostationary (NGSO) communication satellites raises concerns related to the coordination of radio frequency access across competing NGSO systems. Responding to an April 2020 petition by SpaceX, the FCC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking NPRM (FCC 21-123) aimed at updating its NGSO spectrum sharing rules in the relevant frequencies (which involve ten distinct bands between 10 and 51 GHz).2 In this paper, we examine the rights regime proposed by the FCC and, guided by empirical evidence, propose alternatives that may better resolve the challenges confronted. Spectrum policy for satellite systems has been a topic for regulators for several decades, and the new satellite system, radio technologies, and spectrum sharing approaches make the topic ripe for reconsideration. (Cont’d on publication.)

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4178793

Presentation: SpectrumX Center Meeting June 2022, Day 1 Slides

Christina Clark on October 18, 2022

Description: This file contains the slides for presentations at the SpectrumX Center Meeting hosted at the University of Colorado Boulder, June 16 and 17, 2022. This file is for Day 1, June 16, and includes the Introduction and Welcome slides from Center Director Nick Laneman, Associate Director Scott Palo, and the National Science Foundation (NSF).

It also includes slides from the following presentations:

Education and Workforce Development, by Valarie Bogan
Broadening Participation, by Tanya Ennis
Policy, by Monisha Ghosh
Summary and Wrap up address, by Nick Laneman and Scott Palo

Day 1: SpectrumX: An NSF Spectrum Innovation Center, Center Meeting June 16, 2022Download