Key take aways from the Dynamic Spectrum Management and Sharing (DSMS) pilot in the Netherlands

The Dutch Authority for Digital Infrastructure (RDI) in the Netherlands conducted a Dynamic Spectrum Management and Sharing (DSMS) pilot from December 2024 to September 2025, testing whether private 5G networks can coexist with Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) in the 3.8–4.2 GHz frequency band. The results of this Pilot were published on 29 January 2026.

the Commission has mandated the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications (CEPT) to study the potential deployment of terrestrial wireless broadband systems providing local-area network connectivity for verticals within the 3.8-4.2 GHz frequency band in the Union. This initiative aims at promoting the development of the industrial 5G ecosystem, the efficient use of spectrum and the deployment of innovative sharing conditions within this band between 5G vertical applications and incumbent users (such as space-to-earth satellite links).

The issue is not limited to the Netherlands. For example the French regulator, Arcep, has already invited experiments and held consultations in 2024 and 2025 on the use of the 3.8–4.2 GHz frequency band for commercial purposes Frequencies for Commercial Purposes.

• Real-time adaptive spectrum sharing proved technically viable. The DSMS system dynamically adjusted 5G transmit power in response to real-time propagation conditions, including atmospheric "ducting" phenomena, and successfully prevented interference to business-critical satellite services at Speedcast's teleport in Biddinghuizen.
• No interference occurred to incumbent satellite services during the entire pilot period. Throughout the ten-month trial, the automated protection system ensured that Speedcast experienced no reported interference to its satellite downlinks, demonstrating that dynamic spectrum sharing between 5G private networks and satellite services is potentially feasible.
• Protection thresholds can be optimized to improve 5G network availability. Retrospective analysis showed that adjusting the protection threshold from -150 dBm/MHz to -140 dBm/MHz or -132 dBm/MHz could significantly reduce 5G transmitter shutdowns—from approximately 4% to 2% or 0.6% of the time respectively—while still protecting satellite services.
• Further research and multi-year data collection required before commercial deployment. The pilot identified that 5G private networks must be carefully designed for mission-critical deployment, and that drawing firm conclusions on coexistence parameters requires additional data across multiple ducting seasons.

1. New spectrum access opportunities are emerging for private 5G networks. This pilot demonstrates that automated spectrum sharing technology can enable private 5G networks to operate in frequency bands traditionally reserved for satellite services, potentially opening valuable spectrum for industrial and port applications.
2. Regulatory frameworks may evolve to accommodate dynamic spectrum sharing. The RDI explicitly aims to use these results to contribute to international spectrum regulation, signaling potential policy developments that could affect how businesses access spectrum for private networks across Europe.
3. Mission-critical 5G deployments require careful end-to-end design. The pilot revealed that equipment choices, protection thresholds, and network architecture significantly impact service availability, meaning businesses considering private 5G must work closely with regulators and technical partners from the outset.