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This paper introduces ASCENT (context-Aware Spectrum Coexistence DEsigN and ImplemenTation) toolset, an advanced context-aware terrestrial-satellite spectrum sharing toolset designed for researchers, policymakers, and regulators. It serves two essential purposes: (a) evaluating the potential for harmful interference to primary users in satellite bands and (b) facilitating the analysis, design, and implementation of diverse regulatory policies on spectrum usage and sharing. Notably, ASCENT implements a closed-loop feedback system that allows dynamic adaptation of policies according to a wide range of contextual factors (e.g., weather, buildings, summer/winter foliage, etc.) and feedback on the impact of these policies through realistic simulation. Specifically, ASCENT comprises the following components– (i) interference evaluation tool for evaluating interference at the incumbents in a spectrum sharing environment while taking the underlying contexts; (ii) dynamic spectrum access (DSA) framework for providing context-aware instructions to adapt networking parameters and control secondary terrestrial network’s access to the shared spectrum band according to context-aware prioritization; (iii) Context broker to acquire essential and relevant contexts from external context information providers; and (iv) DSA Database to store dynamic and static contexts and the regulator’s policy information. The closed-loop feedback system of ASCENT is implemented by integrating these components in a modular software architecture. A case study of sharing the lower 12 GHz Ku-band (12.2-12.7 GHz) with the 5G terrestrial cellular network is considered, and the usability of ASCENT is demonstrated by dynamically changing exclusion-zone’s radius in different weather conditions. 

When considering spectrum sharing, the concept of regulatory certainty drives regulators to consider worst-case scenarios to evaluate potential impacts to incumbents. If a second use will never interfere, then all is good. However, in scenarios where the worst case is unlikely to occur, it means alternate uses may not be considered, the alternate use may have unnecessary limitations, or the incumbent may lose access to the band if the new use is deemed in the public interest. This paper reviews the recent his- tory and discourse associated with spectrum sharing in the 12 GHz band. The paper examines socioeconomic considerations of the band. Finally, opportunities for future policy research with a focus on developing a dynamic policy framework for coexistence be- tween services in the band are presented.