Market based approaches to spectrum management include spectrum pricing (to encourage efficient use of spectrum by existing users), auctions (to assign spectrum to those who place the highest value on it), spectrum trading (allowing licensees to trade their spectrum, in whole or in part, to others) and spectrum liberalisation (permitting greater flexibility with regard to the technology and applications which may be used at particular frequencies).

Spectrum trading and liberalisation in particular are expected to facilitate a more dynamic market and to lead to new services, increased use of the spectrum and greater economic efficiency. The business, regulatory and technical implications are wide ranging and will bring new opportunities as well as new challenges.

Quotient has undertaken a number of major assignments in this new area and, where appropriate, continues to advise on more conventional spectrum management regimes.

• For the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs we led the development of a comprehensive spectrum pricing methodology to both inform a major review of spectrum management and guide future policy making
• For Ofcom UK, we undertook a major investigation into the opportunities for greater flexibility in the assignment and allocation of spectrum to different applications including the broadcasting, mobile, fixed and aeronautical services
• On behalf of the Nepalese Ministry of Information and Communications we developed a National Frequency Allocation Plan to facilitate the government’s policies and objectives for the development of the telecommunications sector