Resource information
Bringing management of the radio
spectrum closer to markets is long overdue. The radio
spectrum is a major component of the infrastructure that
underpins the information society. Spectrum management,
however, has not kept up with major changes in technology,
business practice, and economic policy that have taken place
worldwide during the last two decades. For many years
traditional government administration of the spectrum worked
reasonably well, but more recently it has led to growing
technical and economic inefficiencies as well as obstacles
to technological innovation. Two alternative approaches to
spectrum management are being tried in several countries,
one driven by the market (tradable spectrum rights) and
another driven by technology innovation (spectrum commons).
This paper discusses the basic features, advantages and
limitations, scope of application, and requirements for
implementation of these three approaches. The paper then
discusses how these approaches can be made to work under
conditions that typically prevail in developing countries,
including weak rule of law, limited markets, and constrained
fiscal space. Although spectrum reform strategies for
individual countries must be developed case by case, several
broadly applicable strategic options are outlined. The paper
proposes a phased approach to addressing spectrum reform in
a country. It ends by discussing aspects of institutional
design, managing the transition, and addressing high-level
changes such as the transition to digital television, the
path to third-generation mobile services, launching of
wireless fixed broadband services, and releasing military
spectrum. The paper is extensively annotated and referenced.
