Spectrum Policy and the Evolution of the Wireless Internet: Some Thoughts on Where Economists Agree and Disagree

Abstract

This essay briefly reviews public policies for spectrum use, distinguishing among them by whether economists agree on their value and why. Such policies could have a large impact on the development of the Internet and the pace of technological change in the wireless industry. We conclude that economists agree on many aspects of spectrum policy, but substantive disagreements remain on some important issues — notably on using spectrum policy as a tool for addressing potential sources of inefficiency in the wireless market.