How free is the radio spectrum?

Abstract

Purpose

New technologies provide new opportunities for radio spectrum allocation and frequency use. This article seeks to summarize papers that form a special issue on spectrum management, and to provide also some outlooks toward policy.

Design/methodology/approach

This editorial gives an introduction to the selection of papers included in this special issue. The editorial lays out the basic questions guiding the debate about spectrum management and explains the contribution of the various papers to this debate.

Findings

The editorial points out the high social, political and economic importance of spectrum management, and the need for a critical discussion of regulatory approaches is emphasised.

Originality/value

The editorial summarizes papers for a special issue on spectrum management and will be of value to academics, business and policy makers.

Citation

Bohlin, E., Weber, A. and Preissl, B. (2006), "How free is the radio spectrum?", info, Vol. 8 No. 2, pp. 3-5. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636690610653545