The Long and Winding Road: The FCC Paves the Path with Good Intentions

This papers shows through several case studies that the Federal Communications Commission is having a difficult time moving toward more reliance on market forces The case studies highlight the problems with a case-by-case approach to spectrum management rather than a wholesale change in policy. Then the paper proposes a concrete method for moving toward much more market oriented spectrum policy. It proposes a method of nomination and grant of additional flexibility and then a free entry system without barriers to entry. The gains in consumer welfare from such a move could be substantial.