Multi-operator spectrum sharing in next generation wireless communications networks: A short review and roadmap to future

Efficient spectrum utilization lies at the heart of next generation (xG) wireless communication networks. In this context, a thorough investigation into new and innovative spectrum management techniques as well as additional regulatory procedures are deemed necessary to evaluate the practical feasibility of these xG networks. This paper reviews the three possible modes for multi-operator spectrum sharing based on dynamic spectrum access (DSA) in 5th Generation (5G) networks, and identifies Licensed/Authorized Shared Access (LSA/ASA) mode to be practically most suitable candidate for better spectrum utilization. Existing spectrum sharing techniques exploiting time, frequency and space domain to realize efficient co-existence of multiple operators are discussed, and game theory (GT) framework has been recognized as an appropriate tool to model the interactions among multiple operators accessing the shared spectrum resources. In particular, the hybrid cooperativecompetitive game has been proposed as a promising model to incorporate key parameters that play a significant role in the practical Deployment of DSA-enabled xG networks.