The Department of Defense recognizes the increasing importance of spectrum sharing as demand for wireless services grows. With the advent of 5G and future wireless technologies, the pressure to allocate more spectrum for commercial use has intensified. However, the DoD maintains that it must retain access to certain frequency bands crucial for national security operations. John Sherman, DoD Chief Information Officer, emphasized the department’s understanding of the economic implications, stating, “We get it at DoD that economic security is national security. Advances in 5G and next G [do] enhance our national security”. This acknowledgment underscores the DoD’s willingness to explore spectrum-sharing solutions that benefit both military and commercial interests.
The DoD is actively engaged in several initiatives aimed at advancing spectrum-sharing capabilities:
- Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS) Framework: In collaboration with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the DoD is working on a “moonshot” initiative to develop cutting-edge dynamic spectrum-sharing approaches within 12-18 months. This ambitious project aims to provide a path for opening up the lower 3 GHz band while establishing technology that enables sharing across other bands.
- Lower 3 GHz Band Study: In partnership with the Department of Commerce, the DoD is co-leading studies on the Emerging Mid-band Radar Spectrum Study (EMBRSS) to explore the potential sharing of the 3.1-3.45 GHz spectrum. The department has determined that sharing is feasible if advanced interference-mitigation features and a coordination framework are implemented.
- Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS): Building on the success of the CBRS framework, which allows shared use of the 3.5 GHz band, the DoD is exploring ways to expand and improve spectrum-sharing capabilities.
While the DoD is committed to exploring spectrum-sharing solutions, several challenges remain:
- National Security Concerns: The department must ensure that any sharing arrangement does not compromise critical military operations or create vulnerabilities in defense systems.
- Cost of Transition: Relinquishing or sharing certain spectrum bands could require the Pentagon to replace current systems, potentially costing “hundreds of billions” of dollars and creating operational risks during the transition.
- Interference Mitigation: Developing technologies that allow simultaneous spectrum use by military and commercial entities without causing harmful interference remains a significant technical challenge.
The DoD’s efforts in spectrum sharing are part of a broader national strategy to address the growing demand for wireless capabilities. The White House’s National Spectrum Strategy outlines a role for the department in assigning sections of its designated spectrum to the private sector. The DoD participates in an Advanced Dynamic Spectrum Sharing demonstration in the 3.1 to 3.45 GHz band as part of this strategy. This initiative aims to showcase how spectrum access can be created for commercial users while enabling the DoD to continue accomplishing its mission in a complex spectrum environment.
The outcome of these efforts could have far-reaching implications for national security and economic growth. Success in developing advanced spectrum-sharing technologies would enhance military capabilities and accelerate the deployment of 5G and future wireless technologies, potentially driving innovation across various sectors of the economy.
As the spectrum-sharing landscape continues to evolve, the DoD remains committed to finding solutions that balance national security needs with the demands of a rapidly advancing wireless industry. The department’s ongoing collaborations with other federal agencies, industry partners, and academia underscore its dedication to addressing this complex challenge through innovation and cooperation.
