An example method includes requesting a first spectrum channel authorization to utilize a first spectrum channel from a spectrum access system. The method further includes accepting a first spectrum channel authorization response to utilize the first spectrum channel from the spectrum access system. The method additionally includes receiving a first service request from a first computing device over the first spectrum channel. The method still further includes sending a first heartbeat message to the spectrum access system. The method furthermore includes receiving a first heartbeat response message from the spectrum access system. The method yet further includes sending a first service flow request from the broadband access network to accommodate the first service request.