European Spectrum Management: Successes, Failures & Lessons

Abstract

This paper reviews the overall aims of policy of European Union spectrum policy and management, within the framework of the completion of European single market. The development of markets for GSM services is analysed, including the absorption of PCS on the 1800 MHz band into GSM. The history of digital radio-paging is desribed, including the failure of HERMES. The development of TETRA, the digital public mobile radio services, is desribed and explained. The preparation for third generation mobile, UMTS, is set out, including a brief analysis of the auctions and beauty contests. The status of mobile multimedia is described.

Keywords: telecommunications, spectrum, policy, economics, GSM

JEL Classification: l96, r38, g18, k23, l12, l41