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The radio spectrum : opportunities and challenges for the developing world

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  • Wellenius, Bjorn
  • Neto, Isabel

Abstract

The radio spectrum is a major component of the telecommunications infrastructure that underpins the information society. Spectrum management, however, has not kept up with major changes in technology, business practice, and economic policy during the past two decades. Traditional spectrum management practice is predicated on the spectrum being a limited resource that must be apportioned among uses and users by government administration. For many years this model worked well, but more recently the spectrum has come under pressure from rapid demand growth for wireless services and changing patterns of use. This has led to growing technical and economic inefficiencies, as well as obstacles to technological innovation. Two alternative approaches are being tried, one driven by the market (spectrum property rights) and another driven by technology innovation (commons). Practical solutions are evolving that combine some features of both. Wholesale replacement of current practice is unlikely, but the balance between administration, property rights, and commons is clearly shifting. Although the debate on spectrum management reform is mainly taking place in high-income countries, it is deeply relevant to developing countries as well.

Suggested Citation

  • Wellenius, Bjorn & Neto, Isabel, 2005. "The radio spectrum : opportunities and challenges for the developing world," Policy Research Working Paper Series 3742, The World Bank.
  • Handle: RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:3742
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. El-Moghazi, Mohamed & Whalley, Jason & Irvine, James, 2015. "Technology Neutrality: Interaction between International Mobile Telecommunication and National Spectrum Management Policies," 26th European Regional ITS Conference, Madrid 2015 127135, International Telecommunications Society (ITS).
    2. El-Moghazi, Mohamed & Whalley, Jason & Irvine, James, 2017. "The Future of International Radio Regulations: Transformation Towards Sharing," 28th European Regional ITS Conference, Passau 2017 169457, International Telecommunications Society (ITS).
    3. El-Moghazi, Mohamed & Whalley, Jason & Irvine, James, 2019. "Technology neutrality: Exploring the interaction between International Mobile Telecommunication and national spectrum management policies," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 43(6), pages 531-548.
    4. Thaw Tar Min & Fife, Elizabeth & Bohlin, Erik, 2014. "Myanmar national spectrum management policy: Is it best practice?," 25th European Regional ITS Conference, Brussels 2014 101431, International Telecommunications Society (ITS).
    5. El-Moghazi, Mohamed & Whalley, Jason & Irvine, James, 2016. "International Radio Spectrum Management Regime: Restricting or Enabling Opportunistic Access in the TVWS?," 27th European Regional ITS Conference, Cambridge (UK) 2016 148666, International Telecommunications Society (ITS).

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    Keywords

    Broadcast and Media; Roads&Highways; Climate Change; Montreal Protocol; ICT Policy and Strategies;
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