What debates have caused spectrum policy to change course and which will determine its future direction? This book examines these issues through a series of chapters from a range of notable experts.
The backdrop is a period of turbulent change in what was once a quiet backwater. The past quarter century has seen wireless connectivity go from nice-to-have luxury to the cornerstone of success as nations battle for leadership of the digital economy. The change has been reflected in the crucial role now played by market's mechanisms in a field once dominated by administrative decisions. Spectrum policy’s goals have moved far beyond the efficient use of the airwaves to include encouraging economic development, investment, innovation, sustainability and digital inclusivity.
Are historic procedures still appropriate in the face of this multiplicity of demands? Are market mechanisms like auctions still the best way to deliver what has become essential infrastructure? Does the process of international coordination need to change? Is spectrum policy’s effectiveness limited by the power of global economic forces? Can it reduce rather than add to global warming? Where does 6G and AI fit in? Is public perception the new spectrum policy battle ground? These are all issues examined in The Debates Shaping Spectrum Policy.
Foreword
About the contributors
Introduction by Martin Sims
1. The past , present and future of spectrum auctions
By Martin Cave
2. Spectrum management: from the advent of auctions to post-pandemic policy imperatives
By Gérard Pogorel
3. Towards a Future-Proof International Spectrum Policy?
By Mohamed A. El-Moghazi and Jason Whalley
4. Innovation and Spectrum Management: An Oxymoron?
By William Webb
5. How should we use demand forecasting in spectrum policy?
By Richard Womersley
6. The realpolitik of spectrum in the global economy
By Simon Forge
7. A new stakeholder paradigm to link 6G with sustainable development goals and spectrum management
By Marja Matinmikko-Blue
8. How can spectrum policy address climate change?
By Manuel R. Marti
9. Artificial Intelligence in radio spectrum management: the impending enforcement problem
By Toby Youell
10. Why campaigns against 5G have been so successful and what can be done to improve industry messaging
By Mary Longhurst and Martin Sims
11. 5G and Covid-19 conspiracy theories; how Vodafone New Zealand responded to cell tower arson attacks by using humour to beat rumour online
By Nicky Preston
12. The tragedy of the “tragedy of the commons” metaphor
By Martin Sims
Biography
Martin Sims is an analyst, trainer and former academic who set up PolicyTracker, the spectrum management newsletter, in 2004 and has written widely on spectrum policy issues as well as setting up a wide range of training courses. He has a BA(hons) and an MA in Communications from the University of Westminster and is a co-author of Understanding Spectrum Liberalisation (CRC Press 2015). Since setting up PolicyTracker, the spectrum management newsletter in 2004 Martin Sims has specialised in analysing spectrum issues, writing and consulting extensively on the subject and producing research reports for a range of clients. PolicyTracker has grown into the pre-eminent research company in the spectrum management field. Martin has set up training courses on auctions and spectrum management generally as well as delivering bespoke training for regulators. Until recently he pursued a parallel career as an academic, specialising in telecoms and broadcasting policy while lecturing at several Universities. He is a co-author of Understanding Spectrum Liberalisation (CRC Press - 2015) and contributed a chapter to The Handbook of Corporate Communication published by Routledge. He has an MA in Communications from the University of Westminster
