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Abstract-The cognitive radio literature generally assumes that the functions required for non-cooperative secondary DSA are integrated into a single radio system. It need not be so. In this paper, we model cognitive radio functions as a value chain and explore the implications of different forms of organization of this value chain. We initially explore the consequences of separating the sensing function from other cognitive radio functions.Index Terms-Cognitive radio, Economics, Radio spectrum management I. INTRODUCTION C ognitive radios (CRs) have emerged as a critical technology for enabling more intensive sharing of unused radio frequency spectrum, or, equivalently, Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA). In the 12 years since CRs were first proposed [1], working devices have been developed by engineers. To date, most of the focus on implementing CRs has focused on noncooperative or "opportunistic" secondary sharing models in which the CR is designed as an independent radio system that must share spectrum with a potentially hostile, or at least not explicitly cooperative, primary spectrum user. The CR is presumed to operate in a way that is practically presumed to be invisible to the primary user. The assumed lack of cooperation with the primary user imposes additional technical, operational, and strategic constraints that may add to the complexity and difficulty of evolving commercially successful DSA, CR-enabled radio systems [2]. Relaxing this assumption raises the potential for alternative assignments of CR functionality between the primary and secondary users. In this paper, we explore some of the technical, economic, and regulatory implications of relaxing the presumption of non-cooperation, and consider the benefits of reorganizing the locus of functionality for identifying and managing opportunities for secondary usage. This analysis suggests a richer spectrum of sharing models that may aid in the commercialization of CR and DSA technologies, as discussed in Chapin and Lehr [3].The successful commercialization of DSA-based, CR-enabled radio systems will depend on numerous business-related factors, including:• Availability of low cost, low power user devices (e.g., handsets) • Sufficient bandwidth available for secondary use on a predictable and cost-effective basis • Ability to deliver at least "good enough" service quality [4].The spectrum that is currently targeted for the initial commercialization of such systems for secondaryuse, sharing is the TV "white space" spectrum [5]. A. A Critique of Integrated CR systemsIntegrated CR systems for non-cooperative secondary sharing are biased toward FDMA/FDDbased sharing because the sensing requirement for TDMA/TDD systems is too short for accurate detection [6]; the same is true of LTE [7]. Thus, these systems may be unable to adequately detect primary users in non-FDMA/FDD systems. Accessing idle spectrum in such systems is likely to require closer coordination between the primary and secondary users. 1 For example, to access idle spectrum in TDMA systems, the prim...

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Purpose -This paper aims to give a short overview of European Union policy trends towards more flexible forms of spectrum management.Design/methodology/approach -The paper presents a business modelling analysis, scenario construction, policy analysis and roadmapping. It argues that both flexible spectrum management and the concept of reconfigurability do not eliminate the need for a number of centralised controlling entities, and even introduce a number of new ones, performing regulatory, commercial and technical functions of a diverse nature. One of the most prominent control entities, the Cognitive Pilot Channel (CPC), is presented, and three different configurations of the CPC are outlined. Subsequently, the potential impact of different CPC configurations on business models for wireless services making use of such a channel is explored.Findings -The paper concludes that a hybrid model combining a meta-level CPC with operator-deployed channels might provide the best mix of technical and strategic control for operators, and value for users.Research limitations/implications -The study undertaken here is exploratory in nature since, for example, no exact estimations of cost and revenue, or harmonisation feasibility and roadmaps can be made at this time.Originality/value -The CPC is a recent and potentially crucial concept which is not yet standardised or implemented and for which no business modelling analysis has been performed yet.

This paper aims to provide a systematic analysis and formal presentation of high-level scenarios for the future development of Cognitive Radio business ecosystem. It uses the Intuitive Logics as a methodology for constructing four equally probable scenarios in a matrix at the intersection of two identified major uncertainties. The paper shows the importance of using high-level scenarios as a guiding framework for understanding the causal-consequential relationships and actions of different stakeholders that may help in building the strategies for responding and further facilitating the development of Cognitive Radio.