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: Mitigating conflict situations in spectrum sharing: A localized and decentralized governance approach

Christina Clark on October 18, 2022

Published on SSRN, August 15, 2022
Authored by: Pedro Bustamante, University of Pittsburgh – School of Information Sciences, Students; Carnegie Mellon University

Abstract: As spectrum sharing matures, usage conflict situations (e.g., harmful interference) remain a common concern. To deal with the challenges associated with conflict situations, multiple solutions have been proposed. Examples of approaches to mitigate conflict situations include the creation of exclusion and coordination zones, the development of spectrum coordinators (e.g., SAS), or the implementation of sensing-based mechanisms. Nonetheless, most of these solutions are designed as “one-size-fits-all” or global solutions. In this paper, we propose a local analysis of conflict situations in spectrum sharing settings through the design, development, and deployment of polycentric and self-governance systems. We have created a multi-tiered spectrum sharing model to analyze such systems using Agent-Based Modeling, Common-Pool Resource frameworks, and the core definitions of Radio Environment Maps (REMs).

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4189545

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