Spectrum Management for Local Mobile Communication Networks

Spectrum management is a complex topic that divides stakeholders' perspectives. Recently, a major paradigm shift has taken place with the emergence of local 4G and 5G networks via local spectrum licensing models in several countries, allowing different stakeholders to establish their own mobile communication networks within specific facilities, such as a factories and ports. These local mobile communication networks can serve mobile network operators' (MNOs) end users, closed user groups, or a mix, resulting in operations under different regulatory conditions. Their emergence relies on spectrum availability in the given location, which is managed by national regulators. Local spectrum availability can be increased with spectrum sharing where two or more radio systems operate in the same band, but stakeholder views differ – some promote it while others object it. This article analyzes the most recent spectrum management developments from the viewpoint of emerging local mobile communication networks considering the role of spectrum sharing. The analysis reveals how differently the countries have prepared for the new business opportunity arising from local mobile communication networks in their spectrum awarding decisions and quantifies current spectrum availability for establishing local 5G networks. The results show varying spectrum management approaches taken by the regulators. Especially, local spectrum licenses appear in the most recent spectrum awards. To realize a large number of local 4G/5G and future 6G networks, spectrum sharing will become critical and needs to be clearly defined and understood to mitigate currently strong stakeholders' objection.