Questioning the Scarcity of the Spectrum: The Structure of a Spectrum Revolution

Abstract

In this article, we will analyze the fundamental basis for the regulation of the spectrum as it has been described by numerous scholars in the past few decades. Specifically, we will explore the concept of "scarcity" from economic, sociopolitical, and legal perspectives. As the reader will quickly gather, this article advances a spectrum management philosophy that decries unwarranted centrally planned command-and-control systems and espouses market liberalism. Of course, the world is awash with literature describing the failures of centralized planning. Given that the spectrum continues to be managed under a centralized regime, we will nonetheless take another opportunity to consider some of these failures. In so doing, we will draw numerous analogies and metaphors, some (perhaps many) of them imperfect, that will help us to understand the core principles that we will examine. In fact, we will discuss this topic at length to (1) clarify the reasons that traditional principles no longer applies as it has in the past and (2) impart an alternate concept that embraces modern economic and regulatory principles.

Keywords: Spectrum scarcity, doctrine of scarcity, spectrum and the titanic, spectrum management

JEL Classification: K00, K23