London hosted last 6 May the fifth meeting of the RSPG working group (WG) on efficient spectrum awards and use of harmonised bands for electronic communications service.
This WG was created by the RSPG with the aim of preparing a report setting out best practices associated to spectrum award methods and efficient use of harmonised bands, especially the different award processes and their impact on efficient spectrum use. Basically, the group should evaluate from the supply standpoint the ability of harmonised spectrum (current and planned) to respond to mobile broadband (WBB) system requisites.
The meeting focused its work on revising and improving the draft report, particularly regarding the choice of some topics such as the need for flexibility in spectrum award processes, namely cases where domestic market demand does not require access to certain bands. The part of the draft report subject to the most revision was the section concerning auction models, in so far as most of the report’s body comprised the details of each of the spectrum auction models (e.g. containing the models’ mechanism and specificities), so a decision was made to simplify the text, shifting the details to the appendices. Overall, it was concluded that all auction formats have advantages and disadvantages. The choice of appropriate format should therefore consider the goals and the inherent risks of each model and also be adjusted to each market’s specific circumstances.
There was widespread agreement about the need to make the report more compact, especially in the section concerning the conclusions, which should thereby better indicate the report’s key messages. It was decided that the respective work could be done by correspondence.
