Spectrum Access Technologies: The Past, the Present, and the Future

This paper provides an overview of how our access to the electromagnetic spectrum has evolved and will continue to expand over time. We first focus on the historical origins of technological and regulatory choices, and provide some insight into how these choices have impacted the efficiency with which we currently utilize the spectrum, and how we can better use it in the future. In turn, we summarize the relevant technologies being discussed in today's standardization and research and development efforts. Finally, we provide a vision for the evolution of spectrum access technologies that, intertwined with progressive regulatory and economic policies, will enable flexible and secure sharing of spectrum to deliver seamless mobility with ubiquitous service for users worldwide.