Shared Spectrum Company

Shared Spectrum Company
Name	Shared Spectrum Company
Industry	Telecommunications, Spectrum management
Founded	2000
Founder	Mark McHenry
Location	Vienna, Virginia, United States
Key people	Mark McHenry (CEO)
Products	Spectrum sensing, Dynamic Spectrum Access systems, Spectrum monitoring
Website	https://sharedspectrum.com

Shared Spectrum Company. It is a technology firm specializing in Dynamic Spectrum Access and cognitive radio systems, founded in 2000 by Mark McHenry. The company develops advanced spectrum sensing and monitoring technologies to enable more efficient utilization of radio frequency bands, particularly for government and commercial wireless networks. Its work is central to modern spectrum policy initiatives aimed at alleviating spectrum scarcity through innovative sharing paradigms.

History

The company was established in 2000 by Mark McHenry, an engineer with a background in defense advanced research projects agency projects. Early research was supported by grants from the National Science Foundation and contracts with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, focusing on foundational cognitive radio concepts. A pivotal moment came with its involvement in the Federal Communications Commission's Spectrum Policy Task Force, which highlighted the need for new spectrum management tools. Throughout the 2000s, it transitioned from research into developing operational systems, contributing to seminal projects like the DARPA XG program. The company's growth has been closely tied to evolving spectrum policy in the United States and advancements in software-defined radio platforms.

Technology and Services

Its core technology portfolio is built around real-time spectrum sensing and spectrum monitoring systems. These systems utilize sophisticated signal processing algorithms to detect and identify active transmissions across wide frequency bands. Key products include the Spectrum Sensing System and related network management software, which enable Dynamic Spectrum Access by identifying underutilized white spaces. The underlying technology often integrates machine learning for signal classification and operates on commercial software-defined radio hardware from partners like National Instruments and Ettus Research. These capabilities are packaged for both mobile ad-hoc network deployments and fixed spectrum monitoring installations.

Spectrum Sharing Models

The company actively develops and promotes several spectrum sharing frameworks. A primary model is the database-assisted spectrum access system, similar to those mandated by the Federal Communications Commission for the TV white space bands. It also pioneers more dynamic, sensor-driven models where networks autonomously locate and use available spectrum in real-time, a concept advanced through work with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. These models are critical for enabling shared use in coveted bands like the 3.5 GHz CBRS band and for facilitating coexistence between federal systems and commercial services such as 5G NR.

Regulatory Involvement

It has been a significant contributor to spectrum policy development through active participation in regulatory proceedings. The company frequently files comments and technical studies with the Federal Communications Commission on matters concerning the Citizens Broadband Radio Service, 6 GHz band, and unlicensed spectrum. It has also worked closely with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Department of Defense on sharing studies for federal bands. Its research and deployments are often cited in rulemaking by bodies like the International Telecommunication Union, helping to shape global standards for spectrum coexistence.

Key Projects and Deployments

Notable implementations of its technology include the Texas A&M University CORNET cognitive radio testbed, which serves as a major research platform. The company played a key role in the DARPA Spectrum Collaboration Challenge, demonstrating autonomous spectrum sharing among competing networks. It has deployed its Spectrum Sensing System for the United States Navy to monitor spectrum usage near naval bases. Furthermore, its systems are used in the ongoing deployment and management of the CBRS ecosystem, ensuring protection for incumbent users like the United States Department of Defense and fixed satellite service operators.

Impact and Industry Role

The company has substantially influenced the evolution of spectrum management from static allocation toward dynamic, market-based approaches. Its technologies underpin critical infrastructure for emerging 5G and Internet of Things networks that require efficient spectrum use. By proving the viability of cognitive radio systems in real-world settings, it has helped reduce regulatory barriers to innovation for companies like Google and Microsoft in the white space device market. Its work continues to inform the development of next-generation standards within organizations like the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the Wireless Innovation Forum.

Category:Telecommunications companies of the United States Category:Radio frequency spectrum Category:Companies based in Fairfax County, Virginia Category:Technology companies established in 2000