Spectrum trading

This chapter discusses the use of secondary spectrum markets, besides auctions, to allocate the airwaves for maximum social and economic benefit. It is desirable, in fact, to have ready access to suitable frequency bands more regularly. Therefore, different forms of spectrum trading - described in this paper - can be implemented. The paper considers competition concerns and other objections to spectrum trading, which may delay or stop the adoption of secondary spectrum markets. Moreover, ex ante versus ex post spectrum trade are assessed. Finally, as several countries in the forefront of spectrum management reform have been introducing market mechanisms for spectrum assignment, this chapter illustrates their experience with spectrum trading, especially in Europe, the USA, and Australia.