A study of secondary spectrum use using agent-based computational economics

Wireless communication relies on access to the radiocommunications spectrum. A series of high-priced spectrum auctions has indicated that there is a scarcity or an inefficient use of spectrum resources. This paper presents an Agent-based Computational Economics (ACE) model designed to study the secondary use spectrum market, which improves spectrum usage by allowing incumbent spectrum users to lease unused portions of their assigned spectrum to third parties who could put them to a better use. In this paper, we are particularly interested in the conditions under which such a market is likely to emerge.