Next generation (5G) mobile networks are targeting twenty five-fold data rates provided by the current generation of mobile networks, with higher efficiency, enhanced mobility support and seamless management of connected devices. In order to provide such features, at reduced Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) and Operational Expenditure (OPEX), the Cloud- RAN paradigm has been recently proposed.

The C-RAN architecture is based on two key features:
(1) Centralization, wherein computational resources of base stations, namely Base Band Units (BBUs), are pooled together in a central Cloud, and
(2) Virtualization, with the possibility that several Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) share the radio resources and the BBUs in order to reduce physical resources costs and maintenance. This evolution poses however multiple challenges, especially in terms of dynamic resource allocation between the users as well as between the MVNOs.

We propose in this presentation a dynamic resource allocation scheme between several Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), sharing common radio resources at a Cloud-based Radio Access Network (C-RAN) run by a central operator. We specifically propose a two-level coupled auction so as to enhance resource utilization and maximize the revenues both for the central operator and the MVNOs: at the lower level, end users belonging to a given MVNO bid for resources and, at the higher-level, MVNOs compete for resources at the central operator based on the output of the lower-level auction. We show fundamental economic properties of our proposal: truthfulness and individual rationality, and propose a greedy algorithm to enhance its computational efficiency. We prove the existence of Nash equilibrium for the global auction and its uniqueness in a typical duopoly scenario.