Spectrum auctions, protection, or another option?

The increasing number of wireless devices has created a crisis in the allocation of the finite available wireless spectrum needed for transmission and reception. The unprecedented growth in wireless technology is causing bands currently allocated to critical applications, such as national defense, to be considered for repurposing. Because spectrum is of crucial need to both economic growth and defense, difficult, high-stakes policy decisions are currently facing public policymakers. To promote economic growth, the auction of midband spectrum currently used by defense systems to commercial wireless providers is under serious consideration in the United States. Proponents of spectrum auctions state that these auctions will unlock economic benefits. However, many others are advocating instead for a spectrum sharing approach, arguing that the military incumbent systems radars cannot operate without full access to bandwidth when needed. This paper proposes a third way forward: development of adaptive and reconfigurable technology. Adaptivity indicates the ability of a wireless system to recognize surrounding spectrum use and modify its operations accordingly. Reconfigurability indicates ability to change operating frequency, direction, and other parameters to maximize performance in a dynamic frequency scenario. The development of adaptive and reconfigurable technology will enable more bandwidth to be achieved by both commercial and military systems than a mere auction or sharing structure with current technologies. The way forward in the development of adaptive and reconfigurable technology, and how it will allow a breakthrough in solving the spectrum crisis, is discussed.