Trading Orbit Spectrum Assignments in the Space Satellite Industry
Abstract
Is it feasible to trade rights to use orbital slots and associated satellite frequencies in a market? Can such rights be delimited today? What is the role of international organs like the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), national agencies like the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), or the United Kingdom's Frequency Planning Organs (FPOs)? What evidence is there that such rights or assignments are in fact configured now and do indeed exist? Are they frequently traded in international as well as domestic broadcast and mobile radio services? Even if practical and viable, what economic policy or equity purposes are served by configuring actual markets for transferable or exchangeable orbit spectrum assignments? Or for schemes where national or international authorities distribute such assignments under competition or specifically by auction to the highest bidder? That is, through public as well as private auctions? Do auctions in any case further distributive equity and not just economic efficiency?'
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