Spectrum Sharing: Holy Grail or False Hope?

This report assesses spectrum sharing to help observers look realistically at the prospects for sharing and barriers to realizing its more aspirational promises. Key findings include:

• Both “exclusive use” and “shared spectrum” are broad categories and spectrum policy need not rigidly adhere to either. Policymakers should reconsider traditional assumptions about both paradigms.
• Technological advances can make the clearing of spectrum more feasible. Both the government and private sector should invest in developing these technologies.
• Spectrum-sharing technologies are a positive development, but they must work reliably and efficiently in real time before they are a generalizable solution. Technological investments can bring this goal within reach.
• Investments should continue toward the goal of real-time dynamic sharing that gives primary users certainty of access.
• Federal communications applications should seek to obviate sharing disputes by running on secure commercial networks whenever possible.