ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book considers not just how these issues have shaped policy but also how they are likely to continue to do so in the future, mapping out the motivations and challenges. It explores the economic benefits of spectrum auctions, to recognise what they have achieved not just in ensuring that spectrum scarcity rent goes to governments to spend on socially beneficial causes but also in encouraging competition and widening access through the use of spectrum caps and coverage obligations. It focuses on ways to ensure that auctions maximise competition and deliver on social policy objectives, such as not restricting supply, including coverage and other obligations and using smaller lots. The book argues that regulators are inherently risk averse, which is no bad thing in some circumstances, such as safety of life services, but tends to work against any innovation which requires major changes.
