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, Big Data, and cloud computing. On the other hand, supply of spectrum, an essential resource for mobile services, is restricted due to competing nature of uses and vested interests of incumbent holders. This book begins by presenting the theoretical framework governing the technology, and economics of spectrum. Examples derived from practices around the world are given to illus ... More

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, Big Data, and cloud computing. On the other hand, supply of spectrum, an essential resource for mobile services, is restricted due to competing nature of uses and vested interests of incumbent holders. This book begins by presenting the theoretical framework governing the technology, and economics of spectrum. Examples derived from practices around the world are given to illustrate the underlying principles. Future technologies that enable effective use of spectrum are documented along with the 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 theoretical framework forms the basis of two extensive chapters devoted to the Indian case: the first chapter addresses spectrum management in India, starting from the initial allocation in 1995 to the substantial controversies surrounding the First Come First Serve principle practiced during the 2000s to the liberalization and auction of spectrum in 2012–13; the second on broadcast spectrum discusses the developments relating to digitization of terrestrial and satellite broadcasting and its implications for mobile services including release of digital dividend spectrum.