Spectrum Sharing or Not in 1755 MHz to 1780 Mhz Band?

Spectrum sharing is a relatively new concept in the licensed spectrum arena, and we might soon get a glimpse of how well it works if U.S. mobile operators and government users wind up sharing access to the 1755 MHz to 1780 Mhz band, as its current users say they are willing to do.

Mobile operators would prefer exclusive access, as usual, but the more interesting scenario would be sharing. If it works, it would then be more feasible to consider sharing of spectrum across other frequency bands, between current non-profit users and commercial operations.

As always, spectrum clearing costs are an issue. The U.S. Department of Defense estimates it will cost $3.5 billion to retrofit radios within the 25 MHz of shared spectrum.

But such costs always come into play when existing users have to move out of a band.