IEEE DySPAN (2025) is the International Symposium on Dynamic Spectrum Access Networks, and it is the number one international forum on spectrum technology and policy innovation. The symposium brings together experts from all corners of the world and includes representatives from academia, industry, regulatory, and government bodies. DySPAN platforms the latest advancements in research and practice around spectrum management, sharing, coexistence, and cutting‑edge wireless tech.

This year’s event was even more special than usual, celebrating 20 years of DySPAN so it was a huge pleasure to take such a significant part in the event this time around. Our colleague Simon Cotton from the HASC Hub was the overall Technical Programme Committee Chair for DySPAN 2025 so we caught up with him for our round-up of what was, an excellent event.

Simon is Professor of Wireless Communications and Director of Research, School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Queen’s University Belfast, IEEE Fellow, and HASC Principal Investigator. Read our interview with Simon, as he discusses with us the highlights of this years’ event and why events like this are so vital to the research community and industry alike. Let’s dive in!

HASC:  Why Was the DySPAN 2025 Event So Important?

SIMON COTTON: “DySPAN 2025 marked a significant milestone for the spectrum community this year. It brings together such a diverse audience with delegates from technologists to policymakers and industry leaders from across the world. This year there were experts from 13 different countries. The symposium provides a platform to come together and rethink how spectrum is managed. And all in an era where we are seeing such rapid innovation in wireless and not to mention, evolving demand.

During his opening keynote, Simon Saunders (General Chair of DySPAN 2025), emphasised the UK’s ambitions in spectrum innovation and as this was the first DySPAN event to take place outside the US since the COVID-19 pandemic, this further underscored the UK’s growing leadership in this space, which is really exciting!”

HASC:  What Challenges or Opportunities Were Discussed?

SIMON COTTON: “A central theme of the event was the complex and ever-evolving challenge of managing spectrum in a crowded and competitive environment. Discussions focused heavily on issues around spectrum access, sharing, coexistence, and utilisation, particularly in relation to cutting-edge wireless technologies such as millimetre wave (mmWave) and terahertz (THz) bands.

Speakers and delegates alike recognised the need for innovative and flexible approaches to spectrum allocation, especially as next-generation technologies become more widespread and traditional systems more challenged under ever-increasing demand.”

HASC:  What Were the Key Take-Aways, Highlights, or Trends to Track?

SIMON COTTON: “Several key themes emerged from DySPAN 2025, and we can certainly expect these to shape the spectrum landscape in the years ahead. I have six stand-out trends and takeaways:

1. Global Collaboration in R&D

The first major takeaway was the importance of international collaboration in spectrum research and development (R&D). HASC played a central role here, participating in a workshop exploring global models for aligning R&D with policy and regulatory frameworks. Our Director, Dominic O’Brien, shared the hub’s strategic goals and research priorities, positioning HASC alongside leading institutions such as SpectrumX in the US and the CONNECT Centre in Ireland.

2. Advancing Regulatory Frameworks

Another major highlight was the UK Spectrum Policy Forum’s Future Spectrum Policy Summit (SPF) which was held in collaboration DySPAN 2025. SPF provided an extended insight into the direction of upcoming regulatory reforms. There was a clear indication of a shift towards more agile, adaptive frameworks capable of responding to the pace of technological change.

3. Two Decades of Innovation at DySPAN 2025

DySPAN 2025 is celebrating two decades of innovation. As a result, a special anniversary panel took place, featuring leading voices from MIT, Nokia, UCLA, and Ofcom, who reflected on the event’s legacy and future trajectory. A real highlight for me, since it really demonstrates to the evolution of our field.

4. Real-world Spectrum Sharing

The event showcased practical examples from the Regulatory Spectrum Sandboxes initiative, highlighting UK government-funded projects actively working to increase spectrum sharing and demonstrate its viability. The spectrum sandbox initiative provides a testing environment where innovators can come together to test spectrum sharing scenarios that are not currently possible in ordinary licensing conditions. It was really great to get updated insights from this project’s vital work.

5. AI Seen as A Spectrum Game-Changer

Perhaps not surprisingly, one of the most striking trends discussed was the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in spectrum management. AI is rapidly becoming a transformative force in all our lives, however what was on offer here was the potential to radically enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of wireless systems. Delegates agreed it will be central to future spectrum allocation strategies – a fact reflected in the work being carried at HASC.

6. Balancing Tech & Regulation

Throughout the event, there was a recurring emphasis on striking the right balance between technical advancement and effective regulation. Discussions consistently underscored the importance of spectrum sharing, emphasising the need to balance cutting-edge technical solutions with robust, yet flexible, regulatory frameworks. This will be vital in order for us the realise the full potential of dynamic spectrum access in the years to come.

There is certainly vast and rapid developments taking place in these areas, and this just provides just a small a snapshot!”

What Did HASC Bring Along to DySPAN?

SIMON COTTON: “HASC made a strong impression at DySPAN 2025. We hosted an exhibitor stand, where Anthony Reece-Thompson and Abderrahmen Trichili presented the hub’s research and recent achievements. Our team also articulated a clear vision for positioning the UK as a global leader in spectrum research.

I myself, served as the overall Technical Program Committee Chair for the symposium, and HASC was one of the main patrons for the event, so not only was HASC well represented, but we also played a pivotal role in shaping the event’s academic and technical direction overall. We’re very much looking forward to what next year may bring and would like to thank all those who took part and attended!”

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