Spectrum Scarcity-The Solution

Spectrum Scarcity-The Solution
While analyzing the current use of spectrum, the Task Force took a unique approach, looking for the first
time at the entire spectrum, not just one band at a time. This review prompted a major insight-a
substantial amount of white space is present that is not being used by anybody. The ramifications of this
insight are significant. It suggests that although spectrum scarcity is a problem in some bands some of
the time, spectrum access is a larger problem-how to get to and use those many areas of the spectrum
that are either underutilized or not used at all.
One way the Commission can take advantage of this white space is by facilitating access in the time
dimension. Since the beginning of spectrum policy, the government has parceled this resource in
frequency and space. The FCC historically permitted use in a particular band over a particular geographic
region often with an expectation of perpetual use. The FCC should also look at time as an additional
dimension for spectrum policy. How well could society use this resource if FCC policies fostered access
in frequency, space, and time?
Technology has, and now hopefully FCC policy will, facilitate access to spectrum in the time dimension
that will lead to more efficient use of the spectrum resource. For example, a software-defined radio may
allow licensees to dynamically rent certain spectrum bands when they are not in use by other licensees.
Perhaps a mobile wireless service provider with software-defined phones will lease a local business's
channels during the hours the business is closed. Similarly, sensory and adaptive devices may be able to
find spectrum open space and utilize it until the licensee needs those rights for his or her own use. In a
commercial context, secondary markets can provide a mechanism for licensees to create and provide
opportunities for new services in distinct slices of time. By adding another meaningful dimension,
spectrum policy can move closer to facilitating the consistent availability of spectrum and further diminish
the scarcity rationale for intrusive government action.