Putting radios in order

Abstract

This paper discusses how lawmakers and regulators across Europe intend to manage the limited resources available in the radio frequency spectrum with new wireless technology emerging almost every week. Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, is evaluating the spectrum usage rights, which is essentially property rights for spectrum and a way of restating spectrum licenses in a fashion such that it's neutral of technology and usage. This piece of regulation is part of the wider Spectrum Framework Review, which also includes the concept of spectrum trading. This innovative radio management approach allows holders of certain types of wireless licenses to transfer all or part of their rights and obligations to another party. For its part, the EU intends to regulate the price cellular operators charge subscribers for using their phones abroad. The plan is to force carriers to charge the same prices for both national and international roaming services within the UK.