Spectrum Sharing through Marketplaces for O-RAN based Non-Terrestrial and Terrestrial Networks

Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), including low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, are expected to play a pivotal role in achieving global coverage for Internet-of-Things (IoT) applications in sixth-generation (6G) systems. Although specific frequency bands have been identified for satellite use in NTNs, persistent challenges arise due to the limited availability of spectrum resources. The coexistence of multiple systems, including terrestrial networks (TNs), sharing these frequencies, presents a technically challenging yet feasible solution. Furthermore, the effective management and regulation of such coexistence should be under the purview of regional authorities. To facilitate efficient spectrum sharing among various systems, including NTNs and TNs, adopting open architectures is desirable, allowing for the seamless exchange of key information for spectrum sharing. Therefore, it is essential to consider open radio access networks (O-RAN) for future NTNs and TNs. In addition to O-RAN, the establishment of spectrum marketplaces, enabling different operators to trade their spectrum and dynamic resource allocation information, is necessary. In this article, we highlight the role of spectrum marketplaces and discuss a few examples.