Satellite Cognitive Communications and Spectrum Regulation

Due to rapid increase of wireless users and the popularity of multimedia applications, the
demand for wireless spectrum is increasing rapidly. However, due to current static spectrum
policy, the available usable spectrum is becoming scarce while a significant amount of spectrum
remains underutilized. In this aspect, cognitive communications can be considered as a
promising technology to enhance spectrum usage efficiency by allowing the coexistence of
heterogeneous networks within the same spectrum. In this paper, starting with the rationale of
cognitive communication, we present two different coexistence scenarios in the context of
satellite cognitive communication. We then present the current status of spectrum regulation in
the context of Cognitive Radio (CR) and the relevant decisions of World Radio Conference 2012
(WRC-12). Finally, we present the technical aspects and regulatory challenges of this technology
and provide some suggestions from research, industrial and regulatory perspectives.