During operation, the radio node may identify a second portion of a shared-license-access (SLA) band of frequencies with an improved communication-performance metric relative to a first portion of the SLA band of frequencies, which is currently approved and authorized for use. In response, the radio may provide a grant request to the computer for the second portion of the SLA band of frequencies, and may receive a grant response from the computer with an approval for a grant to the second portion of the SLA band of frequencies. Then, the radio node may provide a heartbeat request to the computer requesting authorization to use the second portion of the SLA band of frequencies, and may receive a heartbeat response from the computer with the authorization. Next, the radio node may provide a relinquishment request to the computer for the first portion of the SLA band of frequencies.