Estimating RF Spectrum Utilization

RF spectrum utilization offers information about how much and how often a given licensed or unlicensed spectrum is used. Methods and techniques for estimating the RF spectrum utilization are needed either for spectrum sharing, assessing harmful interference within licensed/unlicensed frequency bands or for auditing the radio environment before commissioning new access nodes [1-3,6]. The paper addresses the spectrum clearance estimation and defines the associated metrics. Results from a spectrum clearance campaign in the 900 MHz and 2.5 GHz for both stationary and mobile cases are included.