Regulatory implications on sharing of small cells. The implications regulatory frameworks in terms of limiting, encouraging or mandating the sharing of small cell infrastructure (as described Section 0) has been previously analysed in a number of studies including [Ghanbari2013, Neumann2017, SCF2016b]. The formulation of network sharing policies by NRAs has been informed by EU directives (described in 4.1.1), as well as, the need to strike a balance on a number of factors related to network sharing (illustrated in Figure 33) so as to: Prevent distortion or restriction of competition; Promote and ensure efficient use of necessary but limited resources (e.g. spectrum); Ensure a competitive environment for the benefit of consumers; and Promote efficient investment and encourage innovation in new/improved infrastructure. Figure 33 Factors that may influence regulatory decisions regarding sharing arrangements [Ghanbari2013] A factor that has significant impact on the implementation feasibility of the active sharing of small cells is the existence of regulations that permit or even oblige spectrum sharing in particular [SCF2016b]. Currently there are diverse range of spectrum authorisation and assignments used in different countries. A recently completed study SMART 2016/0019 on spectrum assignment in across different EU Member States provides classification of seven spectrum access types (see Table 17) [EC2017b]. Among these spectrum access types are newer approaches that create possibilities to make spectrum available for small cell providers without licensed spectrum (neutral hosts). One option is the use of Licensed Shared Access (LSA), whereby, an incumbent spectrum license holder (e.g. MNO) may license the use of their spectrum to a third party (e.g. neutral host), in locations were the spectrum is unused by the incumbent. Whilst the use of LSA seems promising for enabling sharing of small cells, the SMART 2016/0019 noted from extensive with national regulators and MNOs that “…Member States do not widely use Licensed Shared Access (LSA) as an authorisation approach. Scepticism still prevails on LSA and the associated administrative burden.” [EC2017b] Table 17 Definitions of different spectrum access types [EC2017b] Another emerging spectrum access possibility that could facilitate the sharing of small cells is the use of license exempt (unlicensed) spectrum for operation of small cells. Small cells operating in the license exempt bands require no fee to be paid, but must adhere to certain harmonise...
Regulatory implications on sharing of small cells. The requirement for increasingly dense and hyperdense small cell networks (with >150 sites/km2) makes the sharing small cell infrastructure even more critical than in macrocellular networks. The overlapping dense small cell deployments by multiple operators and neutral hosts is commercially and environmentally unsustainable. The need to encourage or mandate sharing has been highlighted by policy and regulatory initiatives, including the proposed EECC directive. A factor that has significant impact on the implementation feasibility of the active sharing of small cells is the existence of regulations that permit or even oblige spectrum sharing in particular. Currently there are diverse range of spectrum authorisation and assignments used in different countries. This fragmentation presents challenges for widespread adoption of active sharing of small cells operating in licensed bands. The harmonisation of spectrum sharing regulation and rules targeted by the EECC directive and other initiatives would be a useful step in overcoming this barrier. Moreover, recent specified standards for operation of small cells in unlicensed (license-exempt) bands is yet another development that could remove the spectrum access barrier in small cell sharing.
