SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FLEXIBLE ACCESS TO PRIORITY ACCESS TIERS IN SHARED RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) SPECTRUM BANDS

Embodiments include systems and methods for flexible access to priority access tiers in shared radio frequency (RF) spectrum bands. An example embodiment provides automated mechanisms for network operators to obtain the benefits of using a priority access license (PAL) in the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS), including access to such protected frequency bands, on an as-needed and/or on-demand basis without having to own a PAL (CBRS-As-A-Service (CAAS)). This CAAS thereby provides an "interference insurance" service to network operators. In response to receiving an indication of the at least one condition being met (e.g., a current interference level surpassing a threshold), a priority access tier license controller automatically causes the wireless network operator to be able to operate a wireless network using the PAL to the shared frequency spectrum band and thus be protected from RF interference by lower priority access users.