From Paris to London: Comparative analysis of licensed spectrum use in two European metropolises

We present results from a detailed comparative analysis of spectrum use based on extensive measurement campaigns in two major European metropolitan areas, namely in Paris and London. We focus on frequency bands assigned to cellular systems, and characterize in detail the similarities and differences between operators in terms of how their licensed spectrum is used. In particular, we present extensive cross-correlation analysis describing the complex interdependencies in spectrum use between the various bands together with their spatial correlation structures. We characterize both correlations in the use of the downlink bands of different operators, as well as between uplink and downlink bands. Our results show that there are in many instances strong correlations in especially the use of the downlink bands, but these are not present in all regions and for all technologies. In particular, the results indicate that much more refined models of spectrum use need to be developed compared to the state-of-the-art in order to realistically evaluate the potential of spectrum sharing and data offloading techniques.