Spectrum Sub-licensing via Segmented Geographic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a system and method to enable primary spectrum licensees to authorize and administer time-limited sub-licenses of wireless spectrum to third parties within their geographic license domain, addressing underutilization of licensed spectrum, especially in millimeter wave bands, and to allow third-party micro-operators to coexist with primary spectrum licensors' wireless services.
Innovation Solution
A computerized system for wireless spectrum sub-licensing that includes a spectrum manager to administer sub-licenses, ensuring compliance with primary license terms, and enables micro-operators to deploy radio devices on sub-licensed spectrum, allowing for flexible technology usage and coexistence with primary networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If primary spectrum licensees hold exclusive rights to use licensed spectrum, then spectrum ownership and control are maintained, but spectrum underutilization occurs in certain geographic regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the geographic coverage area of a primary spectrum license into multiple sub-regions. The system identifies regions where the primary licensee does not deploy infrastructure and makes these sub-regions available for sub-licensing to third parties, while the primary licensee retains control over regions where it has deployed infrastructure. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing simultaneous spectrum ownership control and improved utilization efficiency through targeted regional division.
2Ease of operation
If primary spectrum licensees deploy wireless infrastructure, then wireless service coverage is provided, but financial burden and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spectrum management system as an intermediary that facilitates sub-licensing arrangements between primary licensees and third parties. This intermediary platform enables primary licensees to monetize spectrum in regions where they do not wish to deploy infrastructure, thereby reducing their financial burden and operational costs while still providing wireless service coverage through third-party deployments in those sub-regions.
3Speed
If millimeter wave spectrum is used for 5G services, then high-speed wireless connectivity is achieved, but infrastructure density requirements and deployment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the geographic area into sub-regions based on infrastructure deployment status. In regions where the primary licensee has deployed millimeter wave infrastructure, high-speed 5G services are provided directly. In regions where infrastructure deployment is not economically viable for the primary licensee, the system enables sub-licensing to third parties who can deploy infrastructure at lower density, thereby reducing overall infrastructure complexity while maintaining high-speed connectivity options across the broader service area.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If spectrum licenses are granted for extended periods, then investment stability is provided, but spectrum flexibility and adaptability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic sub-licensing capabilities that allow primary licensees to flexibly allocate spectrum rights to third parties in specific sub-regions during their license term. The system enables time-limited sub-licenses with start and end dates, allowing primary licensees to adapt spectrum allocation to changing market conditions, technological developments, and infrastructure deployment strategies while maintaining their primary license for the full extended period. This dynamic approach preserves both investment stability and spectrum flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system of sublicensing licensed spectrum that includes establishing, by infrastructure equipment of a wireless network, sub-license terms for a radio device to operate within the licensed spectrum; retrieving, by the infrastructure equipment, the sub-license terms for operating the radio device within the licensed spectrum upon receiving a request from the radio device; and configuring the radio device to operate within the licensed spectrum in accordance with the terms of the sub-license via a virtualized interface between the infrastructure equipment and the radio device.