The Dynamics of Spectrum Management

Even as spectrum management regimes are moving from a command and control regime to a flexible use regime, new technological developments are suggesting that there are significant opportunities in managing large swathes of spectrum as a common property resource, in addition to flexible use. The demand for spectrum has never been so acute as today's communication services extend beyond simple voice to complex data and video, augmented by evolving technologies such as peer-to-peer sharing, social networking, Fourth and Fifth Generation networks, Big Data, and cloud computing. On the other hand, supply of spectrum is restricted due to competing nature of uses and vested interests of incumbent holders. Political legacies and market realities in different regimes pose unique challenges for spectrum managers who must negotiate a tricky path to the land promised by technological possibility. With case studies from early adopters of mobile technology and an in-depth exploration of the Indian case, this book presents a pragmatic and modern approach for spectrum managers to get from where they are to where they can be. This book covers the theoretical framework governing technology, and economics of spectrum. Examples derived from practices around the world are given to illustrate the underlying principles. Future technologies that enable use of spectrum spaces that have so far not been used are documented along with accompanying economic rationale and policy prescriptions. The significant addition in this book is the illustration of the migration from the command and control regime of spectrum allocation to flexible methods and further towards the spectrum of the commons. The regulatory and policy implications are discussed, drawing parallels to practices around the world. The second part of the book is devoted to the spectrum management and policies in India, starting from the initial allocation in 1995 to the substantial controversies surrounding the first-come, first serve principle practiced during 2000s, to finally liberalization and auction of spectrum in 2012-13. The chapter on broadcast spectrum discusses the developments relating to digitization of terrestrial and satellite broadcasting and its implications for mobile services, including the release of digital dividend spectrum.