An Evaluation of Different Models for the Issuance of Licenses for Service Provision and Frequencies

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to discuss the various trade offs and incentive structures created by the various mechanisms of allocations of licences and frequencies in the telecom sector. International examples will be cited for the purpose of discussing the various mechanisms. What are the relative merits and demerits of these mechanisms from the economic and social perspective? What is the impact of these mechanisms on the structure of the market? What are the “best practices” of allocation that reconcile various objectives of promotion of competition and equity concerns through transparent mechanisms rather than distortionary prices?

Keywords: Spectrum Allocation, BOP, Bottom of the pyramid