Verizon, Ericsson and Qualcomm are looking to expand wireless networks capabilities after agreeing to conduct field trials of spectrum-sharing technology in the 3550-3650 MHz band.
According to a blog post by Verizon, the companies have filed applications with the FCC to test the benefits of adding 3.5 GHz spectrum to Verizon’s existing LTE network.
"These trials are constructed to evaluate the benefits of adding 3.5 GHz spectrum to Verizon’s network with a specific focus on understanding the propagation characteristics of 3.5 GHz spectrum in a real-world environment," explained Patrick Welsh, director of Verizon Federal Government Affairs.
The trials come as wireless carriers around the world face the problem of finding extra spectrum to support a higher demand for bandwidth requirements.
In the long term, the shared spectrum could then be used to increase network capacity in high-demand areas like stadiums, college campuses or airports.
Welsh added that Verizon, Qualcomm and Ericsson will collaborate with iconectiv, a subsidiary of Ericsson, later this month to conduct lab tests of Authorized Shared Access (ASA)/Licensed Shared Access (LSA) technologies at Ericsson’s facilities in Texas.
"Spectrum sharing can complement Verizon’s LTE network while protecting government operations from harmful interference," he said
"ASA / LSA utilises many of the spectrum sharing techniques under review by the FCC."
