With ever-expanding demand for spectrum, and a (physics-constrained) finite amount available, there is increasing pressure for users to share spectrum holdings via a variety of different methods – geographic, temporal, or dynamic. In most cases this is achieved through the identification of primary and secondary uses and users. With this sharing paradigm, however, there is an unresolved question of fees – should secondary users be expected to pay fees, and if so, how much?

In this Insight paper we set out some of the key considerations for how fees should be charged for spectrum use once it is no longer exclusive – whether fees for primary users should be reduced, whether fees for secondary users should be charged, and what will influence the appropriate level of fees. We also note that there is no single formula to define a secondary use fee, and identifying the appropriate price will require some detailed market analysis.