Characterization of regulatory frameworks for spectrum access in local mobile communication network deployments

This paper identifies and assesses spectrum access options to deploy local mobile communication networks. In order to pursue novel local network opportunities, understanding of the spectrum regulation and associated characteristics impacting network performance, deployment and business is needed. This paper explores the key regulatory approaches relevant to gaining access to the radio spectrum for local mobile communication networks including spectrum management approaches, spectrum sharing models, and spectrum pricing mechanisms. The article also discusses and assesses the different regulatory approaches with topical examples from Americas, Europe, and Asia. The aim of this paper is to further develop spectrum management for local mobile communication networks by 1) identifying different regulatory spectrum access options to establish a local network, and 2) developing characterization framework and assessing the identified options with respect to the elements of the framework including spectrum management, sharing, and pricing. Based on the results, recommendations for the future spectrum management regulation related to local networks are given.