Physical, technical, practical, economical, and regulatory aspects of spectrum management

Abstract

The radio spectrum is a highly value resource that call for efficient utilisation. This involves developing both good radio equipment able to operate under challenging conditions and cost-effective spectrum management regimes. The pressure on available suitable spectrum is getting high, in particular for mobile data services. The management at all levels need to address the new challenges. Some trust traditional command and control methods, others argue for liberalised market mechanism. Some want to keep most of the spectrum for specified radio services and systems, others want a free utilisation in spectrum commons and technology neutral allocations otherwise. The way forward is an evolutionary path where laws of physics must be respected, but advance technology allowed and more flexible regulatory regimes put into work. It is however, not obvious that liberal spectrum trading only is the right answer.