Systems and methods for LTE allocation in a shared unlicenced spectrum

A method for selecting an RF channel from four sequentially contiguous channels in a target band of a wireless communication network for allocation of at least one long term evolution (LTE) carrier, each of the four sequentially contiguous channels having substantially the same frequency bandwidth, the method comprising the steps of:

• scanning a first contiguous channel and a second contiguous channel of the four sequentially contiguous RF channels in the target band, wherein the second contiguous channel is immediately adjacent the first contiguous channel;
• scanning a third contiguous channel and a fourth contiguous channel of the four sequentially contiguous RF channels, wherein the third contiguous channel is immediately adjacent the fourth contiguous channel and located between the second and fourth contiguous channels;
• measuring RF channel power for each of the four sequentially contiguous RF channels;
• comparing the measured RF channel power for each of the four sequentially contiguous RF channels;
• and
• selecting a particular channel of the four sequentially contiguous RF channels corresponding to the lowest measured RF channel power within the target band for allocation of the LTE carrier.