Cost-Benefit Analysis at the FCC: A Look at the 900 MHz Band
9 Pages Posted: 17 Jun 2020
Date Written: September 16, 2019
Abstract
As detailed in this PERSPECTIVE, while cost-benefit analysis has its place in regulatory decision making, such cost-benefit tests are not performed for market transactions in spectrum, and for good reason: a regulatory cost-benefit test is satisfied by the repurposing itself, absent significant third-party effects or antitrust concerns. Even in more complex and relevant settings such as mandatory relocation of incumbents to comparable facilities at the new licensee’s cost (as proposed for the 900 MHz Broadband license), the willing participation of the new licensee in the transaction indicates the cost-benefit requirement is met.
Keywords: telecommunications, spectrum, cost-benefit analysis, FCC
JEL Classification: L96
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation