Page 30 - Kaleidoscope Academic Conference Proceedings 2021

5.2 Spectrum management perspective 5.3 Bringing sustainability and spectrum
management perspectives together
Although it is still early to talk about specific spectrum bands
for 6G, a wider range of bands are already under Finally, we bring together the triple bottom line of
consideration in research than in 5G that in turn expanded
the spectrum range from 4G to millimeter wave bands, e.g., sustainability from [1] and the spectrum management for
future 6G systems. Spectrum authorizations ultimately
see [39-40]. This is potentially leading to increasing
complexity of spectrum management approaches suitable for define who can operate wireless systems and how, which
eventually creates the actual carbon footprint and other
the wide mix of bands and potentially ever-increasing
fragmentation between countries. Spectrum authorizations sustainability impact. Spectrum authorizations are a
powerful tool to both incentivize and force spectrum users to
and related spectrum management approaches such as
administrative allocation, market-based mechanisms, and act towards sustainability goals, including climate action, if
desired by the national regulators. Yet, this is under-explored
the unlicensed commons, play a key role in defining future
wireless markets. Decisions made today significantly and new studies are urgently needed on the connection
between spectrum management and the major sustainability
influence 6G as these systems can be deployed on existing
bands for mobile communications just like prior generations challenges presented in the UN SDG framework [9].
were.
Spectrum authorizations are also fundamental in allowing
It is important to reconsider the role of spectrum sharing in new market entry for innovative wireless solutions
accommodating stakeholders’ changing and conflicting combating sustainability challenges, which is not considered
spectrum needs to reach long-term compromises. Spectrum in the current spectrum regulatory framework. There are no
access models based on sharing can be particularly effective proper mechanisms in the current spectrum regulatory
for serving local and temporal spectrum needs by various framework to allow fast access to spectrum for new
stakeholders who currently do not have dedicated spectrum innovative wireless solutions and services that aim at solving
access rights. Promotion of spectrum sharing is needed for a major sustainability challenge, such as climate change.
timely access to spectrum for new innovations and to reach Their adoption is restricted by the license-exempt bands,
long-term compromises between conflicting needs. An subject to strict operational conditions, which significantly
example of this is local spectrum licensing where the current restrict e.g., outdoor operations. The process of gaining
rules are typically based on larger exclusion distances access to spectrum is lengthy and complex, while spectrum
reducing the efficiency of spectrum use. As a consequence, access needs for new innovative solutions combating
spectrum governance rules must evolve when moving sustainability challenges can arise at a rapid speed. The
towards 6G. Table 3 summarizes the implications to meeting of the emerging needs of new innovations to combat
spectrum management in 6G using the generic approach of sustainability challenges would benefit from faster access to
[38] for governance of natural resources. spectrum through spectrum sharing. While spectrum
authorizations are a national matter, the approaches
Table 3 – Governance of the commons and spectrum developed and trialed in one country, can through sharing of
management for 6G
best practices help the ICT sector at large to develop, trial
Strategies for and deploy innovative wireless solutions to solve
adaptive Implication to sustainability challenges globally. Therefore, sharing-based
governance of Description spectrum spectrum access, such as local licensing, should be promoted
the commons [38] management in 6G as a mechanism to provide rapid access to spectrum to solve
[38]
major sustainability challenges.
Analytical Involve interested Involve old and new
deliberation parties in stakeholders including This leads to the big topic of sustainability in the context of
informed those without a spectrum management, i.e., the principle of ensuring that our
discussion of current dominant actions today do not limit the range of economic, social, and
rules. position. environmental options open to future generations. How do
Nesting Allocate authority Introduce new the 20-year exclusive licenses without obligations to share fit
to allow for sharing-based in the new sustainability framework? If current holders of
adaptive spectrum management
governance at models. Promote spectrum access rights do not use parts of the spectrum in
multiple levels sharing of best given areas, they should be made available for others to help
from local to practices to avoid in solving major sustainability challenges. Spectrum sharing
global. fragmentation. should be promoted to allow underserved areas to be
Institutional Employ a mixture Adopt a mix of connected by suitable stakeholders, by making spectrum
variety of institutional spectrum management available where and when it is not used by the existing
types. models resulting in holders of spectrum usage rights. While this is a national
competition, taking matter, it is of utmost importance that best practices are
into account different developed and shared in the spectrum management domain
spectrum bands’
characteristics for towards sustainability.
deployment (one size
does not fit all).

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