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Spectrum, the electromagnetic waves used for radio and television signals, satellite signals, cellular telephone signals, wireless internet signals and various other things, is necessary for the world’s daily communications needs. A number of important technological debates and developments are currently taking place that are shaping the future of spectrum-based communication and the potential for introducing open spectrum management.
This policy brief by Evan Light provides a brief history of how spectrum use has developed over the past 80 years, examines how it is currently being managed and what the current issues surrounding spectrum are, and makes a case for open spectrum. He closes by providing steps for a way forward, as well as a list of concrete actions that can be taken by civil society organisations, policy makers and media practitioners.
The brief was written as a part of the APC’s work on Open spectrum for development, which included five national country studies during the first phase of the project:
You can also read a short summary of the policy brief: Moving with the times: Opening spectrum so we can all communicate
Read more articles and reports on open spectrum for development.
