Business Scenarios for Incumbent Spectrum Users in Licensed Shared Access (LSA)

This paper presents business scenarios for incumbent spectrum users in the new Licensed Shared Access (LSA) concept. The LSA concept aims at improving spectrum usage efficiency by introducing additional licensed spectrum users on spectrum bands whose incumbent use would permit it, while guaranteeing certain quality of service (QoS) for all users. The LSA concept could help mobile network operators (MNOs) to gain access to new spectrum bands on a shared basis in a timely manner. As the LSA concept is based on voluntariness, it needs to provide incentives for the incumbent spectrum users for the introduction of sharing. Using a foresight approach called integral scenario methodology, we propose a set of scenarios for incumbent spectrum users in LSA based on their business focus (defensive vs. aggressive) and mode of change (open vs. closed). The created scenarios are described and analyzed from regulation, business and technology perspectives, highlighting the business potential created by the introduction of LSA. The evaluation of the developed business scenarios indicates that a defensive approach for the business focus for incumbents might be preferred to focus narrowly on traditional business models. However, an aggressive approach to pursue new business opportunities with LSA might open up new opportunities which, today, cannot yet be foreseen.