Catenaa, Friday, October 17, 2025-The US Department of Defense has selected InterDigital to lead a national research coalition focused on developing spectrum coexistence technologies that allow defense radar systems and commercial 5G networks to share mid-band frequencies more efficiently.
InterDigital will collaborate with DeepSig, Skylark Wireless, Virginia Tech, and Radisys to create and validate AI-driven and sensing-based solutions for dynamic spectrum sharing.
The initiative seeks to balance the needs of defense and commercial operators in congested frequency ranges that are vital for both security and connectivity.
According to InterDigital Chief Technology Officer Rajesh Pankaj, the project builds on the company’s long-standing research into radar-communications integration.
He said the team’s AI and sensing advancements will enable government and private networks to operate simultaneously without interference, calling spectrum “one of our most valuable resources.”
The research will focus on low-latency, distributed spectrum sensing and real-time interference mitigation at cellular base stations and end-user devices.
Skylark Wireless’ Director of Business Development Samir Rahi said the program highlights the United States’ emerging leadership in dynamic spectrum sharing, offering “dual-use benefits” for both commercial telecom and national security.
The initiative comes as mid-band spectrum remains the backbone of 5G networks worldwide. Industry data show declining prices for C-band frequencies since 2023, reflecting broader availability and maturing market conditions as attention turns to 6G development.
