A system and method are provided to implement dynamic spectrum access with individual multi-mode devices that incorporate multiple radios in a single device. A multi-mode device is configured to make use of the incremental spectrum by maintaining a data communication link via a base station that is operated by a primary operator to support communications in the primary operator's exclusively-licensed spectrum. This data communication link is maintained by a first radio, the data communication link being used to support a first level of data communication as well as to signal an availability of additional spectrum to the multi-mode device. The multi-mode device may request access to additional spectrum. A second radio may facilitate access to received additional spectrum with the multi-radio multi-mode device.