Abstract:
This thesis introduces three new spectrum allocation methods to meet the needs of future
wireless services in cellular networks.
The first new method is called a Licensed Spectrum Park where upcoming spectrum band
allocations are divided into two different license types. In addition to spectrum licenses, which
allow successful auction bidders to roll out cellular networks as normal, a Licensed Spectrum
Park would allow smaller operators to roll out specialized cellular networks on a short-term
local site by site basis.
The second method is called Licensed Spectrum Sharing where spectrum is shared between
two cellular network operators. This thesis quantifies the effects of spectrum sharing on
capacity gains and it shows the effects of traffic profiles with asymmetric loads on the spectrum
sharing dividends. The traffic profiles presented use actual time-of-day data from two different
cellular operators using two shared 4G sites.
The third new spectrum allocation method is to use spectrum at mm wavelengths. This thesis
discusses the engineering viability of using mm wavelengths, including coverage predictions
and signal attenuation limitations, but focuses on the assignment of spectrum in this band from
a regulation and policy use point of view.
This thesis compares these three allocation techniques against the definition of net social
benefit and concludes that of these three techniques, the use of mm wavelengths is the
recommended spectrum allocation technique for future wireless services. It notes that the
definition of net social benefit excludes the economic value of spectrum. Finally, this thesis
investigates the economic value of spectrum and concludes that the value should be given as a
range, in this case bounded by the deprival method and the real options analysis.
Our analysis offers an important contribution for both spectrum operators and regulators. It
provides the framework for spectrum allocation in parks for new market entrants and presents
methods using measured data to calculate the benefits of sharing spectrum. This thesis also
offers insights into spectrum valuation techniques and presents engineering and economic data
on the use of mm wavelengths for cellular networks. This research helps sets policy, allocation
rights and budgets for future spectrum allocation techniques.