Carriers and providers continue to focus on network utilization and optimization to better monetize services, but remain limited in their ability to optimize spectrum utilization for the same purpose. Creatively monetizing network and spectrum utilization continues to be a vexing industry challenge.
A significant barrier is the regulatory limits on spectrum utilization and access. Carriers, mobile network operators, and even spectrum access system providers are bound by limited spectrum resources that are governed by static frequency policies at the federal level, yet the demand for spectrum access and the ubiquity in wireless devices continues to grow exponentially.
Andrew Drozd,
CEO, ANDRO
Computational
Systems
Ripping the covers off for a moment, an impediment to a true, successful 5G rollout is the industry “vertical” model of the centralized cloud service, internet provider, and enodeB large carrier cell towers. Why not instead deploy a distributed small cell with peer-to-peer or multi-access mobile edge computing (MEC) architecture, that adjudicates spectrum in real time via an intelligent spectrum brokering approach that offers true democratization of spectrum?
Moreover, by integrating a new spectrum approach within existing architectures, we can move from a static (stop-and-go or discrete) micro slice architecture with inherent latencies to dynamic (continuous) micro slicing, where data flow is based on the whims of dynamic spectrum performance.
In this AI-driven, dynamic frequency model, the frequencies and related mesh network applications are continually updated in real time. As well, devices must be semi-autonomous in their ability to operate without human intervention to the extent necessary (with humans on, not necessarily in the loop). Can we build smart algorithms that are service-level agreement (SLA) driven? How can we best leverage AI and machine learning (ML) to enable wireless devices to be “self aware,” self-adjust, and negotiate the ever-changing policy limits and environmental conditions they encounter? Can devices be trained not to hog up spectrum when they shouldn’t and release it to others as necessary and to develop monetized “rewards” for such actions?
In this context, monetization via Pay-as-you-Go vs. flat fee models could by proxy include spectrum policy enforcement. While most of this process would be automated, there could be some form of human-on-a-loop aspect that further governs and monetizes spectrum utilization.
When thinking about spectrum access and monetization heading into 2021, here are nine predictions for 2021 and beyond:
#1:
Spectrum policy modernization will be enabled by virtualization, disaggregation, and openness leading to spectrum and networking optimization at the edge in a P2P manner.
#2:
Virtualization and distributed architectures will enable advanced spectrum access sharing systems (SAS), real-time automated frequency coordination (AFC), AI/ML-assisted policy-based radios that apply rules of engagement to ensure quality of service, and serve heterogeneous IoT/device architectures and deployments.
#3:
Advancements in dynamic spectrum sharing policy and governance towards autonomy will help inform and shape the nature of spectrum auctioning that considers the coexistence of communications and radar and government and commercial applications.
#4:
Democratization of spectrum and network usage at scale, where monetization is fractionalized for the benefit of all.
#5:
Ubiquitous Edge computing will revolve around mesh networks that employ virtualization, disaggregation, and openness; with a tighter integration of optimized spectrum and network fabrics that employ spectrum governance in real time
#6:
Peer-to-peer, or multi-axis mobile edge computing model that offers true democratization of spectrum delivers ubiquitous 5G, while also making economic sense for carriers, government bodies, and consumers
#7:
Devices will become more cognitive (through AI/ML), agile and connected (through spectrum and mesh fabric under/overlays, and will be multisensory i.e., combining LIDAR, visual/video, infrared, and RF modalities to gain expanded situational awareness across the communications landscape and for smart cities and facilities.
#8:
Significant growth will occur through 2025 while paving the way for 6G rollout in 2030. However, 5G presents challenges: it cannot readily meet the “densification” requirements and spectrum agility needed to accommodate a growing number of interconnected devices and many, many consumers.
#9:
CBRS will accelerate innovation and advancement paving the way for NextG.
