International spectrum management regime: is gridlock blocking flexible spectrum property rights?
| Date | 13 March 2017 |
| Pages | 113-125 |
| Published date | 13 March 2017 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/DPRG-08-2016-0039 |
| Author | Mohamed El-Moghazi,Jason Whalley,James Irvine |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Information management & governance,Information policy |
International spectrum management
regime: is gridlock blocking flexible
spectrum property rights?
Mohamed El-Moghazi, Jason Whalley and James Irvine
Mohamed El-Moghazi is
based at the Department
of Electronic and
Electrical Engineering,
University of Strathclyde,
Glasgow, UK.
Jason Whalley is
Professor at Newcastle
Business School,
Northumbria University,
Newcastle, UK.
James Irvine is based at
the Department of
Electronic & Electrical
Engineering, University of
Strathclyde, Glasgow,
UK.
Abstract
Purpose –This paper aims to examine the influence of the international spectrum management regime
on the introduction of flexibility in the national allocation of radiocommunication services. This is
achieved through focusing on the main elements of the international regime.
Design/methodology/approach –A qualitative inductive methodology is adopted that examines the
different elements of the international radiocommunication service allocation framework. Data are
drawn from 66 semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders who are actively involved in
International Telecommunication Union Radiocommunication Sector discussions.
Findings –The international radio regulations (RR) are perceived to be more of a framework for
harmonisation that does not constrain the flexibility of countries. Countries are only restricted on their
borders with their neighbours, and flexibility is already facilitated through a range of different measures.
Moreover, several elements of the RR can be used to achieve both, i.e. to promote flexibility and to
restrict the decisions of others.
Practical implications –The international spectrum management regime is not one of the reasons for
the unsuccessful practical application of the flexible spectrum property rights concept. This suggests
the need for reviewing whether there still is a need for such a concept given the increasing importance
of global harmonisation and economies of scales.
Originality/value –This paper sheds light on spectrum property rights from the perspective of the
international spectrum management regime. Such a perspective is largely overlooked in the on-going
current debate.
Keywords Allocation, Service, ITU-R, Radiocommunication, WRC
Paper type Research paper
1. Introduction
For more than a century, radio spectrum has been a unique resource that is essential for
delivering wireless services. Reflecting this uniqueness, national regulators have
traditionally managed spectrum by designating appropriate uses, technologies and users
in what is called the “command and control” approach (hereafter, C&C). The emergence of
the C&C approach, in the early days of wireless communications, created a new regime
internationally.
Many emerging issues – such as spectrum shortages due to increasing demand for data
services – have resulted in calls for the C&C to be reviewed (Wellenius and Neto, 2005). As
a result, different alternative approaches have been suggested to overcome the
deficiencies of C&C (Chaduc and Pogorel, 2008). One of these approaches is the
“spectrum market”, which calls for treating spectrum assignment in a way similar to any
other private property rights so that radiocommunication service allocation flexibility and
technology neutrality apply (Cave et al., 2007). Having said that, there have been several
national approaches to introduce more flexibility in service allocation where flexible
Received 29 August 2016
Revised 1 November 2016
Accepted 4 November 2016
DOI 10.1108/DPRG-08-2016-0039 VOL. 19 NO. 2 2017, pp. 113-125, © Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 2398-5038 DIGITAL POLICY, REGULATION AND GOVERNANCE PAGE 113
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