EU spectrum reform and the Wireless Access Policy for Electronic Communications Services (WAPECS) concept

Abstract

PurposeTo provide an evaluation of an EU spectrum policy proposal aimed at furthering the goals of the i2010 Information Society initiative.Design/methodology/approachThis paper revisits the methodology premised on neoclassical principles devised by Ronald Coase. An evaluation of EU spectrum reform based on the work of J.R. Commons is proposed.FindingsThe approach by Coase fails to take into account the need for institutional reform of the spectrum management process. The approach of J.R. Commons identifies areas that will have to be addressed if the proposals for EU spectrum reform are to be met.Research limitations/implicationsThe methodology advanced by J.R. Commons provides a more complete account of interdependent variables associated with spectrum management and is likely to lead to workable solutions to this complex policy problem. However, it is less theoretically coherent than Coase's model.Practical implicationsRecommendations for reform and problem areas are suggested that consider both market and extra‐market valuation of the spectrum resource.Originality/valueThis paper addresses this issue and provides an alternative model based on institutional economic analysis using the methodology given by J.R. Commons.