The radio spectrum and the organization of the future: Recapturing radio for new working patterns and lifestyles

Abstract

Traditionally, the allocation of spectrum has been a battle between the regulators and directly interested parties—telecommunications and broadcast operators, and the military. But changes in business processes, working patterns and cultures are making radio increasingly valuable throughout our normal day. In essence, the spectrum must be recaptured by business and the community to support our novel patterns of work and lifestyle. Thus, the spectrum's value must be assessed on the basis of new economic indicators. Current deliberations within the regulators, based on straight commercial value, simply do not go far enough. Moreover, while technical advances are making conventional forms of spectrum allocation obsolete, the globalization of business demands a new system of supra-national governance.