The International Radio Regulations: The Case for Reform

This book provides an in-depth introduction to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radio Regulations (RR) and the policies that govern them, analyzing the interactions between different national policies and the ITU RR and discussing issues affecting the future of spectrum policy. It is useful to scholars and students of telecom policy, digital policy, ICT, governance, and development, as well as telecom industry practitioners and regulators.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 222 pages
Publication date: 23 December 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate world of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radio Regulations (RR), providing a thorough introduction to these regulations and the policies that govern them. Established in 1906, these regulations serve as the guiding framework for the allocation of different frequency bands to various radio services, as well as the establishment of mandatory technical parameters for radio stations, particularly transmitters. Moreover, they outline the procedures for spectrum use coordination at the international level.

In order to provide a comprehensive analysis, the book explores the intricate interplay between different national policies and the ITU RR. It sheds light on how these interactions shape spectrum policy at the national level, creating a comparative framework that enables a deeper understanding of these regulations and their effects. The book begins by providing a historical overview of the origins and evolution of the ITU RR, emphasizing its significance as one of the longest-running treaty documents in the history of modern telecommunications.

The subsequent chapters delve into the core components of spectrum management. These include an in-depth examination of radio communication service allocation, wireless technology selection, radio usage rights, and spectrum rights assignment. Each analysis is contextualized within the dynamic push and pull between national and international regulations, highlighting the complex dynamics that shape spectrum policy.

To conclude, the book addresses several issues that will impact the future of spectrum policy. These include spectrum policy reform in developing countries, the upcoming World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-19), and the International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT)-2020. By advocating for reforms that enable the ITU RR to adapt to the evolving needs of all nations, the book serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, telecom policy practitioners, digital policy experts, ICT governance scholars, and development professionals.

Weight: 385g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030885731
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021