Spectrum management reform and the notion of the ‘Spectrum Commons’
Date
2003
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Southern African Journal of Information and Communication (SAJIC), The Edge Institute / Research ICT Africa, Braamfontein, ZA
Abstract
Spectrum management is an extremely important part of telecommunications policy and
regulation. The allocation of spectrum for particular uses, and development of specific technical
and service rules governing those allocations, are crucial determinants of telecommunications
industry structure and performance. Not only does the management of the resource have an
enormous impact on a nation’s economic and social well-being, it is also of critical importance
to the safety of life and property, and to national defense. Fast-growing demand, coupled with
rapid technological change, have put increased pressure on the traditional, centralised, often
bureaucratic, “command-and-control” methods of managing the resource. One alternative to
the traditional, centralised method is moving spectrum management in the direction of a marketoriented
solution, wherein property-like rights in the resource are traded on a decentralised basis,
more like other resources. Another method for reducing the rigidities in the current system is
for policy-makers to move spectrum management in the direction of a “spectrum commons”
solution. Under this alternative, anyone can gain access to a particular block of spectrum or set
of channels, subject only to certain basic rules. Recently, there has been increased interest in
the spectrum commons approach, because of the success of unlicensed spectrum in providing
consumer benefits and increased opportunities for entrepreneurial activity. This paper explores the
spectrum commons approach and concludes that, even in the face of significant challenges, the
potential benefits are significant enough to warrant serious consideration by telecommunications
policy-makers in their role as spectrum managers. This conclusion applies not only to developed
countries but also to developing countries, where the more decentralised, less bureaucratic
approach could empower individuals and communities to expand networks, applications and
services on their own initiative.
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Journal Article
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Keywords
RADIO FREQUENCY SPECTRUM, TELECOMMUNICATIONS, GOVERNANCE, NATIONAL LEVEL, GLOBAL