The Radio Spectrum: Opportunities And Challenges For The Developing World

The radio spectrum is a major component of the telecommunications infrastructure that underpins the information society. Wireless technologies are used by new entrants to develop own networks and by incumbents to modernize existing infrastructures. Mobile phones are outgrowing fixed service and reach deeply into lower income groups. New fixed wireless technologies in rapid succession result in innovative business models and hold promise to extend competition to all market segments, accelerate development of broadband infrastructures, and connect the rural and urban poor. The spectrum is also widely used for radio and television broadcasting and by the military, and is essential for a broad range of other activities including law enforcement, energy and transportation, manufacturing, medical diagnosis and therapy, global positioning, navigation aids, meteorology, disaster warning, and astronomy, among others. Spectrum management, however, has not kept up with major changes in technology, business practice, and economic policy during the last two decades. It lags far behind the development of competitive, private-sector led telecommunications reforms worldwide. A vigorous debate is underway on spectrum reforms to overcome persistent shortcomings of the traditional regime. This debate is accelerating and commanding broad public attention. While it is largely taking place in high-income countries such as the U.S. and Europe, its significance is global. Spectrum reform offers low- and middle-income countries important new opportunities as well as challenges. This paper addresses three questions: What is the case for radio spectrum reform? What is the spectrum debate all about? Why does this matter to developing countries?