Spectrum regulation and frequency allocation in the context of a smart city – using the regulatory approach in Finland as an example

ABSTRACT Smart cities rely on data, wireless technology, and connectivity; therefore, the radio spectrum is essential for their future development. This article provides an overview of the regulatory framework and relevant actors related to spectrum use, thereby promoting foreseeability and thus investment in the smart city ecosystem. The focus is the EU-level, but due to the importance of national and local levels, Finland functions as an example. The article highlights the important role of network slicing, infrastructure and spectrum sharing, other forms of cooperation for smart city development, and various operational models and alternatives. The article concludes that smart city operations are both possible and also supported by current regulation and allocation. Despite international and EU-level frameworks, national approaches remain relatively critical. Future real-life experiences will indicate the direction of spectrum regulation, but clearly smart cities require dynamic, local and flexible (use of) networks.