Unleashing the Power of Spectrum Sharing in Multi-Operator Settings Through Privacy-Preserving Competition and Cooperation

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $380,000 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

The overarching goal of this project is to lay out a theoretical foundation for the economics of multi-operator spectrum sharing (SS) over both licensed and unlicensed frequency bands considering market uncertainties. Despite intensive efforts to assign more of the electromagnetic spectrum for mobile broadband, it is now widely believed that the traditional exclusive spectrum assignment approach is too limiting to meet the high demands of next-generation (NextG) wireless networks. SS remains critical at all frequency bands, including sub-6 GHz, millimeter-wave bands, and bands in between (7.125 to 24.25 GHz). To usher a new era of SS of licensed and unlicensed bands between (bilateral) and among (multilateral) wireless operators, new sharing models are needed. At their core, these models should incorporate proper incentivization mechanisms, as profit is ultimately the primary factor that motivates operators to share their spectrum. This project focuses on novel privacy-preserving game theoretic models for SS that are particularly suited for exploitation of the short-term spatiotemporal variations in traffic demands between operators. The research agenda is organized into three thrusts. Thrust A: Non-collaborative SS Between Operators. In this thrust, inter-operator SS is investigated in a non-collaborative setting, where operators view each other competitively and do not wish to reveal private information. Several game-theoretic models, including a repeated double-sided Ba

Key facts

NSF award ID
2434021
Awardee
University of Arizona (AZ)
SAM.gov UEI
ED44Y3W6P7B9
PI
Marwan M Krunz
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
Estimated total
$380,000
Funds obligated
$380,000
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
06/15/2025 → 05/31/2028